Prospective Students

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State is one of the nation’s largest and most successful engineering departments. A strong focus on experimental research distinguishes us from many other programs.

Penn State’s mechanical engineering curriculum offers many opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the profession, including in the reimagined undergraduate-focused Knowledge Lab. 

From experiential laboratory components to a series of design courses, our program prepares you for entering industry or going on to graduate school. The design component of the curriculum culminates in an industry-sponsored senior design project, in which you'll work in a team to solve a real-world issue. Learn more about what a mechanical engineer does.

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Download an overview of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program.