Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University

    Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University

    Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University

    Study Mechanical Engineering at Yale University, a Bachelor degree offered at its main campus in New Haven , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 31, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

    Director of undergraduate studies: Corey O'Hern, M203 ML, 432-4258; seas.yale.edu/departments/mechanical-engineering-and-materials-science

    Mechanical engineering is among the most diversified of the traditional engineering disciplines. The mechanical engineer builds machines to extend our physical and mental capabilities and to convert traditional and novel energy sources into useful forms.

    The role of the mechanical engineer has changed dramatically over the past few decades with the extensive use of high-performance computers (in such areas as computational fluid dynamics, materials design, control, and manufacturing), the interfacing of microelectromechanical systems and actuators via microprocessors to build high-precision sensors and devices, and the advent of advanced materials (e.g., composites, shape-memory alloys, ceramics, and superconductors) for new applications (e.g., coatings, biomaterials, and computer storage). These areas offer mechanical engineering students special opportunities for creativity, demanding that they learn not only in depth but also in breadth. Demands for increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact-as might be realized, for example, in novel gas turbine or electric hybrid vehicles-require that students understand the fundamentals of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, and materials science. In all these tasks, the utmost consideration of the modern mechanical engineer is improving the quality of human life. The engineer must also be constantly aware both of the finiteness of Earth's resources and its environment and of the burden that engineering places on them.

    The educational mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science is to provide an excellent education that will prepare students to become members of the next generation of mechanical engineers. To implement this mission, the department adheres to the following set of educational objectives: to provide a balanced technical and nontechnical education to enable graduates to enter highly selective graduate schools and/or to pursue technical careers in industry or government laboratories; to enable graduates to improve and adapt their skills to accommodate rapid technological changes; to prepare graduates to communicate effectively and to understand the ethical responsibilities and impact on society of their profession. To achieve these objectives, the following fundamental educational goals have been established for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science: to provide a comprehensive introduction to basic science and mathematics, which form the foundation of mechanical engineering; to provide thorough training in analytical and experimental methods and in data analysis, including problem formulation; to provide instruction in the fundamentals of the design process, including project innovation, synthesis, and management, both individually and in a team setting; to provide both a technical and a nontechnical program of study in which oral and written communication skills are developed; and to instill in students an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities, which affect society and their profession.

    Courses for Nonmajors

    Mechanics and mechanical engineering content can be found in several courses intended for those not majoring in science. See Engineering and Applied Science.

    The Mechanical Engineering Program

    At Yale, three mechanical engineering programs are offered: a B.S. degree program with a major in Mechanical Engineering, a B.S. degree program with a major in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical), and a B.A. degree program with a major in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical). Prospective majors in both B.S. programs are advised to complete introductory physics and mathematics through calculus (MATH 115) by the end of their first year.

    A student's undergraduate engineering program may include one or more special project courses (MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474), in which the student pursues a particular research interest through design-oriented projects and experimental investigations. Projects may be initiated by the student, may be performed in a team, or may be derived from the ideas of faculty members who place undergraduates in their ongoing research projects. All interested students should contact the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) for more information on special project courses.

    B.S. degree program in Mechanical EngineeringThis is the most technically intensive mechanical engineering degree program and is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc. This program is appropriate for students who plan careers as practicing engineers in industry, consulting firms, or government, as well as for students who are considering a career in research and plan to pursue an advanced degree in engineering.

    B.S. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical) This non-ABET degree program is suitable for students who wish to gain significant expertise within mechanical engineering while combining their engineering studies with related disciplines. For example, a number of students have taken courses in architecture while pursuing a program in mechanical engineering that emphasizes structural mechanics; similarly, a student with an interest in computer graphics might combine engineering courses in computer-aided design with programming courses from the Department of Computer Science. 

    B.A. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical) In a society with increasing levels of technical sophistication, a well-rounded individual must have some background in science and technology. The non-ABET B.A. program is designed for students who may be planning careers in business, law, economics, medicine, journalism, or politics but need to understand the impact that science and technology can have on society at large. An understanding of engineering methods and practices, combined with a traditional liberal arts education, provides a strong background for a variety of careers. The program is well suited for students who wish to fulfill the requirements of two majors.

