Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
ABOUT
Have you ever wondered why it gets easier to balance a bicycle the faster you are traveling? Or why there are dimples on a golf ball? Or whether harvesting wind energy changes the environmental balance? If the answer is 'yes,' then perhaps you should consider majoring in mechanical engineering. Here, your curiosity and inventiveness will soar as you learn to look deeper into the behavior, design and production of things we use every day. With a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Clemson, you will be able to apply engineering analysis and design to matters that affect our everyday lives such as manufacturing; energy conversion and conservation; machines; materials; health; and vehicles for air, sea and land transportation. Because science and technology are ever changing, our program focuses on fundamental principles as well as modern tools. You will develop a foundation on which to embark on a path of lifelong learning as you practice mechanical engineering; earn advanced degrees; or go on to practice law, business or medicine.
FAST FACTS
- The demand for mechanical engineers is very high, and interest in our program reflects that trend.
- Our faculty members are internationally recognized in education and research.
- More than 70 percent of our students have participated in a co-op and/or internship, according to our latest senior exit survey.
- Our faculty have degrees from top institutions worldwide, significant experience in industry or national labs, and many are fellows in professional engineering societies.
- With our B.S./M.S. program, you can earn up to a semester's credit toward a graduate degree while simultaneously satisfying requirements for your undergraduate degree.
- All students planning to choose a degree in an engineering discipline will apply to Clemson as a general engineering major.
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
Freshmen who major in engineering at Clemson are initially admitted into our general engineering program, where you will learn math and science fundamentals, problem solving methods and modern analytical tools, all of which are common to all engineering disciplines. During freshman year, you will make a decision as to which discipline you will enter. Mechanical engineering has a minimum GPR requirement for admission.
Studying mechanical engineering prepares you in the basic sciences and math, thermal and fluid science, and mechanical systems. As classes progress, you will develop your analytical, design and experimental abilities, which will prepare you for the challenges and questions you will face in your career. Seniors choose from our technical electives classes, providing chances to focus on your interests or obtain a broader view of many mechanical engineering topics. Seniors also collaborate with classmates to solve a real-world problem supplied by an industry partner.
Research in our department encompasses experimental, analytical and computational work in the following areas:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Bioengineering and Biomaterials
- Design
- Dynamics and Controls
- Energy Systems
- Fluid Mechanics
- Materials and Materials Processing
- Solid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Combustion
- Transportation Vehicles and Systems
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program: Get a jump-start on your Master of Science in mechanical engineering while completing your bachelor's. In our combined-degree program you can apply up to 12 credit hours toward your graduate degree while simultaneously satisfying your technical elective requirements for your undergraduate degree.
Curriculum
Popular Minors
- Business Administration
- Mathematical Sciences
AFTER GRADUATION
Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.
WHERE OUR RECENT GRADUATES HAVE GONE
KEY
- 41-100%
- 21-40%
- 11-20%
- 0-10%
RECENT EMPLOYERS
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Design Release Engineer
Proterra
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Associate Design Engineer
Fluor Corp.
-
Commercial Leadership Program Member
GE
-
Engineer
Honda R&D Americas
-
Product Review Engineer
The Boeing Company
-
Heat Transfer Engineer
ExxonMobil
-
Product Development Engineer
3M
RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
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Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
University of Pennsylvania
-
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
Purdue University
-
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University
-
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Clemson University
-
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
University of Utah
COMMON CAREER AREAS
- Mechanical Power Generation
- Internal Combustion Engines
- Jet Engines
- Steam Power Plants
- Rockets
- Energy Utilization and Conservation
- Thermal/Fluids
- Thermodynamics
- Environmental Control
- Refrigeration
- Instrumentation and Control
- Machine Sciences
- Mechanical Design
- Manufacturing and Production
- Robotics
- Operation and Maintenance
- Production
- Sales and Marketing
- Management
- Consulting
- Research and Development
- Teaching
- Law
Used with permission from the University of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE
Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.
Christopher Porter
CECAS Undergraduate Recruitment Director
864-656-7870
cporter@clemson.edu