The University of Minnesota's mechanical engineering program prepares students for graduate work or careers in industry. A strong background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is balanced with courses in engineering science and applied engineering. By carefully selecting electives, students can develop a program of study that reflects a particular areas of interest.
Course work emphasizes the use of computers as engineering tools.
In recent years, University of Minnesota students have won or placed highly in several of these competitions, which run the gamut from designing, building, and racing solar vehicles and concrete canoes to designing human-powered hydrofoils and robots with artificial intelligence. To gain additional experience, qualified upper division students may enter an engineering co-op program. An industrial engineering option offers students professional training in industrial engineering. Students in this program complete the same set of required courses as other mechanical engineering students, but they must choose their electives from an approved list and in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students selecting this option may also apply to the co-op program.