    The majorfor all three degree programs requires a group of prerequisites or equivalents; several courses beyond the prerequisites; and a senior requirement, as indicated below.

    Prerequisites

    B.S. degree program in Mechanical Engineering

      Prerequisites for the Class of 2023Students may follow the prerequisites that were in place when they declared their major.

      Prerequisites for the Class of 2024 and beyondThe prerequisites in mathematics are MATH 112, 115, and ENAS 151, or the equivalent. The basic science prerequisites are PHYS 180, 181, or 200, 201; one laboratory from PHYS 165L or 205L, and one from PHYS 166L or 206L, or equivalents, and one introductory lecture course in chemistry, numbered CHEM 161 or higher. The chemistry lecture course may be waived for a Chemistry AP score of 4 or 5 or an IB Higher level or Standard level score of 6 or 7.

    B.S. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)The prerequisites in mathematics are MATH 112, 115, and ENAS 151, or the equivalent. The basic science prerequisites are PHYS 180, 181, or 200, 201; one laboratory from PHYS 165L or 205L, and one from PHYS 166L, 206L, or MENG 286L.

    B.A. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)The prerequisites in mathematics are MATH 112 and 115. The basic science prerequisite is physics at least to the level of PHYS 170, 171.

    Requirements of the Major

    B.S. degree program in Mechanical Engineering requires 20 courses and 19 credits beyond the prerequisites as follows:

    Requirements for the Class of 2023If not taken as a prerequisite, one lecture course in chemistry numbered CHEM 161 or higher is required, as well as the requirements listed below. The chemistry lecture requirement may be waived for a Chemistry AP score of 4 or 5 or an IB Higher level or Standard level score of 6 or 7.

    Requirements for the Class of 2024 and beyond

    1. Advanced mathematics: ENAS 194 and MATH 222 or 225

    2. Mechanical engineering and related: MENG 185, 211, 280, 285, 286L, 325, 361, 363L, 383, 389, 390, MENG 487L and MENG 488L (the senior requirement), ENAS 130, EENG 200 

    3. Technical electives: three approved technical electives chosen in consultation with the DUS; only one course from MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474 may be counted as one of the three technical electives.

    The curriculum in this program is arranged in prescribed patterns, but some departures from it are possible with approval of the DUS.

    B.S. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)The major requires twelve approved term courses in engineering (with only one course from MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474), beyond the prerequisites and including the senior project, which can cover a broad array of topics within the subject, provided that they contribute to a coherent program. Students should consult with the DUS at the beginning of their sophomore year.

    B.A. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)The program requires eight approved term courses in engineering (with only one course from MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474), beyond the prerequisites, including the senior project. Students should consult with the DUS at the beginning of their sophomore year.

    Credit/D/FailNo courses taken Credit/D/Fail may be counted toward the Mechanical Engineering major, including prerequisites.

    RoadmapSee visual roadmap of the requirements.

    Senior Requirement

    B.S. degree program in Mechanical EngineeringStudents satisfy the senior requirement by taking MENG 487L (full-credit) and MENG 488L (half-credit) in the senior year.

    B.S. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)Students satisfy the senior project requirement by completing MENG 404; MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474; or another upper-level design course (taken during the senior year) chosen in consultation with the DUS. Only one course from MENG 471– 474  may be counted toward the requirements of the major.

    B.A. degree program in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)Students satisfy the senior project requirement by completing MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474; or another upper-level design course (taken during their senior year) chosen in consultation with the DUS. Only one course from MENG 471– 474 may be counted toward the requirements of the major.

    REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

    MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, B.S.

