Mechanical engineering is a diverse field that encompasses researching, developing, designing, manufacturing and testing mechanical devices such as tools, engines and machines. Discover a career in nanotechnology research, academia or government handling tasks such as R&D, equipment and system design, production supervision, plant engineering, sales, testing and teaching. Your education will equip you to tackle challenges in energy storage, alternative fuels, waste management, environmental control, energy conversion, aerospace and biomedical engineering.
College of Engineering
Hours Required
128 credit hours
Areas of Focus
Thermal-fluid science engineering, Systems and design engineering, Materials science engineering
The Nebraska Difference
18:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Kiewit Hall
$115 million student-centric engineering hub
Be a Complete Engineer®
Unleash your potential and cultivate core competencies
Innovate. Excel. Engineer.
80% of students receive a job offer before graduation
Program Features
Interdisciplinary Emphasis and Specializations
Mechanical engineering offers diverse studies in energy conversion, fluid flow, solid mechanics, materials engineering and interdisciplinary areas like aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, robotics, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. This allows you to customize your education, developing expertise aligned with your career goals.
Hands-On Learning and Research Opportunities
The department emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing you with opportunities to conduct experiments in well-equipped laboratories. Undergraduate students can engage in research projects, either through research grants or the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program, working alongside faculty mentors. You can participate in student organizations, gaining valuable engineering experience beyond the classroom.
Mission to Impact Society Locally and Globally
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering aims to impact society through education, research and service. Graduates excel in engineering careers, pursue advanced degrees and value lifelong learning. The program fosters professionalism, leadership, integrity and ethical responsibility, inspiring students to serve humanity and advance technologies and industries.
Notable Courses
Thermal Systems and Design (MECH 300)
Explore control-volume analysis, combustion, thermodynamic relations, computer-aided engineering and thermal systems design through case studies, projects and data-driven approaches.
Elements of Materials Science (MATL 360)
Examine the relationship between atomic, molecular and crystal structure and the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of metals, alloys, polymers and ceramics. Investigate material properties.
Kinematics & Dynamics of Machinery (MECH 342)
Analysis and design of motion in linkage and cam mechanisms. Gear theory, ordinary and planetary gear trains, static and dynamic forces, balancing and flywheel design.
Elements of Machine Design (MECH 343)
The design of machine elements under varying loading conditions, including bolts, springs, bearings and shafts. Explore failure theories and engage in a comprehensive design project.
Aerodynamics (MECH 413)
Subsonic and supersonic airflow theory, dynamics of flight, performance parameters, rotor analysis and specialized topics. Explore the fascinating world of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
Robotics: Kinematics and Design (MECH 453)
Discover the realm of robotics, where mechanisms, sensors, actuators and computers synergistically replicate certain aspects of human functionality with innovative applications and technologies.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Mechanical engineering co-op, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
- Locomotive intern, BSNF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas
- Manufacturing engineer intern, John Deere, Springfield, Missouri
- Propulsion engineer intern, Textron Aviation, Wichita, Kansas
- Mechanical engineering intern, HDR, Omaha, Nebraska
- Robotics engineering intern, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, Colorado
Careers
- Aerospace engineer, NASA, Houston, Texas
- Weapon systems operation and sustainment team, The Boeing Company, Huntsville, Alabama
- Production engineer, Kawasaki Motors, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Airframe engineer, Textron Aviation, Wichita, Kansas
- Research & development engineer, Stark Industries, Manhattan, New York
- Power supply engineer, Lincoln Electric System, Lincoln, Nebraska
Graduate Schools
- Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan
- Ph.D., Aeronautics & Astronautics, Stanford University
- Ph.D., Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Ph.D., Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University
- Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
- MBA, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Outside the Classroom
Be a Difference-maker
Collaborate with industry professionals and your peers by joining professional and student organizations such as the Aerospace Club (including working with NASA), Engineers Without Borders or Robotics.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Pursue research projects available to undergraduate students that offer funding and valuable opportunities to discover what drives you in your academic area.
Make Valuable Career Connections
Connect with companies and organizations for paid internships and jobs, such as via 1-to-1 counseling and career fairs through career services professionals within the colleges and the university.
