Academics

Undergraduate Study

We provide students with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, prepare them for leadership and innovation by emphasizing independent thinking and teamwork, instill a systematic approach to problem solving, and promote a keen awareness of the role of engineering in modern society. The distinguishing attributes of our undergraduate education are: Holistic, Cutting Edge, Experiential, and Award Winning.

Holistic

We train whole-brain engineers. Our curriculum integrates a solid foundation in technical subjects with multiple opportunities for creative problem solving, plus experience in design, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Cutting Edge

Curricular flexibility is provided in the form of nine state-of-the-art concentrations such as aerospace, design, manufacturing, energy, and robotics, reflecting rapidly emerging areas of mechanical engineering. Our curriculum can be customized to suit a student’s interests and professional goals.

Experiential

We emphasize design thinking and hands-on learning through our flagship Engineering First and capstone sequences. Outside the classroom, many students engage in research with world-renowned professors for academic credit. Entrepreneurial and leadership  opportunities are available in the innovation space at The Garage and the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Award-Winning

Our department has received the largest number of university-level teaching awards at Northwestern. We are also innovators of teaching tools such as the lab-in-a-backpack and the Northwestern Lightboard. Students are advised by faculty members one-on-one through graduation, creating continued and long-lasting relationships.

The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org).

For prospective Undergraduates 

Learn more about:

• BS Curriculum
• Advising & Forms
• Student Organizations
• Career Resources
• Awards