Program Overview

The bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Kansas provides students with a strong foundation in engineering principles, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to cutting-edge research. Mechanical engineers are at the forefront of innovation, designing and developing machines, structures, and systems that power industries worldwide.

As a mechanical engineering major pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, you’ll gain expertise in materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, system dynamics, and mechanical design. The mechanical engineering program blends theory and application, ensuring students build both analytical depth and practical experience. Through carefully sequenced mechanical engineering courses and hands-on laboratory experiences, students learn to model physical systems, analyze data, and design components that meet real-world constraints.

The curriculum integrates core engineering sciences with advanced mechanical engineering classes in areas such as heat transfer, controls, manufacturing processes, and design methodology. Students engage in team-based design experiences that culminate in a senior capstone project, where they develop, build, and test solutions to complex engineering challenges. This applied focus ensures graduates of the bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering are prepared for immediate professional practice or continued study in graduate-level mechanical engineering degrees.

Graduates of the bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering develop strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. Whether your goals include product development, systems analysis, manufacturing innovation, or research, this degree equips you with the knowledge and adaptability required for a broad spectrum of mechanical engineering jobs.

Learn more about KU

Undergraduate

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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.

Mechanical Engineering, BS

KU School of Engineering

The Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering is part of the School of Engineering, where new technologies are developed to solve the problems facing the world.

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering will be able to:

  • Apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems.
  • Design systems, components, or processes that meet specified needs while considering public health, safety, and welfare.
  • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Utilize modern engineering and computational tools necessary for engineering practice.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse audiences in written, oral, and visual formats.
  • Function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments.
  • Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering opens doors to diverse technical and leadership roles across industries. Graduates pursue careers in:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Energy and Sustainability
  • Manufacturing
  • Robotics and Automation

According to Lightcast, demand for engineers remains steady, and salaries for professionals in mechanical engineer jobs are competitive nationwide. Because the mechanical engineering program emphasizes analytical modeling, laboratory validation, and collaborative design, graduates are well prepared for both entry-level roles and long-term advancement in mechanical engineering jobs. Many also pursue graduate study to deepen specialization within mechanical or interdisciplinary engineering fields.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid opportunities for students in the mechanical engineering program. Scholarships, grants, and work-study programs are available to help offset costs. For more information, visit KU Scholarships & Financial Aid .

Admission Requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at KU requires meeting general university freshman and transfer admission standards. This includes:

Freshmen

  • 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Demonstrate mathematics preparedness by:
    • Obtaining a mathematics ACT score of 22+ (or math SAT score of 540+), OR
    • Achieving a B or better in college algebra or a more advanced mathematics course, OR
    • Achieving a C or better in a high school calculus course; OR
    • Earning credit via IB or AP credit for the above-mentioned courses in accordance with KU placement credit requirements; OR
    • Achieving at minimum a qualifying score for MATH 104 on the ALEKS mathematics placement exam.

Transfers

  • Earn a grade of C- or better in MATH 125 (Calculus I, or its direct equivalent), AND
  • Earn grades of C or better in math, science, and engineering courses applicable to the engineering degree.

For detailed admission requirements, visit the School of Engineering.

Student Life and Learning Experience

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering benefit from a vibrant campus community and active professional organizations. Opportunities include ASME, SAE, NSBE, and engineering design teams and competition groups.

Participation in these organizations complements formal mechanical engineering classes by providing leadership development, technical skill-building, and professional networking. Students collaborate on real-world design challenges, attend industry conferences, and connect with alumni working in a range of mechanical engineering jobs.

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Sample Courses

The bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering includes a structured sequence of foundational and advanced mechanical engineering courses designed to build competency across core technical domains. Sample courses include:

  • Statics and Introduction to Mechanics
  • System Dynamics and Control Systems
  • Engineering Materials Laboratory
  • Basic Engineering Thermodynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Mechanical Design

Together, these mechanical engineering classes provide theoretical knowledge and applied laboratory experience that support career readiness and preparation for advanced mechanical engineering degrees. For a complete list of required and elective courses, visit the KU Catalog.

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.

How long will it take to complete the degree?

Students typically complete this degree in four years.

Contact Information

KU Admissions studyengineering@ku.edu 785-864-3881

Accreditation & Notes

The Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is the official degree awarded, and references to “bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.