Mechanical Engineering

As a mechanical engineer, you will look for answers to questions like: “How does this work?” “Why?” “How can I make it better?” Mechanical Engineering is the broadest engineering discipline with applications in nearly every industry that involves product development, process control, energy generation, and consumption.

CBU’s design-oriented and laboratory-intensive program emphasizes hands-on experience and teamwork. Traditional classroom instruction is supported with laboratory experience to insure a solid foundation in traditional and emerging areas of mechanical engineering.

The Mechanical Engineering program offers two traditional components:

• Energy Systems – focusing on energy conversion and fluid/thermal systems
• Mechanical Systems – addressing the dynamics and mechanics of a system/component

Program Highlights

You’ll learn basic mechanical engineering principles, develop problem-solving skills, and spend lots of time in the laboratory.

Customize Your Education

You can customize your degree by choosing technical elective courses in:

Capstone Experience

The two-semester Capstone Experience will challenge you to apply what you have learned in a comprehensive design project that often is done in conjunction with an internship or an engineering practitioner. You will engage in a complete design cycle from concept development through design, analysis, manufacturing, report writing, and presentation.

What You’ll Study

The Mechanical Engineering degree requires 131 credit hours including:

• General education courses (Social Sciences, Religion, English Literature, etc.)
• Math and science courses (Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, etc.)
• Major-specific courses (See Program Course Requirements for details)

Paid Internships

Internships are a large part of your experience, helping you connect classroom learning with the “real-world” environment. The majority of our students have a paid internship in their junior and senior year that often leads to a full-time position with the company. Career Services at Christian Brothers University facilitates all career events including an internship and job fair.

Minors

The School of Engineering offers the following minors:

Is Mechanical Engineering for You?

Mechanical engineers have a broad range of career options. You may enjoy a career in mechanical engineering if you are:

• Detail-oriented
• A critical thinker
• Have good computer skills
• Enjoy identifying and solving problems
• Can communicate well

Careers

Salaries for mechanical engineers range from $54,000 to $131,000 with a median salary of $84,000. Positions related directly to your degree include but not limited to:

In addition, the mathematical content of a Mechanical Engineering degree opens up a variety of opportunities in the finance and management sectors.

Clubs & Organizations

As a member of CBU’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) student chapter you will have opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, build relationships with peers and alumni, and network with business leaders through conferences and seminars.

The annual ASME Student Professional Development Conference offers the chance to compete in academic and professional activities with regional engineering schools. Competitions in student design, technical paper writing, and presentation will help you develop skills in oral presentation, written communication, and real-time problem solving.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. James Aflaki

Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Chemical Engineering

Dr. Ray W. Brown

Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Chemical Engineering

Dr. Deepa Kodali

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Chemical Engineering

Dr. Ali Pourhashemi

Professor of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical & Chemical Engineering

Dr. Randel M. Price

Associate Dean & Chemical Engineering Program Coordinator, Mechanical & Chemical Engineering

Dr. Paul Shiue

Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Chemical Engineering