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Mechanical Engineering, BS

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at Seattle University and gain the experience, leadership skills, and industry connections needed to excel.

About this Program

Inclusive, Leading-Edge Engineering for a Rewarding Career & Meaningful Impact

Mechanical engineering (ME) is the broadest and most versatile of the engineering professions. It includes designing energy-efficient and clean infrastructure, medical devices, vehicles, robots and complex systems using machine design, materials, biomechanics, energy engineering, fluid mechanics, controls and more! 

The mechanical engineering undergraduate curriculum emphasizes a four-year integrated scientific, hands-on learning, and design experiences while increasing communication opportunities, mentoring by practicing engineers, encouraging both independent and collaborative learning, fostering an inclusive culture, and developing skills needed to function on multi-disciplinary teams in professional settings.

Our Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BS.MEGR) program offers many different learning opportunities:

  • Industry-sponsored senior design projects
  • Industry-mentored integrated design projects in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year
  • Technical and professional mentorship by industry professionals
  • 11 lab courses
  • 6 design courses
  • Undergraduate research
  • Active student clubs
  • Education abroad

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Degree at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Add a minor in mechanical engineering and broaden your career impact. To earn a minor, you’ll complete at least 30 credits of mechanical engineering or related courses.

Program Educational Objectives

The program strives to provide a personalized, inclusive, and world-class educational experience, in keeping with Seattle University's Mission. It enables graduates to:

  • Professional: Attain a position solving real-world problems using mechanical engineering skills and principles developed while studying at Seattle University;
  • Personal: Participate in ongoing personal and professional growth by actively seeking additional skills and experiences, for example engaging in continuing education and/or pursuing advanced degrees;
  • Societal: Contribute to society through creating collaborative and inclusive environments and using problem solving skills to make a more just world.

ABET Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Mechanical Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org/, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering.

Student Outcomes

At the time of graduation, students from our mechanical engineering program are expected to have:

    1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
    2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
    3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
    4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
    5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
    6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
    7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Student Enrollment and Graduation Data

The program enrolled 95 undergraduate students in Fall 2023 and awarded 29 degrees in academic year 2022-23.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

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Top 25% in Science & Engineering

Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

90%+

Mechanical Engineering Employment Rate

SU grads were hired or entered graduate programs within six months of graduating.

An Education Engineered for Your Success

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Video: Engineering with engineers

Senior Design: Real Projects with Seattle Industry Partners

Your experience culminates with an engineering design project sponsored by one of our industry partners. Tackle a real-world problem, collaborate closely with a sponsoring company and learn vital skills employers are looking for.

A woman working on a laptop in a room with other people.

Industry Connections: Industry Advising Hours

Meet with ME Industry Advisors to talk about your professional goals and engineering interests. Through their wealth of knowledge and network, you can learn about internships and job opportunities that fit your goals.

Students working in the Machine Shop

Space to Succeed: Labs and Machine Shop

You’ll have dedicated space with the tools, materials and technologies you need for your innovative engineering designs. Facilities include eleven instructional and research labs, a 3D printing lab, and the Machine Shop.

Student works on equation in engineering building

Integrated Design Projects

Immerse yourself in integrated design projects (IDP) every spring! The IDP teams are made of first, second, and third-year students who work under the guidance of an engineering faculty and in collaboration with volunteer engineers from local firms. The practicing engineers attend class sessions and consult with the design teams during project periods. This is “Engineering with Engineers” in action.

From Our Alumni

Brad Chew

“Seattle University was a great balance, offering a mechanical engineering program with personal attention from faculty and many opportunities to build connections with peers – I discovered that making these connections was important because all of these people become your colleagues after you graduate.”

BSME '17

Rewarding Careers at Seattle’s Best Companies

Mechanical engineers have numerous career options upon graduation, including product design and testing, systems operation, manufacturing, product management, research and development, and consulting. These broad job descriptions can be realized by working on projects related to pollution prevention and reduction, renewable energy production, engine design, testing the reliability and safety of products, developing advanced control systems and robots, and many more. Careers can also include the business side, with development, sales, management, and consulting.

Our graduates have fulfilling engineering careers, and many have become leaders in numerous technical firms, including Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR, and Amazon.

Featured Faculty

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about Mechanical Engineering at Seattle University contact: