Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers use engineering and science principles, problem-solving skills, and their creativity to design and manufacture systems and components that impact all aspects of our lives. Whether you are interested in working in the automotive, energy, aerospace, mobility, defense, biomedical, robotics, manufacturing, health care, or other fields, a mechanical engineering degree prepares you to tackle the significant problems facing our world. Mechanical engineers are critical to the transition to electrified and autonomous transportation systems, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Located in the heart of the global automotive and high-tech industries, Oakland University’s Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department works closely with major employers throughout Southeast Michigan who regard our mechanical engineering program as a key partner in workforce development, providing you with unique training opportunities for jobs in mechanical engineering. You’ll learn in the classroom, in world-class laboratories on campus, and in professional workplace settings, acquiring advanced technical skills and extensive real-world experience. Our mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, giving you a rigorous academic foundation to support graduate studies in a number of fields or immediate employment in a mechanical engineering job.

The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree, which provides a comprehensive foundation in the mechanics of solids, thermodynamics, fluid and thermal energy, materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, electrical circuits, computer programming and software applications. The program begins with foundational courses in calculus, physics and chemistry, then five introductory courses in engineering, electromechanical systems and computer science through the engineering core curriculum. After completing nine professional courses, students then select courses from a variety of professional electives and complete their senior multidisciplinary capstone design course. Students wishing to broaden their knowledge in a specific area may elect to pursue one of our optional specializations in Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing, and Energy. Students interested in research may also choose to earn “Directed Research” credits that count towards their professional electives requirements by working on a research project with a faculty member.

The ME Department offers the following undergraduate degrees and minors:

• B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering, Combined B.S.E./M.S.
• Sustainability Engineering Minor
• Mechanical Engineering Minor
• B.S. in Engineering Chemistry (in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry)

B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering with Specialization or Concentration:

• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E., Specialization in Automotive Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E., Specialization in Energy
• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E., Specialization in Manufacturing
• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.E., Concentration in Electrified Propulsion

The Mechanical Engineering Department offers Master of Science and Ph.D. graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Whether you’re a full-time graduate student or a working mechanical engineer seeking a professional edge, our mechanical engineering masters and Ph.D. programs equip you for advanced positions in research, manufacturing, leadership and product development. Oakland University houses one-of-a-kind mechanical engineering research centers and maintains close partnerships with automotive manufacturers, energy companies and other Industry 4.0 leaders. With ever-evolving graduate course offerings designed to keep up with advancements in technology, graduate students can develop expertise related to electrified powertrain systems, batteries, machine learning, internal combustion engines, advanced manufacturing, controls, NVH, optical methods, materials, tribology, numerical simulations, and many other areas.

The Master of Science in mechanical engineering degree program is designed to prepare students for advanced engineering-related careers in industry as well as for further graduate study. Admission is open to students with a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. A degree in other fields of engineering, science and mathematics may be considered as a basis for admission, but remedial coursework may be required to overcome deficiencies.

The ME Department offers the following M.S. degrees:

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science in Energy Engineering 

The ME Department also participates in the Master of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering program.

The Ph.D. program in mechanical engineering is for students who plan careers in industrial or governmental research and development laboratories or problem-oriented agencies, as well as in the academic field. Students can begin their doctoral studies on a part-time basis if necessary, availing themselves of late afternoon or evening courses while working full time in local industry. However, later phases of study and research will require full-time devotion to the program.

The ME Department offers the following doctoral degrees:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

The department also participates in the school-wide Ph.D. in Systems Engineering program.

Our mechanical engineering programs provide many opportunities for students to enhance and enrich their experience.

Exceptional Internships: Mechanical engineering students at Oakland routinely gain workplace experience with the Big Three automakers and global leaders in energy, defense, biomedical and other industries. More than 90 percent of our mechanical engineering majors complete at least one internship, building professional contacts that often lead directly to job offers.

CAREER AND LIFE DESIGN CENTER

Industry Partners: Oakland operates two unique mechanical engineering programs with industry partners. The CLIC-form program focuses on sheet metal forming technology, giving you specialized preparation for mechanical engineering jobs in manufacturing environments. The PowerTrain Readiness Engineering Program (PREP) includes summer internships at Stellantis and part-time work during the school year, with partial tuition reimbursement for select students.

Hands-on Training: Our mechanical engineering degree is built around applied coursework that involves real-world mechanical engineering challenges. You’ll develop superior lab skills and become proficient in computer simulation, while collaborating on design projects with students in other engineering degree programs via sophomore capstone projects and senior design projects.

Research Experience: Students in the department of mechanical engineering have the opportunity to gain research experience by working with faculty and graduate students in our world-class research laboratories. Whether through participation in a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program or by earning “Directed Research” credits for working on a research project with a faculty member, students interested in working at the forefront of research and technological developments, have opportunities to do so.

Student Organizations: Students in the department of mechanical engineering actively participate in national student organizations, such as OU student chapters of the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), as well as professional organizations such as ASME and ECS.

The Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering Option Advisory Board assists the department in enhancing its educational and research programs and ensuring their relevance to current and emerging technological needs.