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B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program prepares students for various career paths including engineering practice, advanced education, and interdisciplinary pursuits such as business, law, or medicine, with concentrations in mechanical systems and materials processing, and fluid engineering, energy, and heat transfer systems.

Format

In-Person

Page Contents

Note: This page provides a general overview. For complete and accurate information, please refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook and consult with your advisor. For current course offerings and information, refer to the Cornell University Registrar: Courses of Study.

Eligibility and Academic Standards

Affiliation Eligibility Requirements

Cornell Engineering undergraduates who meet the eligibility requirements can affiliate with the Mechanical Engineering major. Preparation for affiliation should be done thoughtfully and intentionally in advance with guidance from and coordination with the student’s academic advisor.

If applying despite not meeting the requirements, a plan for how and over what time period you will remediate your application (i.e., take or retake classes, demonstrate stronger GPA moving forward) should be emailed to the Undergraduate Office for affiliation consideration.

Any relevant AP credits and transferred credits must appear in Student Center for us to be able to review your affiliation form properly.

Academic Standards

Good standing requirements for mechanical engineering:

  • Semester GPA > 2.3
  • Cumulative GPA > 2.1
  • No grade below C- in any core or concentration course required for graduation. Only one course below a C- within major required courses is allowed for graduation.
    • MAE 3780 (or ENGRD 2100 or PHYS 3360, if taken), PHYS 2214, MAE 4272, MAE 4291, and MAE 4300; those courses require a passing grade of D- or better. Courses in which students fail to earn a required minimum passing grade must be re-taken.
  • No failing grade
  • Minimum of 12 credits per semester completed with passing grades. No course with a grade lower than C- (except courses noted above) may be used to satisfy a prerequisite for a subsequent mechanical engineering course.

Required Engineering Distributions

  • ENGRD 2020

    Statics and Mechanics of Solids (required)

Required Major Courses

  • ENGRD 2210

    Thermodynamics

  • MAE 2030

    Dynamics

  • MAE 2250

    Mechanical Synthesis

  • MAE 3230

    Introductory Fluid Mechanics

  • MAE 3240

    Heat Transfer

  • MAE 3260

    System Dynamics

  • MAE 3270

    Mechanics of Engineering Materials

  • MAE 3780 or ENGRD 2100 or PHYS 3360

    Mechatronics (recommended) or Introduction to Circuits for Electrical and Computer Engineers or Electronic Circuits

  • MAE 4272

    Fluids/Heat Transfer Laboratory

  • MAE 4300

    Engineers and Society

Affiliation Requirements

The following list of courses should be completed by the end of your sophomore year: First-Year Writing (two semesters), Engri 1xxx.

  • First-Year Writing (two semesters)
  • ENGRI 1xxx

The following list of courses should be completed with a C- grade or higher by the end of the first semester of your sophomore year. 

  • CS 1xxx (Matlab recommended)
  • ENGRD 2020
  • MATH 1910
  • MATH 1920
  • MATH 2930
  • CHEM 2090
  • PHYS 1112
  • PHYS 2213

The following courses are strongly recommended but not required before affiliation:

  • ENGRD 2210
  • PE (two semesters plus swim test)

Your GPA in the following set of classes will be computed, and that GPA must exceed 2.5 to meet the affiliation requirement.

  • ENGRD 2210 (if taken)
  • MATH 2930
  • PHYS 2213
  • ENGRD 2020

Electives

  • MAE 4xx1: Supervised Senior Design Experience
  • Mathematics Elective
  • Technical Elective
  • Major-approved Electives (three courses)
  • Advisor-approved Electives (two courses)

At least one of the elective courses taken must satisfy the probability and statistics requirement.

Advisor-approved electives and the major-approved electives can be used to build a program with particular emphasis for individual students, appropriate for a wide range of career objectives, including supervised engineering practice, advanced professional engineering education, and other professional education (business, medicine, law).

The total number of credits in the major program electives must be at least 18. The total number of credits of 3000+ level classes must be at least 9; Major approved electives may offer a senior design version. Students may not use one course to fulfill both the major approved elective and senior design requirement.

