Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science

Mechanical Engineering is a very broad discipline. In general, mechanical engineers are problem solvers, interested in the design and analysis of physical objects. Mechanical engineers may consider the aerodynamic forces on an airplane and ensure that the structure will withstand them. Alternatively, they may design an air conditioning system using new coolants, increasing efficiency or reducing costs. Perhaps they design boilers to hold steam at high temperatures and pressures. The Mechanical Engineering degree prepares students with a broad curriculum, allowing them to be successful in a wide variety of careers.

Mechanical Engineering is a very broad discipline. In general, mechanical engineers are problem solvers, interested in the design and analysis of physical objects. Mechanical engineers may consider the aerodynamic forces on an airplane and ensure that the structure will withstand them. Alternatively, they may design an air conditioning system using new coolants, increasing efficiency or reducing costs. Perhaps they design boilers to hold steam at high temperatures and pressures. The Mechanical Engineering degree prepares students with a broad curriculum, allowing them to be successful in a wide variety of careers.

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Are you interested in Engineering?

At ACU, we are here for you on your journey to success, and it starts with answering your questions. Let us connect you with the information you need to navigate your next steps.

Complete the form to learn more about earning a degree in engineering.

 

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Ignite your passion at ACU!

Video overview for ACU's BS in Engineering program

Come along side us as we marvel at God’s handiwork in the laws of the universe, and seek to understand and apply those principles to solve big problems while improving the lives of people around the world. A degree in engineering from ACU will ignite your love of learning and help you grow in confidence as you become a world changer.

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Degree Details

Learn more about this degree plan in the course catalog at the button below.

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Related Degrees

Find specific program information for each concentration at the “View Catalog” button.

B.S. in General Engineering

B.S. in Electrical Engineering 

B.S. in Civil Engineering 

Required

University Hours: 54
Major Hours: 72-74
Electives: 0-2

Total Required: 128 credit hours

Example Coursework 

Thermodynamics

Design of Machine Elements

Material Science

Heat and Mass Transfer

Career Options

Consider the wide range of exciting careers available with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

  • Automotive Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer

See a more extensive career list below.

Curriculum

Engineering Student with professor

Many Mechanical Engineering courses are focused on applications of force, including Statics, Dynamics, and Mechanics of Materials. Additional courses include Materials Science and Heat and Mass Transfer. Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest majors, meaning that upper-level courses can include a large variety of topics.

Experiential Learning

Our programs incorporate real-world problems from corporate, public and non-profit organization partners in junior and senior clinic projects. These experiences help you learn from practicing engineers, acquire real-world design experience for a client and begin a strong personal network on which to build a career.    

You’ll also be given plenty of opportunities to use your knowledge to help others in the community and around the world. 

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Student Opportunities

  • Research – You’ll participate in a year-long research assignment during your senior year.
  • Missional engineering – You can travel internationally and get hands-on engineering experience and real-world application while sharing the Gospel with others.
  • Study Abroad- You can take classes Spain or Germany.
  • Student led organizations- You can be a member of the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), the American Nuclear Society (ANS),  the ACU Robotics VEXU Team, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and/or the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

Careers

Engineering student in a workshop

ACU’s mechanical engineering degree opens doors to diverse career paths, including:

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Automotive engineer
  • Aerospace engineer
  • Energy systems engineer
  • Robotics engineer
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • HVAC (heating, ventilations and air conditioning) engineer
  • Nuclear engineer
  • Product development engineer
  • Biomechanical engineer
  • Environmental engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Consulting engineer
  • Research and development engineer

ACU’s undergraduate General Engineering program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

Once you graduate from ACU with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, you will be equipped to work in a number of engineering positions.

New programs as of 2024 (Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical engineering); retroactive ABET accreditation for each program will be sought as soon as the first student graduates under each of these degree plans, according to ABET requirements.

Enrollment Data

The ACU engineering program strongly supports the university’s mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. In support of the university mission and in response to the needs of program constituents, the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are that within a few years of graduation:

  1. Alumni succeed in engineering practice or other fields that value design using analysis, problem solving, communication, and other professional practice skills.
  2. Alumni continue in life-long learning that builds upon foundational undergraduate knowledge through graduate study, career-specific or other professional training.
  3. Alumni glorify God through thoughtful integration of work and life-facilitating service to others through their profession.

The following student outcomes will prepare ACU engineering students to attain the program educational objectives:

  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