Department of Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Bob Carter, Associate Department Head
585-475-7098, rncbme@rit.edu

Mechanical Engineering Department Office
585-475-5181, mece@rit.edu
 

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Overview

From rockets to robots, power plants to biomechanical parts, mechanical engineers put both energy and machines to work. Wherever there is motion or energy, mechanical engineers have played a role in the innovations that define modern life.

Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline, covering topics that include aerodynamics, medical devices, energy systems, robotics, new product development, and automotive systems. The department of mechanical engineering offers a solid foundation in mechanical engineering fundamentals with options for students to concentrate their studies in several specific areas of engineering. 

Mechanical engineers work in many different industries as product developers, researchers, prototype designers, automotive engineers, aerospace engineers, and management consultants, among many others. Because of their comprehensive training, mechanical engineers are often called upon to serve in senior leadership positions.

Well-equipped labs and facilities offer students the opportunity to build models and prototypes to demonstrate particular engineering design concepts. Experimentation and research are encouraged and there are opportunities for students to enrich their undergraduate and graduate experience by engaging in faculty-led research.

Browse research opportunities

Accreditation

The BS degree in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. For enrollment and graduation data, program educational objectives, and student outcomes, please visit the college’s accreditation page. 

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Undergraduate options in aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, and energy and the environment

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Areas of research

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1000+

Undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering students

Degree Programs

Undergraduate Degrees

Whether you are interested in rockets, robots, healthcare, or energy, RIT’s mechanical engineering BS combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience to launch your career.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering BS program

The aerospace engineering option allows for specialized study in all engineering aspects of air- and space-borne vehicles.

Learn more about the Aerospace Engineering Option program

Study vehicle systems, powertrains, dynamics, and design in RIT’s automotive engineering option.

Learn more about the Automotive Engineering Option program

Bioengineering is the application of engineering fundamentals to the principles of biology, the life sciences, and the physical sciences.

Learn more about the Bioengineering Option program

The energy and environment option is focused on identifying, developing, and effectively utilizing alternative energy systems.

Learn more about the Energy and the Environment Option program

Graduate Degrees

With RIT’s mechanical and industrial engineering Ph.D., you’ll gain knowledge in mechanical and industrial engineering while engaging in cutting-edge research.

Learn more about the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D. program

The mechanical engineering ME equips graduates to design engineered systems using core mechanical engineering principles and tools.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering ME program

RIT’s mechanical engineering MS gives you the skills to examine dynamics, robotics, nanotechnology, biomechanics, and energy systems.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering MS program

In RIT's microsystems engineering Ph.D., you’ll conduct research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies for micro- and nano-scaled systems.

Learn more about the Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. program

Vibration engineering helps you control vibration in engineering systems and in everything from consumer product development and design, manufacturing, aerospace and automotive systems, and more.

Learn more about the Vibrations Adv. Cert. program

Minors and Immersions

The minor in mechanical engineering exposes students to the core foundations of the discipline. Courses help non-majors explore high-technology careers and communicate more effectively with engineers on project teams. The minor consists of a five-course sequence that builds on prerequisite knowledge from calculus and engineering mechanics. Elective courses provide additional depth of knowledge in an area of individual student interest.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering Minor program

Research

A diagram of the research of the Gear Research Laboratory.

Advanced Gear Design and Simulation

Led by Dr. Alfonso Fuentes-Aznar, the research performed at RIT’s Gear Research Laboratory is focused on the study of new gear geometries and the development of new methodologies for advanced design, analysis, simulation, and troubleshooting of gear drives.

Learn more

An illustration of the inside of an electric vehicle and particles.

Clean Energy and Water

Led by Dr. Howard Tu, the Clean Energy and Water lab targets interdisciplinary problems coupling mechanics, electrochemistry, and materials in the field of energy storage and water desalination. 

Learn more

A diagram of the research of the Discrete Microfluidics Laboratory.

Droplet Based Microfluidics

The Discrete Microfluidics Laboratory studies the physics of small droplets. The goal is to understand fluid interactions and leverage the physics of microdroplets for innovative advancements in current technologies.

Learn more

A professor teaching a student in a lab.

Smart Manufacturing

The Smart Manufacturing Research Group (SMRG), under the leadership of Dr. Rui Liu, is dedicated to investigating the research problems related to smart manufacturing on the fundamental level and expanding the research scope by exploring new research topics and introducing state-of-the art technologies.

Learn more

Dr. Risa Robinson in a lab.

Respiratory Technologies Lab

The Respiratory Technologies Lab (RTL) specializes in the mechanics of inhaled particles. Its current research focus is to understand the relationship between tobacco product characteristics, behavior, and health effect. The RTL studies e-cigarettes, waterpipe, cigarettes, and tobacco heated products. 

Learn more

A diagram depicting artificial intelligence research and interfacial phenomena research.

Interfaces and AI-Powered Diagnosis

Dr. Isaac Perez-Raya conducts research on interfacial phenomena such as boiling heat transfer and applies artificial intelligence (AI) in modeling of intracranial blood flow and breast cancer. Other relevant fields of study include pollution monitoring and optimization problems. 

Student looking into equipment in a lab.

X-Ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, Quantitative Microscopy

The Advanced Materials Laboratory focuses on X-ray diffraction (both powder and high resolution), scanning probe microscopies, optical microscopy, microhardness testing, and specimen preparation by mechanical and electrochemical polishing.

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Facilities

Student Clubs and Organizations

Pi Tau Sigma

Pi Tau Sigma is the mechanical engineering national honor society. Membership, by invitation, is open to students ranked in the upper third of their class in their fourth and fifth years at RIT. Chapter activities are tailored to foster high ideals in the engineering profession, support departmental activities, and promote professionalism. 

Tau Beta Pi

This national engineering honor society was founded to celebrate those who have conferred honor upon their alma mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary character as students in engineering, or by their attainments as alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. Election to Tau Beta Pi is one of the highest honors bestowed on an engineering student by his or her peers. 

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

The student chapter of ASME offers educational, technical, and social activities. It helps students develop leadership skills and leads to contacts with engineers in industry and students at other colleges within the region. The student chapter is active and works closely with the local professional chapter.  

Society of Automotive Engineers and FSAE Competition Team

The purpose of the RIT Society of Automotive Engineers is to give students the opportunity to meet with senior engineers in industry and provide students a chance to apply their classroom knowledge in various projects.

National Society of Black Engineers

The student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is dedicated to the retention, recruitment, and successful graduation of its members. 

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is an association of professionals and students in engineering, science, technology, business, and other related disciplines at RIT. SHPE’s aim is to identify and promote professional growth opportunities for Hispanic students. 

Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers is a student-run organization that organizes and hosts guest speakers, high school outreach, community activities, tours, social events, and events with other student organizations. The RIT chapter is strongly committed to encouraging women in their pursuit of careers in engineering or related fields. 

Professional organizations and societies provide opportunities for students to enhance their professional development, including society-sponsored conferences, symposia, and workshops, through local and student chapter meetings and activities. Explore professional organizations and societies for opportunities to volunteer, get involved, and shape your career.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Society for Engineering Education
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Materials Research Society
National Society of Black Engineers
Rochester Engineering Society
SAE International
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Women Engineers

Aero Design Club

The student chapter is dedicated to promoting careers and opportunities in the aerospace industry.  

RIT Racing

Our award-winning Formula SAE team, builds a car from the ground up every year. Purchasing only the engine block, tires, and bulk materials, it is entirely designed and constructed by our students to compete in national and international competitions.

Student Resources

The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a variety of resources for our students that vary from academic support to handbooks and more. Visit our Student Resources page for more information.