Mechanical Engineering
Do you want to develop technologies that improve people's lives? Do you care about things like helping people with health conditions, making transportation more sustainable and assisting those who live in poverty?
Mechanical engineering is one of the most flexible—and practical—degrees. It's for people who want to know how different types of machines, engines and systems work so they can make them better. Whether you want to design self-driving cars, improve wind turbines, build life-saving robots—or find other ways to change the world by solving problems—let's get started.
What will I learn?
For the first few years, you'll take a lot of math and science courses and labs, including chemistry, physics and calculus (through differential equations). Then, in later years, you’ll learn how to apply these skills in classes about mechanics, materials, heat transfer, manufacturing processes and related topics. You’ll also have some flexibility to choose electives, take courses in business and communications, and even specialize in an area such as bioengineering, dynamics or fluid sciences.
What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?
UB grads make a difference. They've worked as VP of engineering for a robotics company, engine development engineer for Toyota Racing Development USA, product development engineer at Fisher-Price, CEO of a turbine-generator company … and the list goes on and on.
A mechanical engineering degree gives you opportunities to design, build and test machines and devices in a variety of industries, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Energy.
- Power generation.
- Power transmission.
- Wind turbines and other renewable energy.
- Automotive.
- Aerodynamics of automobiles.
- Autonomous vehicles.
- Suspension systems.
- Health care and medical devices.
- Pacemakers.
- Prosthetics.
- Surgical control systems.
- Manufacturing.
- Engines and engine parts.
- HVAC systems.
- Industrial equipment.
- Robotic systems.
- Sensors.
Some graduates also use their mechanical engineering background for a career in business, law or other fields.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $113,360.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Cost Estimators | $165,600.00 | $79.62 | |
| Aerospace Engineers | $134,990.00 | $64.90 | Rapid Growth |
| Mechanical Engineers | $84,240.00 | $40.50 | Rapid Growth |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,040.00 | $31.27 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.