What is a Mechanical Engineering degree?

Whether you want to design a more efficient power generator, develop new methods of automation or engineer the latest machine system, you can get there with a mechanical engineering degree from Florida Tech. Here, you'll develop a strong background in engineering and get hands-on experience in fields like instrumentation and thermal systems.

Our mechanical engineering degree program is dynamic and focused. You'll get started right away, taking core courses like Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Calculus-based Physics as a freshman. Guided by highly qualified faculty who care about your success, you'll hone your strengths and begin specializing as early as sophomore year.

New technical electives allow you to specialize in unique career-track sub-fields such as systems engineering, nuclear technology and energy engineering, making you a hot prospect in the eyes of future employers.

Advantages

Why Florida Tech: The mechanical engineering degree at Florida Tech includes:

• Hands-on from day one
• Personal attention from faculty who have a reputation for excellence in teaching and research
• Proximity to high-tech companies means close involvement with the latest advances in science and engineering
• Capstone student design experience that gives students the opportunity to work in teams in addressing real-world issues through hands-on projects
• ProTrack Co-op program, which incorporates 3 professional work experiences into your four-year degree curriculum

Facilities: The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex has three levels linked by the latest electronic and communications technology which promotes cross-functional learning. A 142-seat multimedia auditorium and 26 specialized research and teaching laboratories support multiple departments within the College of Engineering. A fixture of the F.W. Olin Engineering Complex is the A-frame teaching laboratory, a configuration that promotes cooperative learning by design.

Learning

Clubs and Organizations: Beyond the classroom, mechanical engineering degree majors build leadership and professional experience through participation in academic organizations such as:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Society of Women Engineers
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Pi Tau Sigma - National Honorary Mechanical Engineering Society
• Tau Beta Pi - National Engineering Honor Society

Research: Mechanical engineering degree students at Florida Tech get involved in research early and often. Undergraduates compete in national competitions, present at conferences, support faculty research efforts, and have co-authored scholarly articles. The hallmark of a Florida Tech mechanical engineering degree is Senior Design, which requires that students conceive, design and implement a project; write the description; document the requirements; secure corporate and community support for the project; and present the final outcome of their work. The project simulates a real-world work environment in a variety of engineering and science fields. The students apply theory, think creatively and develop practical skills such as teamwork, professionalism and leadership.

Sample Senior Design Projects

Formula SAE Car
Racing Electric Vehicle
SAE Mini Baja
Sea Doo Hydrogen Conversion
PANTHR Rocket
Zero-E Hydrogen Plane

Internships and Cooperative Learning: Aerospace and mechanical engineering degree undergraduates pursue internships with local industries and government organizations. These internships allow students to work in design and CAD/CAM; understand test, maintenance and operation protocols related to space launch systems and subsystems; and learn technical reporting, communication, team work and leadership skills.

Future Outcomes

Outcomes - Grad School: Approximately 20% of aerospace and mechanical engineering degree students enter graduate schools such as: CalTech MIT Standford

Outcomes - Career and Salary: Florida Tech aerospace and mechanical engineering degree graduates work for prestigious companies like: Boeing Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman Pratt and Whitney General Electric Harris Corporation Airbus Consortium