Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science Degree

Mechanical engineering is perhaps the most comprehensive of the engineering disciplines. The mechanical engineer’s interests encompass the design of automotive and aerospace systems, bioengineering devices, and energy-related technologies. Careers in mechanical engineering run from research through design and development to manufacturing and sales. Because of their comprehensive training and education, mechanical engineers often are called upon to assume management positions.

RIT's bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering offers professional courses in bioengineering, energy systems, applied mechanics, manufacturing, materials science, systems analysis, computer-aided graphics and design, robotics, and automotive and aerospace engineering. The department’s laboratories are equipped to provide extensive experimentation in these areas. Laboratory facilities include a well-instrumented wind tunnel, a particle imaging velocimetry laser system for flow visualization, advanced heat transfer systems, robotics, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, engine dynamometers, fluid flow loops, refrigeration systems, tensile testers, compression testers, torsion testers, hardness testers, X-ray diffractometer, atomic force microscope, dynamic system simulators, a spectrum analyzer, and a well-equipped machine shop.

Mechanical Engineering Courses

The bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering provides a broad academic base complemented by hands-on laboratory activities and cooperative education experience. You will devote your first two years to the study of mathematics, physical sciences, liberal arts, and engineering sciences, while the third and fourth years emphasize engineering science, design, and systems.

You may then specialize by choosing appropriate technical and free elective courses in an area of interest. Each of the listed professional electives includes a significant design project. In the fifth year, you are required to complete Multidisciplinary Senior Design I and II, a two-course capstone design experience.

You will complete liberal arts general education courses in various perspectives to round out your education. During the course of your studies, you must demonstrate writing competency in the English language by successfully completing a Contemporary Issues course offered by the mechanical engineering department.

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science Degree Options

Students pursuing a mechanical engineering degree may select an option in aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, bioengineering, or energy and environment. These options enable you to gain specialized study in a particular area of mechanical engineering.

• Aerospace Engineering: The aerospace engineering option allows for specialized study in all engineering aspects of air- and space-borne vehicles.
• Automotive Engineering: In the automotive engineering option, you are immersed in modern automotive engineering, including the design of engines and automotive components such as braking, powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, lighting systems, transmission, and fuel economy.
• Bioengineering: In the bioengineering option, you explore the application of engineering fundamentals to the principles of biology, the life sciences, and the physical sciences.
• Energy and Environment: The energy and environment option is focused on the contemporary issues facing the fields of energy and the environment and how you can best develop modern technologies that are kinder to the environment while providing the energy resources we need.

Learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes and Program Educational Objectives for the mechanical engineering degree. 

High-Performance Teams and Professional Organizations

Many of mechanical engineering students participate in high-octane performance teams, including the RIT Formula SAE Racing Team, the SAE Aerodesign Club, the RIT Baja SAE Team, RIT SAE Clean Snowmobile Team, and the Human-Powered Vehicle Competition team. They also are encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Engineering vs. Engineering Technology

Two dynamic areas of study, both with outstanding outcomes rates. Which do you choose?

What’s the difference between engineering and engineering technology? It’s a question we’re asked all the time. While there are subtle differences in the course work between the two, choosing a major in engineering vs. engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.

Furthering Your Career in Mechanical Engineering

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees: Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Mechanical Engineering BS/Mechanical Engineering ME: In this combined accelerated mechanical engineering BS/ME, put energy and machines to work–from rockets, robots, and airplanes to automobiles, satellites, and renewable energy systems. In the BS dgeree, you’ll study math, science, physics, engineering science, and engineering systems. The MS degree augments your undergraduate studies by giving you the opportunity to apply mechanical engineering principles and theories to enhance your skills through formal education, training, and independent inquiry. Your degree will culminate with a project based paper or a graduate internship experience.
• Mechanical Engineering BS/Mechanical Engineering MS: In this combined accelerated mechanical engineering BS/ME, put energy and machines to work–from rockets, robots, and airplanes to automobiles, satellites, and renewable energy systems. In the BS dgeree, you’ll study math, science, physics, engineering science, and engineering systems. The MS degree augments your undergraduate studies by giving you the opportunity to apply mechanical engineering principles and theories to enhance your skills through formal education, training, and independent inquiry. Your degree will culminate with a project based paper or a graduate internship experience. Your dual degree will culminate with a research-based thesis.
• Mechanical Engineering BS/Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: This accelerated, dual degree pathway enables you to earn a BS mechanical engineering and an MS degree in science, technology and public policy. As a result, you will build a foundation in mechanical engineering and develop an expertise in policy analysis and management. This cross-disciplinary approach fosters collaborative problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, and communication, equipping you to drive progress in policy areas such as energy, manufacturing standards, workplace safety, environmental sustainability, intellectual property protection, and more.