Do you want to develop technologies that improve people's lives? Do you care about things like helping people with health conditions, making transportation more sustainable and assisting those who live in poverty?
Mechanical engineering is one of the most flexible—and practical—degrees. It's for people who want to know how different types of machines, engines and systems work so they can make them better. Whether you want to design self-driving cars, improve wind turbines, build life-saving robots—or find other ways to change the world by solving problems—let's get started.
For the first few years, you'll take a lot of math and science courses and labs, including chemistry, physics and calculus (through differential equations). Then, in later years, you’ll learn how to apply these skills in classes about mechanics, materials, heat transfer, manufacturing processes and related topics. You’ll also have some flexibility to choose electives, take courses in business and communications, and even specialize in an area such as bioengineering, dynamics or fluid sciences.
Whether you want to intern at a local medical innovation center or study renewable energy in Costa Rica (or both!), you’ll have choices here.
UB grads make a difference. They've worked as VP of engineering for a robotics company, engine development engineer for Toyota Racing Development USA, product development engineer at Fisher-Price, CEO of a turbine-generator company … and the list goes on and on.
A mechanical engineering degree gives you opportunities to design, build and test machines and devices in a variety of industries, including (but certainly not limited to):
Some graduates also use their mechanical engineering background for a career in business, law or other fields.
"Professors encourage thoughtful questions in class and are always looking for students to work on groundbreaking research projects with them."
As our students will tell you, our faculty members are exceptional teachers. They've won many awards, including the student-nominated Milton Plesur Excellence in Teaching Award, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring.
In addition, they are nationally and internationally known for their research and scholarship in many areas of mechanical engineering. They have been named as Fellows of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASM International and the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers (ASTFE)—and have also been recognized by the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation and other leading organizations.