Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices, from engines to robotics. They solve problems related to energy transfer, materials performance, and mechanical efficiency. Work settings include engineering offices, research labs, and industrial production facilities.
Common Job Titles: Automotive Engineer HVAC Engineer Mechanical Engineer Product Design Engineer Robotics Engineer
Related Academic Programs
The Biomedical Engineering interdisciplinary minor is designed for students interested in the application of engineering principles to medical and biological problems. The minor is particularly suitable for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a different engineering major, physics, or other applied science who are seeking careers in health-related professions.
Penn State Behrend offers the innovative interdisciplinary-based Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI) minor to students in any major.
The minor equips students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset; think critically and “outside the box” to sense opportunities; develop value propositions; and create sustainable value in fast-paced socio-technological environments. The minor at Penn State Behrend currently offers the New Ventures Cluster, although additional clusters will be made available.
This 15-credit interdisciplinary certificate program is designed to prepare students with in-depth knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of people and the application of psychological concepts to the design and safety of products and services; including consumer goods, military products, interactive websites and games, and assistive technologies. This certificate requires that students take introductory psychology as well as the two human factors courses (9 credits). Students will also need to take 1 additional psychology course (3 credits), and one course (3 credits) outside of their major of study in order to foster the interdisciplinary nature of this certificate.
Like all engineers, industrial engineers are problem-solvers. Their specific task? They bring people, resources, and technology together to find ways to improve processes and increase efficiency. Every industry wants to save time and money, so the opportunities for industrial engineers are wide-ranging. Maybe your career will lead you to health care or information systems. Or maybe utilities, transportation, or the financial world appeal to you. You are limited only by your interests and goals.
Mathematics is one of the oldest and most basic sciences, the foundation on which many other disciplines rely. Mathematical knowledge increases problem-solving skills in many fields.
Mechanical Engineering is the most diverse engineering degree program offered by the college. The problem-solving versatility of mechanical engineers means you’ll enjoy tremendous career flexibility. With a foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics and a mastery of mechanical and fluid/thermal systems, you can find a future in research, manufacturing, health care, energy, systems design, the military, and more. A mechanical engineering degree is also an advantage for some careers in business, law, or technical sales!
Plastics devices and materials play a critical role in the growing healthcare industry. A great number of prosthetics, implants, tools, devices, and packaging could not exist without advanced plastics and materials. Furthermore, the use of plastics in medical applications is growing rapidly and the medical plastics market is expected to increase. We offer a Medical Plastics Certificate, taken in conjunction with the Plastics Engineering Technology baccalaureate degree, for students who are interested in careers in medical product development. Topics include advanced materials, new product design, manufacturing, and FDA regulatory issues. All are necessary to have an understanding of how to design and bring new medical products to the market.
The Operations and Supply Chain Management minor is designed primarily for students enrolled in non-business majors, especially those in engineering and engineering technology and in science, who wish to augment their majors with further studies in operations. The objective of the minor is to acquaint these students with the issues and methods associated with managing operations within manufacturing or service industries. Relevant studies include principles of management, operations management, logistics systems, procurement, planning and control, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and project management.
Physics is the fundamental science from which many fields of science and engineering developed. Understanding it gives you insights into your field at broad and fundamental levels. This strengthens your abilities to innovate and to see basic connections in your specialization or across disciplines.
A physics minor can provide you with a cross-disciplinary background that is highly valued by industry and academics.
The fundamental laws of physics govern all matter—from the largest galaxy to the smallest subatomic particle. Does that make physicists masters of the universe? We like to think so. With the B.S. in Physics from Penn State Behrend, you’ll explore energy, motion, and matter in preparation for any number of career fields in the sciences, engineering, research, education, or health care.
Plastics are everywhere. That means a B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology will put you in demand in nearly any industry sector that interests you: automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, consumer products, computers—even toys!
This 16-17 credit program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basics of the materials and processes used to produce plastic parts. Students learn modern processing techniques and testing methods for plastics.
Our unique B.S. in Polymer Engineering and Science prepares you to analyze and design polymers—the fascinating materials that make up our world. You’ll learn to analyze the character and structure of materials, and then use that knowledge to design innovative new products for a variety of fields, including medicine, manufacturing, and sustainability.
This minor is designed to accommodate undergraduates enrolled in engineering and engineering technology and in science who wish to augment their majors with further studies in industrial or technical sales. This minor is designed for non-business majors. The objective of the minor is to acquaint the technical students of these majors with the issues and methods associated with industrial or technical sales. Relevant studies include principles of management, operations management, supply chain management, marketing, logistics systems, procurement, personal selling or business-to-business marketing, and project management. Students who complete the minor will be positioned for career opportunities as direct sales engineers who play a key role in the selection, purchase, installation, and maintenance of technical products by selling technology and engineering solutions, or as manufacturing representatives who independently form contracts in exclusive marketing territories for multiple small manufacturers of compatible but not competing technical products.

