Mechanical Engineering Colleges, Schools and Universities in the U.S. in 2016

Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with how energy is converted into motion. Mechanical engineering programs train students to design, test and manufacture systems or devices that alter, transform or utilize energy.

While mechanical engineering is already a specialization within the wider engineering field, it has its own specialization areas so students may consider their area of interest when choosing a program. It is also important for students to evaluate the degree programs a school offers. A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and appropriate licensure qualifies students for most entry-level positions; an advanced degree is needed if a student wants to pursue advanced research or a post-secondary teaching position. Many students, especially those pursuing an advanced degree, also take into account opportunities for original research and a program's faculty.

Students interested in mechanical engineering programs may want to keep these considerations in mind:

• Mechanical engineering programs offer different specialties, including computational and mathematical mechanics, energy and environment, automation engineering technology and applied mechanics.
• Credentials in mechanical engineering are commonly available at the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy levels.
• Independent research projects are often a core part of a graduate school curriculum in mechanical engineering.

Top 10 Schools with Mechanical Engineering Programs

College/University	Institution Type
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	4-year, Private not-for-profit
Stanford University	4-year, Private not-for-profit
California Institute of Technology	4-year, Private not-for-profit
University of California - Berkeley	4-year, Public
Georgia Institute of Technology	4-year, Public
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	4-year, Public
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign	4-year, Public
Carnegie Mellon University	4-year, Private not-for-profit
Cornell University	4-year, Private not-for-profit
Purdue University - West Lafayette	4-year, Public