Penn State Berks, the leading engineering college in Berks County, is one of only four Penn State campuses to offer the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria. ABET is the global leader in accreditation of engineering, engineering technology, computing, and applied science programs.
Skills for the Real World
Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest and broadest engineering disciplines, involving the study of mechanics, fluid/thermal systems, and system dynamics. Built on a foundation of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, the Mechanical Engineering program at Penn State Berks includes both a strong design emphasis and hands-on laboratory experience. Students learn to use scientific and engineering methods to devise useful products that are safe, reliable, and cost effective.
Semester By Semester Course Description with Preq/Co-Req (PDF)
Internship Opportunities
In their senior year, students will work in small teams with faculty advisers to complete a capstone design project. Projects can be based on student generated ideas or on faculty research, advancing basic understanding in Mechanical Engineering. Additional projects come through the Berks Learning Factory; these are industry-sponsored and provide an opportunity for students to work on “real world” design challenges while completing their education.
Research Opportunities
During their four years at Berks, students have several opportunities to participate in faculty led research, student driven projects, class related projects, and multidisciplinary projects working with students enrolled in other degree programs at the college.
Penn State Berks offers many state-of-the-art facilities that support the Mechanical Engineering program, including the Human Movement Research Center Lab, which includes the Beaver Gait Lab. The Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building also houses the following laboratories: Fluid Discovery, System Dynamics, Rapid Prototyping, Material Testing which includes a traditional machine shop with CNC mills and a CNC lathe, and an Electrical Lab which includes digital, analog, and microprocessor systems.
Double Majors
Students can pair the following programs with this degree program for a double major:
Minors
Students can pair the following minors with this degree program:
After Graduation
Mechanical engineers have tremendous flexibility, working in every type of industry, in jobs ranging from research and development to manufacturing and operations. Mechanical engineers also work in product design, procurement, technical sales, and management. Graduates enter a wide variety of industries such as health care, energy, military, transportation, consumer products, and sports/recreation. The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering education is also an excellent preparation for careers such as technical management, finance engineering, business and patent law, and technical sales.
