Mechanical Engineering
WHAT IS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING?
Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines and uses principles of motion, energy, and force. An easy way to think of mechanical engineers is they work with anything that moves, from components to the human body. Mechanical Engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, build, maintain and test mechanical and thermal products, sensors, and devices.
WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL ENGINEER DO?
Mechanical Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Some common tasks include:
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Examining and evaluating situations to incorporate potential fixes through the use of mechanical and thermal devices
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Utilizing analysis and computer-aided design to develop/redevelop mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems
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Scrutinizing machine operations and suggesting improvements, optimizations and fixes
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Creating and testing improvements for product, device or process designs
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Adjusting prototypes or systems as needed based on test results
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Supervising the production process for a product or device
CONCENTRATIONS
Although not required, MSU Mechanical Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include:
Aerospace
Automotive Powertrain
Biomedical
Computational Design
Cryogenic Engineering
Energy
Engineering Mechanics
Global Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
TOP INDUSTRIES
Explore the most common industries associated with MSU Mechanical Engineering graduates. Determine which industries fit you best in order to guide your search for job titles and companies you may want to work for!
Automotive
Manufacturing
Defense
Utilities & Renewable Energy
Aerospace
Higher Education
Medical Devices
Number of ME graduates placed per industry from 2018-2020.
COMMON JOB TITLES
Learn about some of the most common job titles among MSU Mechanical Engineering graduates. Utilize Handshake to search for the specific job titles that interest you the most and see the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for so that you can start developing them now!
Mechanical Engineer
Product Engineer
Design Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Project Engineer
Process/Production Engineer
Quality Engineer
Number of ME graduates placed for each of the top job titles from 2007-2020. Descriptions via The Center
TOP EMPLOYERS
Discover the most common employers of MSU Mechanical Engineers. See which companies interest you the most and start connecting with them via Handshake, LinkedIn or on their website!
General Motors
Ford Motor Company
Williams International
Stellantis
Nissan
Michigan State University
Nexteer Automotive
GE
DESTINATION DATA
Learn about the specific data associated with Mechanical Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2023 data.)
94.9%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)
$75,069
Average Starting
Salary
$23.59/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage
LEARN MORE
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Connect with other engineering students by joining a student organization! Some of the organizations related to the ME major include:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Formula Racing Team
MSU Rocketry Team
MSU STARX Team
Pi Tau Sigma
Society of Automotive Engineers Baja
VEX Robotics
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
