Major in Mechanical Engineering

The Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers an accredited undergraduate program in mechanical engineering, delivering a rigorous and comprehensive foundation in the field. The mechanical engineering major from the Sibley School equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for diverse career paths, including professional engineering practice, graduate studies, and interdisciplinary fields such as business, law, and medicine
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Preparing Students for Diverse Career Paths

Students can specialize in mechanical systems and materials processing or focus on fluid engineering, energy, and heat transfer systems, ensuring a well-rounded and adaptable education.

Kavya Mittha and Aisha Brundan test their wave energy conversion machine in the wave simulator tank in Hollister Hall.
Bill Nye and Smith Charles talk about various mechanical devices sitting on a table

Curriculum

The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation. These student outcomes ensure that graduates are prepared to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Sibley School Mechanical Engineering graduates will be able to:

  • Solve Complex Problems

    Identify, formulate, and solve intricate engineering challenges using principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

  • Design for Impact

    Develop engineering solutions that address specific needs while considering public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

  • Communicate with Clarity

    Effectively convey ideas to diverse audiences, ensuring clear and persuasive technical and professional communication.

  • Lead with Integrity

    Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities, making informed decisions that account for global, economic, environmental, and societal impacts.

  • Collaborate and Innovate

    Work effectively in teams by providing leadership, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, setting goals, planning tasks, and achieving objectives.

  • Think Critically and Experiment

    Design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and apply engineering judgment to reach meaningful conclusions.

  • Adapt and Grow

    Continuously acquire and apply new knowledge using effective learning strategies to stay at the forefront of engineering advancements.

How to Affiliate

Students generally apply for affiliation with a major during their sophomore year, although earlier affiliation may be granted at the discretion of the major. To apply for affiliation, students should contact the undergraduate office of their choice and complete an application for major affiliation.

Affiliation with Mechanical Engineering

Unaffiliated students intending to affiliate with mechanical engineering may contact the Undergraduate office to request access to the undergraduate program education discussion forum and may subscribe to the MechE Blog.

Alumni Stories

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    Q&A with Kris Young of SpaceX

    Kris Young ’06, M.Eng. ’07 was a program manager of the Cornell University Satellite (CUSat) program in 2006-07 as he earned his M.Eng. degree in aerospace engineering. His first job after college was with Northrop Grumman, where he had a…

  • From Future Doc to Healthcare Industry Disruptor: Alice Yan ‘19, ‘20

    Currently working in legal and regulatory compliance at a healthcare start-up, Alice Yan describes her journey from a high school student who wanted to be a doctor to using her biomedical engineering education to improve healthcare outcomes in this interview…

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