Mechanical engineers design and develop the devices that transmit power and convert energy from one form into another in order to power the machines that are so much a part of our lives. Today’s mechanical engineers develop new technologies in a variety of fields, including solar energy, environmental control, prosthetics, manufacturing, and new materials development.

The study of mechanical engineering at Northeastern focuses on three areas. Applied mechanics studies how elements move and are deformed when they interact with outside forces. Thermofluids engineering deals with the motion of fluids and the transfer of energy, such as the cooling of electronic components. Materials science examines the relationship between a material’s shape and its properties, and how we can control the shape to achieve the desired properties. It is important in areas like developing composite materials and in processing metals. Courses in each of these areas set the stage for advanced analytical and creative design courses. Classroom and co-op experiences prepare students for a senior design project in which they analyze and prepare solutions for a real-world mechanical engineering problem.

Co-op assignments increase in responsibility and technical challenge as students progress through the program. Students’ first co-op jobs may involve programming or CAD/CAM design assignments. Later, students may find themselves in charge of quality-control systems and performance testing of equipment.