Math: Approved Electives

  • ENGRD 2700

    Basic Engineering Probability and Statistics

  • CEE 3040

    Uncertainty Analysis in Engineering

  • ENGRD/CEE 3200

    Engineering Computation

  • ECE 3100 or BTRY 3010

    Introduction to Probability and Inference for Random Signals and Systems or Biological Statistics I

  • ECON 3110

    Probability Models and Inferences for the Social Sciences

  • ENGRD/ECE 2720 or CS 2800

    Data Science for Engineers or Mathematical Foundations of Computing

Probability and Statistics Requirement

The probability and statistics requirement can be satisfied either through a satisfactory score (4 or 5) on the CEEB Advanced Placement Exam in Statistics, or by taking an approved course. A course satisfying the probability and statistics requirement can also be used as a math elective (MathE), OR a technical elective (TechE), OR an advisor approved elective (AAE), as indicated below. A satisfactory score on the Advanced Placement Exam cannot be used to satisfy additional requirements.

If you are planning to use your AP Statistics score, please email the undergraduate office at mae_undergrad@cornell.edu at least a month before the start of your final semester. This will allow time for use to verify your score while you still have a chance to take a different course if needed.

Approved Probability and Statistics Courses

  • ENGRD/ORIE 2700

    Basic Engineering Probability and Statistics

  • CEE 3040

    Uncertainty Analysis in Engineering

  • CS 4750

    Foundations of Robotics

  • ECE 3100

    Introduction to Probability and Inference for Random Signals

  • BTRY 3010

    Biological Statistics I

  • ENGRD/ECE 2720

    Data Science for Engineers

  • ECON 3110

    Probability Models and Inferences for the Social Sciences

  • CS 2800

    Mathematical Foundations of Computing

Technical Elective

A Technical Elective may include many courses at an appropriate level, chosen from Engineering (2000+), Mathematics (2940+), or Science [Physics (2214+), Chemistry (2090+), or Biological Sciences. Most 2000+ technical-level courses in Engineering will be accepted (note: Engineering economic, business, management, financial or organization courses, e.g., CEE 3230, will not be accepted, with the exception of MAE 4610). The following 1000-level courses in biology are accepted: BIOG 1440; BIOG 1445; BIOMG 1350; BIOEE 1610, and BIOSM 1610. Technical courses at the 2000+ level in biological sciences are accepted. No AP Biology credit can be used to fulfill the technical elective. Please contact the undergraduate program office to verify eligibility of specific courses.

Senior Design Requirement

The senior design requirement must be fulfilled during the senior year in one of three ways:

  • Through enrollment in a formal 4-credit course from the list of “design courses”.
  • Through participation on a student project team, taken as MAE 4291, for at least 3 credits.
  • Through an individual project with a faculty member, taken as MAE 4291, for at least 3 credits.

Note: Students may not use a senior design course to also fulfill one of the major-approved electives course requirements.

Submitting your senior design report and paperwork

Unless otherwise indicated by your design instructor, papers and accompanying paperwork is due by mid-December (Fall) or mid-May (Spring).

Approved Senior Design Electives

  • MAE 4021

    Wind Power

  • MAE 4121

    Community Wind Energy Research

  • MAE 4131

    Mechanics of Composite Structures

  • MAE 4161

    Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture

  • MAE 4221

    Introduction to Internet of Things-Technology and Engagement

  • MAE 4231

    Intermediate Fluid Dynamics

  • MAE 4291

    Supervised Senior Design Experience (for at least 3 credits)

  • MAE 4341

    Innovative Product Design via Digital Manufacturing

  • MAE 4351

    Interdisciplinary Design Concepts (if MAE 4351 is taken, you may not use MAE 4341 to fulfill other mechanical engineering requirements)

  • MAE 4441

    Spacecraft Thermal Management

  • MAE 4631

    Advanced Product Design

  • MAE 4641

    Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics

  • MAE 4671

    Polymer Mechanics

  • MAE 4721

    Advanced Applications of Finite-Element Analysis Using ANSYS

  • MAE 4861

    Automotive Engineering Design

Major Approved Electives l, II, and III

These courses listed below build upon one or more of the required mechanical engineering core courses. Mechanical Engineering students must complete any three upper-level Major-Approved Electives totaling at least 9 credits. These courses should be chosen from any of the seven areas listed below. Students may choose to focus on one topic, however, it is not necessary to select both courses from one topic.

