Mechanical Engineering

As a Valpo student, you’ll learn by doing—working in advanced labs that connect theory to practice and set you up for success in a growing career field.

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 undergraduate 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.

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About Our Mechanical Engineering Degree

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.

General Information

Prerequisites

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.

Core Requirements

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.

Major Requirements

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	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 & Bioengineers	1 Cr.
ME 201 Technical Writing – Mech Engineers/MEBE	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 Process	3 Cr.
ME 352 Materials Science & Mechanics Laboratory	0.5 Cr.
ME 354 Mechanical Systems Laboratory	0.5 Cr.
ME 355 System Modeling & 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.
MATH 131 Calculus I	4 Cr.

Mechanical Engineering Electives	12 Credits

Professional Elective	3 Credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation	126 Cr.

Minor Requirements

A minor in mechanical engineering is available for students majoring in civil, computer, or electrical engineering. A minimum of 19 credit hours is required.

To view a list of minor requirements, visit the catalog.

Careers

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

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Program Rankings & Highlights

100%

of Engineering grads are employed or enrolled in grad school within 9 months of graduation.

ABET Accredited

The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

Top 15 in the Nation

Our College of Engineering ranks in the top 15 exclusively undergraduate programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Hands-on Laboratory Experiences

“There are so many opportunities in Valpo’s College of Engineering. From doing research and joining clubs to gaining access to 3D printing and manufacturing labs, there is something for everyone. The professors are invested in their students’ success, and they provide support every step of the way.” – Haley Hume ’25

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Meet Our Faculty

Our professors are educators. And they’re also our students’ biggest advocates. Some of the finest engineering faculty in the field can be found at Valpo. These accomplished and dedicated individuals have earned numerous accolades for teaching and research on topics such as ethics and emerging technology, solar energy, soil analysis after earthquakes, jet technology, and more.

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