Mechanical engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
The machines of modern-day life
As the broadest field of engineering, mechanical engineering drives innovation in nearly every industry — from aerospace, automotive and energy to manufacturing, robotics and biotechnology. In University of Idaho’s mechanical engineering program, you’ll learn to apply math, science, programming and engineering principles. You’ll learn to design, analyze and optimize machines, energy systems and processes that address complex real-world challenges. Through our nationally recognized interdisciplinary capstone program, hands-on work, team-based design projects and extensive internship and cooperative education opportunities, you’ll gain the practical experience and professional connections needed to launch a successful career in a wide range of industries.
As a mechanical engineering student, you can also pursue specialized undergraduate certificates in areas such as aerospace, robotics and automation, sustainable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. These certificates allow you to tailor your expertise to your area of interest. Beyond the classroom, you’ll have opportunities to join student clubs, such as the Aerospace Club, which competes in the AIAA Design, Build, Fly Competition, and Vandal Motorsports, which participates in the SAE Baja competition. You can also participate in undergraduate research, collaborating with faculty on cutting-edge projects that prepare you for graduate study or careers at the forefront of innovation. Most importantly, the program equips you not only with technical knowledge but also with the ability to continually acquire new skills, adapt to emerging technologies, and solve future problems as a lifelong engineer.
Overview
Related Topics
Dream it and engineer it
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are naturally curious about how things work
- Have an aptitude for math, science, and programming
- Enjoy design and analysis
- Like to tinker and build things
- Enjoy challenging problems and finding innovative solutions
- Want broad career opportunities
Career outcomes
Current job openings
599 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Mechanical Engineers • Automotive Engineers
$106,234 - Aerospace Engineers
$153,759 - Robotics Engineers • Energy Engineers • Wind Energy Engineers • Solar Energy Systems Engineers
$121,928 - Manufacturing Engineers
$119,786 - Materials Engineers
$132,704
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial Aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that students can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
- Nationally-ranked Interdisciplinary Capstone Design Program — Emphasizing the design process and creation of thoughtfully engineered, tested and validated solutions and prototypes. Interdisciplinary teams showcase their work at our annual Engineering Design EXPO.
- Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) — Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.
- Pursue your passions and build skills that industries are looking for — Improving an ever-changing world requires the knowledge of a highly skilled engineering community. The University of Idaho College of Engineering's Professional Skills Institute develops graduates with expert technical and professional skills, preparing them to lead in a competitive workplace.
- Research and funding opportunities — Grow your confidence in a laboratory setting, gain experience with research proposal development and project management, and collaborate extensively with peers and faculty in research projects that make an impact.
- Jacobsen Scholars Program — The Richard T and Bonnie L. Jacobsen Engineering Assistantship will be awarded to support undergraduate engineering students who are engaged in research as participants of the college’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program. In honor of Professor Jacobsen’s engineering discipline, preference will be given to Mechanical Engineering students.
- Idaho National Laboratory Undergraduate Internships — Earn a nationally competitive wage during a 10 to 16-week internship at the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development. For students pursuing STEM fields.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — Mentor-directed, career-related internship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission. Sessions are held in fall, spring and summer and are open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) — Receive a $4,000 student fellowship and $1,000 stipend to work on faculty-mentored projects full-time in any field of study.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Germany) Programs — RISE Germany offers undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions.
Clubs
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- Vandal Motorsports Club (competing in the SAE Baja competition)
- Aerospace Club (competing in the AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
- Vandal Atmospheric Science Team (VAST)
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.