Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology

Wherever there is motion or energy, mechanical engineers have played a role in the innovations that define modern life. RIT's mechanical engineering degree provides students with a broad academic base complemented by hands-on laboratory activities and cooperative education experience. Students may also choose to concentrate their studies with professional electives focusing on aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, energy and the environment, bioengineering, or manufacturing and design.

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. The spectrum of professional activity for the mechanical engineering graduate runs 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.

The mechanical engineering department 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 Course Work

The mechanical engineering BS degree provides students with a broad academic base complemented by hands-on laboratory activities and cooperative education experience. Students devote their 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.

A student 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, students are required to complete Multidisciplinary Senior Design I and II, a two-course capstone design experience.

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

Options

Students in the mechanical engineering BS may pursue an option in aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, bioengineering, and energy and environment. These options enable students 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, students 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, students 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 engineers 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 BS 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.

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.

+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.