Mechanical Engineering
Why Mechanical Engineering at Valpo?
The world needs mechanical engineers who are ready to make a difference. In Valpo’s mechanical engineering program, you’ll receive a hands-on education in state-of-the-art labs – giving you both the theoretical and practical foundation for a bright future in this fast-growing field. And, unique to Valpo, our engineering students have the opportunity to use the only solar furnace in the nation at an undergraduate university. Our College of Engineering shines with innovation, ranking as one of the top engineering programs in the U.S.
Valpo’s faculty members are dedicated to developing students who shine with both technical and professional skills. With the University’s strong liberal arts foundation, our curriculum helps students grow in communication, teamwork, and leadership. Our mechanical engineering students can specialize in sustainability, manufacturing, or mechatronics and participate in undergraduate research. In Valpo’s mechanical engineering program, you’ll gain broad knowledge that illuminates your path into almost any industry.
Mechanical Engineering Highlights
>99%
of College of Engineering graduates have been employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation – for the past 10 years straight.
ABET Accreditation
Valpo’s mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
#15 Nationwide
Valparaiso University ranks #15 in top undergraduate engineering programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Mechanical Engineering Major Requirements
High school students are recommended to complete four years of math courses, including pre-calculus, and a physics course. Students who do not meet one or more admission requirements may still be considered for our pre-engineering program, designed to help strengthen math and science skills before students declare an engineering major. Pre-engineering students are enrolled in our College of Engineering from day one.
All first-year engineering students begin their studies with a consistent schedule of courses. This includes Fundamentals of Engineering, as well as physics and calculus classes. In addition, all first-year students take Valparaiso University Experience (VUE) courses. These classes are designed to encourage growth of critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
For a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, students complete 126 credits of major requirements and electives. The curriculum integrates scientific and engineering principles, practical laboratory and computer experiences, and engineering design knowledge, which culminates in a senior design project. To encourage exploring a variety of interests, students are immersed in liberal arts courses throughout their time at Valpo. Students also complete 12 credits of mechanical engineering electives to tailor the degree to their unique interests.
| Major Requirements: Minimum 126 Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| GE 100 | Fundamentals of Engineering | 2 Cr. |
| GE 109 | Mechanics-Statics | 3 Cr. |
| GE 311 | Financial Decisions in Engineering | 1.5 Cr. |
| GE 312 | Ethical Decisions in Engineering | 1.5 Cr. |
| GE 497 | Senior Design Project I | 3 Cr. |
| GE 498 | Senior Design Project II | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 281 | Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering | 2.5 Cr. |
| ME 102 | Computer Aided Design | 1 Cr. |
| ME 125 | Computer Prog/Mech Engineers & Bioengin | 1 Cr. |
| ME 201 | WIC:Tech Writ-Mech Engrs/Bioe | 1 Cr. |
| ME 209 | Mechanics-Dynamics | 3 Cr. |
| ME 215 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 Cr. |
| ME 251 | Introduction to Manufacturing | 1 Cr. |
| ME 252 | Materials Science | 2.5 Cr. |
| ME 261 | Analog Circuits Laboratory | 0.5 Cr. |
| ME 270 | Thermodynamics I | 3 Cr. |
| ME 317 | Sustainable Engineering | 2 Cr. |
| ME 333 | Mechanical Measurements Laboratory | 4 Cr. |
| ME 351 | Manufacturing Processes | 3 Cr. |
| ME 352 | Materials Science & Mechanics Laboratory | 0.5 Cr. |
| ME 354 | Mechanical Systems Laboratory | 0.5 Cr. |
| ME 355 | System Modeling and Numerical Methods | 3 Cr. |
| ME 363 | Machine Design I | 3 Cr. |
| ME 364 | Vibrations | 2 Cr. |
| ME 372 | Heat Power Laboratory | 0.5 Cr. |
| ME 373 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| ME 376 | Heat Transfer | 3 Cr. |
| ME 442 | Automatic Control | 3 Cr. |
| One course from the following options: | ||
| MATH 126 | Calculus and Functions Part II | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 Cr. |
| Mechanical Engineering Electives: 12 Credits | ||
| Professional Elective: 3 Credits | ||
| Total Required for Graduation: 126 Credits | ||
Mechanical Engineering Career Outcomes
Mechanical engineering is one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation. Jobs in this field are expected to see significant growth, increasing by 11% through 2033. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers earned a median annual pay of $99,510 in 2023.
Graduates with a Valpo engineering degree are highly sought by employers for their experience and skills. Alumni radiate innovation at companies such as Caterpillar, Eli Lilly and Company, Zimmer Biomet, Medtronic, Toyota, General Motors, and Tesla. Many succeed in graduate programs across the country.
Careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Applications engineer
- Design engineer
- Engineering management
- Manufacturing engineer
- Operations engineer
- Process engineer
- Project engineer
- Technical sales
