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A mechanical engineering student poses in the machine shop.

BS in Mechanical Engineering

US News Best Colleges - Engineering Programs 2022 We are known for our hands-on learning, personal advising, and our amazing faculty that bring their real-world experience to the classroom. #23 in the U.S. and #1 in Minnesota for engineering schools without a doctoral program.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is a hands-on, industry-oriented and career-focused program that blends theory and research with practical engineering fundamentals to prepare you to succeed in this increasingly autonomous and interconnected world. Mechanical engineers research, design, and manufacture an ever-growing list of products that can range from life-saving medical devices that measure brain activity and insulin levels, rocket propellants and smart clothing sensors for autistic children all the way to solar water purification systems and autonomous vehicles.

You will apply your curiosity and creativity to enhance your understanding of topics in mechanics, energy and thermal systems, manufacturing, materials, and electro-mechanical devices. With this in-demand degree, you will be prepared to work in industries focused on product design, medical devices, robotics, automotive, aerospace and more.

Ask the Admissions Office for a Visit with Engineering.

Get to know us better, and see why St. Thomas is a great place to study engineering. with our Dean, Dr. Don Weinkauf and/or one of our engineering faculty.

Program Overview

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Senior Design Clinic
  • Course Requirements

    Students earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering will complete the Â鶹´«Ã½ Core Curriculum requirements and Mechanical Engineering major requirements and allied requirements.

    If you are interested in transferring to St. Thomas with an Engineering major, .

    Four-Year Plan

    This is one snapshot of how the plan of study for this major can look. Plans of study exist for students who wish to study abroad, double major or for ROTC.

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of )

    Senior Design Clinic

    The Engineering Senior Design Clinic is a that challenges students to create novel solutions to engineering problems posed by industry and community partners. This course is a critical component of the St. Thomas engineering curriculum as it requires student teams to engage hands-on with real-world design problems and to gain skills in professionalism, communication and project management, all while applying their engineering knowledge. Projects are selected from a broad range of partners to match varying student interest, from multinational corporations looking for fresh ideas to entrepreneurial ventures hoping to take a prototype to the next level.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    Students earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering will complete the Â鶹´«Ã½ Core Curriculum requirements and Mechanical Engineering major requirements and allied requirements.

    If you are interested in transferring to St. Thomas with an Engineering major, .

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    This is one snapshot of how the plan of study for this major can look. Plans of study exist for students who wish to study abroad, double major or for ROTC.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of )

    Senior Design Clinic

    Senior Design Clinic

    The Engineering Senior Design Clinic is a that challenges students to create novel solutions to engineering problems posed by industry and community partners. This course is a critical component of the St. Thomas engineering curriculum as it requires student teams to engage hands-on with real-world design problems and to gain skills in professionalism, communication and project management, all while applying their engineering knowledge. Projects are selected from a broad range of partners to match varying student interest, from multinational corporations looking for fresh ideas to entrepreneurial ventures hoping to take a prototype to the next level.

    Find your perfect fit.

    Top Reasons to Study Mechanical Engineering at St. Thomas

    Dr. John Abraham speaks with a student.

    Strong Connections with Faculty

    St. Thomas engineering faculty are real-world experts who build strong personal and professional connections with students both inside and outside of the classroom. Students can engage in clubs, activities, field trips and research projects with faculty and their peers.

    Students speak with employers at a job fair.

    Internships and Job Opportunities

    Nearly 80% of our students graduate with internship experience. Our outstanding relationships with Twin Cities companies create great opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. Every year, at an event called "", over 75 companies send their representatives to seek out our engineering students for internships and jobs at their companies.

    Cropped photo of Schoenecker Center on St. Thomas St. Paul campus

    State-of-the-Art Engineering Facilities

    With over 400,000 square feet dedicated to STEM education, St. Thomas engineering students have plenty of room to conceptualize, collaborate, create and innovate. From industrial scale , a world-class , to one of the only in the nation, St. Thomas delivers on its promise of an impactful, hands-on education.

    Engineering students listen in the classroom.

    Engineering and Liberal Arts Education

    Engineering is about solving problems that ultimately improve people's lives. At St. Thomas, a broad Liberal Arts education develops students' ability to deeply appreciate and understand the people, perceptions, policies and business environment that define technology's success. The liberal arts perspective makes for better engineers.

    Ranking, Scholarships and Career Outcomes

    Quick Facts on Minnesota's #1 Engineering School

    #1
    for engineering schools without a doctoral program.
    100%
    of first-year students are offered a St. Thomas scholarship, which you can use to pay any of your costs of attendance at St. Thomas.
    97%

    of all mechanical engineering students are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

    Senior Design Clinic - Engineering a Higher Bar for the Design Experience

    While every engineering program delivers a capstone experience, the Senior Design Clinic at St. Thomas School of Engineering is building momentum around a unique national model that industry sponsors have embraced, transforming students into real-world champions.

    Engineering seniors work on their senior design project.
    A student operates a metal shaping tool.

    Career Paths

    • Aerospace Engineer
    • Biomedical Engineer
    • Control Engineer
    • Mechanical Engineer
    • Product Design Engineer
    • Field Application Engineer
    Four-panel collage featuring engineering students and faculty

    Become a Global Engineer

    Dual Degree in German and Engineering

    The German and Engineering dual degree program prepares graduates for meaningful careers in a globally minded and diverse world. Spending a year abroad, the combination of foreign language and engineering studies lets students apply their language and culture skills to engineering and vice versa.

    Learn more about the Dual Degree Program
    Engineering students work on their senior design projects late in spring semester on April 30, 2018 in the Facilities and Design Center in St. Paul. This groups project was a headset that monitors brain waves. Here a student holds the wireless module that works with the headset.

    It takes more than theory to transform an idea into useful technology for our society. St. Thomas engineers emerge with practical, hands-on experience, the power of strong communication skills and the broad perspective of a liberal arts education. Our rigorous engineering programs are designed to transform the young creative minds of our students into engineers who can truly make a difference in the world.

    Dr. Don Weinkauf, dean of the School of Engineering

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.