MAE 4610, MAE 4900 (independent research), MAE 4980, or MAE 4XX1 (supervised senior design experience) may not be used to satisfy a Major-Approved Elective. MAE 4900 may be used to fulfill the technical or advisor-approved elective requirements.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering deals with a large variety of engineering problems associated with the flight of aircraft and space vehicles. A student interested in this major should obtain a solid background in basic engineering fundamentals and mathematics. There is no undergraduate degree program in aerospace engineering, but students interested in the area may supplement a basic mechanical engineering program with electives chosen from the following courses:

Major Approved Electives: Aerospace Engineering

For Mechanical Engineering majors intending to earn a Minor in Aerospace, two courses must be selected from the Aerospace Engineering courses listed in this section.

These two courses may not be used towards fulfilling the B.S., Mechanical Engineering degree requirements.

  • MAE 3050

    Intro to Aeronautics

  • MAE 4060

    Introduction to Spaceflight Mechanics

  • MAE 4070

    Dynamics of Flight Vehicles

  • MAE 4150 GPS

    Theory and Design

  • MAE 4160

    Spacecraft Technology and Systems Architecture (or choose the MAE 4161 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4230

    Intermediate Fluid Dynamics (or choose the MAE 4231 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4440

    Spacecraft Thermal Management

  • MAE 4540

    Propulsion of Spacecraft

Biomechanics

Biological systems present a wide range of analysis and design problems that include all aspects of mechanical engineering. Our current focus in this concentration is on the mechanics and control of the musculoskeletal system. Mechanical engineers are engaged in understanding the behavior of components of the skeletal system such as bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and the performance of systems comprised of these components. Mechanical engineers are also involved in the design of diagnostic and surgical procedures for diseases that damage the musculoskeletal system. Courses of interest are:

Major Approved Electives: Biomechanics

  • MAE 4480 / BME 4490

    Biomechanics Laboratory

  • MAE 4640

    Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics (or choose the MAE 4641 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4650

    Biofluid Mechanics (or choose the MAE 4651 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4660 / BME 4010

    Biomedical Engineering Analysis of Metabolic & Structural Systems

  • MAE 5680 / BME 5810

    Soft Tissue Biomechanics

Energy and the Environment

Energy is central to modern society: for transportation, for production of goods and electricity, for heating and cooling buildings, and for the new habitats of space and ocean. The increasing energy demands and the associated environmental impacts such as global climate change have made sustainable development a vital issue of our time. The energy-environment interaction is the core of the sustainable development problem as well as our energy security. Mechanical engineers are involved with all aspects of the development of sustainable energy sources, and with the production and conversion of energy to provide the power needs of society in an efficient and environmentally safe fashion. Mechanical engineering activities range from research and development of solar, wind and other renewable energy conversion devices to the efficient use of conventional and nuclear fuels for generating electric power, and for all aspects of terrestrial and aerospace propulsion.

Major Approved Electives: Energy and the Environment

  • MAE 4020

    Wind Power (or choose the MAE 4021 to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4120

    Community Wind Energy Research (or choose the MAE 4121 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4230

    Intermediate Fluid Dynamics (or choose the MAE 4231 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4580

    Intro to Nuclear Science Engineering

  • MAE 4590

    Introduction to Controlled Fusion

  • MAE 5010

    Future Energy Systems

  • MAE 5430

    Combustion Processes

Engineering Materials

Engineering materials are the building blocks upon which all engineered products rely. They include biological tissues, metals, plastics, and composites. This concentration focuses on the properties that these materials bestow upon mechanical systems.

Approved Major Electives: Engineering Materials

  • MAE 3120

    Mechanical Properties of Materials, Processing and Design

  • MAE 3130

    Atomic and Molecular Structure of Matter

  • MAE 4130

    Mechanics of  Composite Structures  (or choose the MAE 4131 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4240

    Materials Processing and Manufacturing

  • MAE 4330

    Applied Mechanics of Solids

  • MAE 4450

    Additive Manufacturing: Process Physics, Materials, Properties, and Post-Processing

  • MAE 4640

    Orthopaedic Tissue Mechanics (or choose the MAE 4641 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4670

    Polymer Mechanics (or choose the MAE 4671 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4700

    Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design

  • MAE 4721

    Advanced Applications of Finite Element Analysis Using ANSYS

  • MAE 5130

    Mechanical Properties of Thin Films

  • MAE 5720

    Advanced Applications of Finite Element Analysis Using ANSYS

Mechanical Systems and Design

Mechanical engineers engage in the design of a very broad range of equipment: for example, steam, gas, and water turbines and diesel engines, automatic production machinery and machine tools; mining and oil production equipment; refrigerating and air-conditioning equipment; printing machines and reproduction equipment and consumer products of great variety. Mechanical engineers can be found designing nuclear and electrical machinery and hardware; heating, flow and storage equipment for chemical plants and for food making, and such computer peripherals as disk drives and printers.

