Mechanical Engineering (BSE)

Program Code: U-ME-BSE
Degree Designation: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Department: Pratt School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Department
Website: mems.duke.edu/undergrad/degrees/planning

Program Summary

The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Mechanical engineers are concerned with the optimum use of materials, energy, time, and individual effort to serve societal needs through the design of machines, structures, devices, and mechanical, thermal, and electro-dynamic systems, and through better understanding of dynamic processes involving these systems. They have a wide involvement in many industries including aerospace, automotive, energy and power generation, biomechanical and biomedical engineering, construction, electronics, manufacturing, national defense, and transportation systems. Within these industries, the engineer might specialize in the design, analysis, automation, operation, or marketing of systems or services. The individual’s contribution may lie anywhere in the spectrum from highly theoretical to imminently practical, and often involves leadership as an engineering manager or organization executive.

Because mechanical engineers in industry and research engage in such a great variety of activities, their education must be broadly based. Our goal is to graduate mechanical engineers who embody excellence in a broad sense. We expect our graduates to move to industry positions or on to graduate study, or to carry the attributes of an engineering education into other disciplines. The mechanical engineering program of study must include mathematics and basic sciences, fundamentals and applications in several engineering sciences, and team-based experience in the process of design, where theory is applied in the context of real needs and limitations, and where judgment must be exercised. Our mechanical engineering graduates should be able to think critically when solving problems and managing tasks and communicate effectively in multidisciplinary professional environments. To be a responsible member of the engineering profession, each graduate must be aware of social, ethical, environmental, and economic factors and constraints on engineering activity, and must understand the importance of these matters in a global context. We aspire to have our graduates exhibit intellectual depth and creativity, uphold high ethical standards, and show a commitment to the betterment of society through service and professional work.

Our specific Program Educational Objectives are to prepare our graduates to:

• Identify and address significant needs and challenges in engineering and society, and effectively communicate solutions

• Advance in professional careers that may encompass a broad range of endeavors, both technical and non-technical

• Exhibit intellectual depth and creativity in employment, advanced education and research

• Uphold high ethical standards and show a commitment to the betterment of society through service and professional work 

The curriculum capitalizes on the exceptional abilities of our highly select students to cultivate the learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities needed to adapt, to develop, and to exercise responsible leadership through times of rapid change. The program provides firm preparation in the essential engineering topics while allowing wide flexibility for students to pursue their own specialized interests. The overall program requirements are summarized following the list of courses.

Go to Programs by Department to view all related programs.

Academic Requirements

At least 34 units total to earn a BSE degree.

• Natural Science Course (1 unit)

  • A comprehensive list of courses is available to students in the degree audit system.

• Engineering Courses (4 units)

  • EGR 121L

  • EGR 201L

  • EGR 224L (ECE 110L & 280L may also count)

  • EGR 244L

• Mechanical Engineering Courses (8 units)

  • ME 221L

  • ME 321L

  • ME 331L

  • ME 336L

  • ME 344L

  • ME 421L

  • ME 424L

  • ME 431L

• Technical Electives (2 units)

  • Any 2 ME courses 400-level and above (ME 391, 392, or 394 may also count)

• General Electives (3 units)

  • Any 3 courses

  • Must include at least 2 courses 200-level and above

The MEMS Undergraduate Program Handbook (available on the departmental website at mems.duke.edu/undergrad/degrees/planning) provides examples of course sequences that incorporate all general requirements and departmental requirements comprising the accredited mechanical engineering major. In addition, a downloadable MEMS Curriculum Flow Chart and MEMS Annotated Check Sheet are also available on the website, and provide precise summaries of the curriculum requirements and prerequisite structure.

Usually students intending to study abroad should plan to travel in the fall semester of their junior year. Typically these students are expected to take two courses abroad that are approved as equivalent to required mechanical engineering courses and/or mechanical engineering electives. Students should consult their advisor, the Office of Global Education, and the mechanical engineering and material science director of undergraduate studies.

Options for a certificate in aerospace engineering, a certificate in energy and the environment, a minor in energy engineering, a minor or second major in electrical and computer engineering, or a second major in biomedical engineering are described in the MEMS Undergraduate Program Handbook (available at mems.duke.edu/undergrad/degrees/planning). Mechanical engineering and material science adheres strictly to the Pratt major and minor requirements described in the front portion of this bulletin. Students interested in second majors and minors with departments in Trinity College should seek information from the department of interest.