    PrerequisitesMATH 112, 115, and ENAS 151, or equivalent; PHYS 180, 181, or 200, 201, and 2 labs (1 from PHYS 165L or 205L; 1 from PHYS 166L or 206L, or equivalents), and 1 introductory chemistry lecture course

    Number of courses20 term courses and 19 credits beyond prerequisites (including senior req)

    Specific courses requiredENAS 130 and 194; EENG 200; MATH 222 or 225; MENG 185, 211, 280, 285, 286L, 325, 361, 363L, 383, 389, 390

    Distribution of courses3 technical electives chosen in consultation with DUS (only one of MENG 471, 472, 473, or 474)

    Substitution permittedWith DUS approval

    Senior requirementMENG 487L

    Disciplines

    FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS SCIENCE

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University

    Entry Requirements

    • $80 application fee or fee waiver
    • Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor
    • School Report with transcript
    • Standardized test results (ACT or SAT) - not required for fall 2023 admission. (See below)
    • English proficiency test results - required for non-native English-speakers (See below)
    • Mid-Year Report & Final Report

    See additional details about these required application components below.

    Please note that if your application materials include any documents that are not in English, you must provide an official English translation in addition to the original documents.

    $80 application fee or fee waiver

    Applicants should pay the $80 application fee via the Common Application or Coalition Application website.

    Applicants using the Common Application or Coalition Application may request that the application fee be waived. Learn more on the fee waiver page. The fee waiver scale is based on family size and income in US dollars but is applicable to all international students.

    Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor

    Request recommendations from two teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g. English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) who know you well, and who have seen you at your best. It is preferable, but not required, that recommendations come from teachers who have taught you during your final or next-to-final year of secondary school.

    Also request a recommendation from your school’s college counselor. If your counselor does not know you well, the recommendation may still provide helpful contextual information about your school and its academic programs. If your school does not have someone serving as a college counselor, please request a recommendation from a school administrator such as a house master, principal, or academic advisor. 

    School Report with transcript

    Your counselor or other school official should submit a School Report with an official transcript that includes all your secondary school courses. If a question on the School Report form is not applicable to your secondary school, leave it blank. 

    Recommendations and transcripts should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. If necessary, teachers and counselors may also submit their recommendations and transcripts via mail or digital upload. Recommendations may be sent before or after you submit your application; materials that arrive before your application will be kept on file. The admissions office will make reasonable allowances for late school documents in situations where it is not possible for teachers and counselors to meet the application deadlines.

    Standardized test results

    In response to the extraordinary circumstances associated with the pandemic, Yale has temporarily suspended its requirement that first-year and transfer applicants submit results from the ACT or SAT. The change will be in effect during the 2022-23 admissions cycles for applicants who intend to matriculate in fall 2023. 

    More information on Yale’s test policies is available on the standardized testing page. Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file. There is no minimum score required for admission, nor is there a score that will guarantee admission.

    English proficiency exams

    Yale requires that non-native English-speakers who have not taken at least two years of secondary education where English is the medium of instruction submit the results from any of the proficiency tests listed below.

    The TOEFL requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Yale’s most competitive applicants have scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.

    The IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher.

    Cambridge English exams are available at testing locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have Cambridge English scores of 185 or higher on the C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or B2 First exams.

    Applicants may submit the Duolingo English Test (DET), which combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place with internet access. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

    InitialView provides live, unscripted video interviews that candidates may submit to colleges for consideration with other application materials. Interview times must be reserved in advance. There is no scoring associated with these interviews.

    Mid-Year Report & Final Report

    Students who do not receive new secondary school grades by February 1, including students who have already completed secondary school, are not required to submit a Mid-Year Report. This includes many international students. Applicants who receive new grades by February 1 should submit a Mid-Year Report.

    Only admitted students are required to submit the Final Report, which provides final secondary school grades and examination marks. Admitted students submit the Final Report in the summer before fall matriculation.

    If your secondary school provides predicted results for external exams such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and other international or national testing organizations, they should be submitted by your school alongside your transcript or Mid-Year Report.

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University

    Application Fee 80

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University

    All applicants for first-year admission must submit one of the following:

    • The Coalition Application with Yale-Specific Questions
    • The Common Application with Yale-Specific Questions
    • The QuestBridge National College Match Application

    Yale will accept any one of these applications, without preference for one over another. Students should submit one—and only one—application per admissions cycle.

    Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Yale University
    Yale University
    Yale University
    United States of America

    United States of America, New Haven

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