Approved Major Elective: Mechanical Systems and Design

Students taking MAE 3780 to fulfill the electrical circuits requirement may not also use MAE 3780 as a Major-Approved Elective.

  • MAE 3780

    Mechatronics

  • MAE 4150 GPS

    Theory and Design

  • MAE 4180

    Autonomous Mobile Robot

  • MAE 4190

    Fast Robots

  • MAE 4220

    Introduction to Internet of Things – Technology and Engagement, (or choose the MAE 4221 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4320

    Integrated Micro Sensors and Actuators: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds

  • MAE 4341

    Innovative Product Design via Digital Manufacturing

  • MAE 4351

    Interdisciplinary Design Concepts (senior design or major-approved elective. Note that credit cannot be received for both MAE 4351 and MAE 4341/5340).

  • MAE 4630/5630

    Advanced Product Design (or choose the MAE 4631 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4700

    Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical and Aerospace Design

  • MAE 4730

    Intermediate Dynamics

  • MAE 4760

    Foundations of Robotics

  • MAE 4770

    Engineering Vibrations

  • MAE 4780

    Feedback Control Systems

  • MAE 4810

    Robot Perception

  • MAE 5120

    3D Printing Parts that Won’t Break: From Processing to Performance

  • MAE 5350

    Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

  • MAE 5910

    Model-Based Systems Engineering

Thermo-Fluids Engineering

Analysis of propulsion systems, energy generation processes, and biomedical technologies requires knowledge of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, combustion, and laminar and turbulent fluid flow. This concentration includes both courses in the fundamentals of the thermal/fluids discipline and in applications.

Major Approved Elective: Thermo-Fluids Engineering

  • MAE 4230

    Intermediate Fluid Dynamics (or choose the MAE 4231 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 4360

    Multiphase Computation

  • MAE 4510/5510

    Propulsion of Aircraft and Rockets

  • MAE 4530/BEE 4530

    Computer-Aided Engineering: Applications for Biomedical Processes

  • MAE 4540

    Propulsion of Spacecraft

  • MAE 5010

    Future Energy Systems

  • MAE 5310

    Advanced Thermodynamics of Multiphase Systems

  • MAE 5430

    Combustion Processes

Vehicle Engineering

Transportation is vital to the operation of our society and comprises about one-fifth of the gross national product. Our transportation requirements are being met primarily by automobiles and by heavy-duty trucks. In the future, questions of economy, pollution, safety and convenience will cause the major of vehicle engineering to remain a very important area for mechanical engineers.

The mechanical engineer is involved in transportation through the design of the vehicle, its engine, and its other components. In addition, the mechanical engineer is concerned with solving many of the problems associated with vehicle operation.

At Cornell, vehicle engineering currently includes studies of engine design and emissions as well as of vehicle design, handling and braking. The following courses are concerned with these and other aspects of vehicle engineering. They are suggested for those who have an interest in eventual work in vehicle engineering.

Major Approved Elective: Vehicle Engineering

  • MAE 3050

    Intro to Aeronautics

  • MAE 3870

    Electric Vehicles

  • MAE 4860

    Automotive Engineering (or choose the MAE 4861 version to fulfill senior design only)

  • MAE 5070

    Dynamics of Flight Vehicles

Other Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for all Math, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering courses used to satisfy the B.S. Mechanical Engineering requirements except, MAE 3780 (or ENGRD 2100 or PHYS 3360, if taken), PHYS 2214, MAE 4272, MAE 4291, and MAE 4300; those courses require a passing grade of D- or better. Courses in which students fail to earn a required minimum passing grade must be re-taken.

Each student must also satisfactorily complete two terms of physical education and pass the University swim test. If this requirement is not satisfied previously, it must be taken during the first term of registration in the Sibley School. External transfer students are typically exempt from the physical education and swim test requirements.

Transfer Credit from Other Colleges

If a student seeks credit for courses taken at another institution, prior approval must be obtained from the Sibley School and Cornell Engineering. Cornell Engineering does not recognize all higher-education institutions, therefore, pre-approval of courses to be transferred is recommended. A grade of C or better is required for transferring of credit. Only courses taken at Cornell are included in Cornell’s term or or cumulative grade point averages.