Mechanical engineering B.S.
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Mechanical engineering B.S.
Gain a broad engineering background while making valuable career connections in the mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree program at UAA.
Explore the mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
Mechanical engineering deals with anything that moves – from the tiniest devices to
the largest machines and systems – making it the broadest of all the engineering disciplines.
Led by dedicated faculty with real-world engineering experience, UAA’s flexible bachelor’s
degree program provides hands-on learning and professional networking opportunities
to prepare you for a successful career.
What you’ll learn in the mechanical engineering program
Depending on your interests and career goals, you can tailor a curriculum with advanced
elective courses in all of the following areas:
- Thermal fluid system design: Many jobs in Alaska relate to this specialization, which includes HVAC, pumps, heat exchangers, renewable energy and more.
- Mechanics and materials: Prepare for jobs in the oil and gas industry as you learn to design pressure vessels and piping.
- Controls: This highly interdisciplinary area includes analyzing and designing the systems that control machines as well as mechatronics and robotics.
- Manufacturing and machine design: Learn about the design and manufacture of mechanical components and machines as you prepare for jobs in Alaska and throughout the country.
Study abroad programs
Embark on a life-changing educational experience overseas. UAA’s Office of International
and Intercultural Affairs offers a variety of study abroad options that are popular
with mechanical engineering majors. Explore study abroad opportunities.
Mechanical engineering scholarships and financial aid
Get help with tuition and education expenses. UAA offers a variety of engineering
scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at UAA.
Did you know..
Of the 2016-17 graduating class, 70% of graduates who were actively looking for a job had at least one offer at the time of graduation, with a median offer of $60K per year.
What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree from UAA?
Whether you intend to start your professional career after earning your bachelor’s
degree or pursue graduate study, UAA’s mechanical engineering program will give you
the skills and experience you need to take the next step.
Mechanical engineering graduate programs
Many of UAA’s undergraduate students go on to pursue advanced study in engineering.
UAA also offers a Master of Science in mechanical engineering for students who wish
to pursue graduate study in this field.
Mechanical engineering careers
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering will open a wide range of career options
in automotive and aerospace industries, biotechnology, renewable energy and environmental
controls, manufacturing, computer and electronic hardware and more. You can also continue
on to graduate school or a professional school, such as intellectual property law
or medicine.
By the numbers..
Mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree program highlights
The Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. In this program, you'll learn inside and outside the classroom as you prepare for diverse engineering careers. These are just a few of the opportunities you can expect as a mechanical engineering major at UAA:
- Get hands-on professional experience in your field. Internships and other experiential learning opportunities offer the chance to gain real-world expertise that will set you apart in the job market. Hiring companies in the Anchorage area include BP and other leading oil and gas companies, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Alaska Department of Transportation and more.
- Conduct undergraduate research. UAA offers unique opportunities for bachelor’s degree students to collaborate with faculty on a variety of research projects that involve co-authoring publications, presenting at conferences, co-inventing patents and much more. Engineering students are also frequent recipients of undergraduate research grants that are available through the Office of Research. Learn more about research opportunities.
- Network with engineering professionals. Anchorage has a large population of technical professionals and a number of very active national professional engineering chapters, most of which have student chapters on campus. Chapter events provide numerous professional development opportunities and the chance to interact with local professionals. Major annual events include Women in Engineering Night (an on-campus dinner and networking event that takes place each fall) and Engineers Week (E Week) held each February.
- Work closely with top faculty. UAA faculty are experienced engineers, acclaimed researchers and dedicated advisors who are committed to helping students succeed. A high faculty-to-student ratio also means more personal attention and direct involvement.
- Use cutting-edge facilities and equipment. This includes getting hands-on experience. Work as technicians in UAA’s College of Engineering Prototyping Lab – a state-of-the-art manufacturing lab with rapid prototyping through three dimensional printers and computer numerical control (CNC) machining.
In the land of higher education, Peter Renner hit the jackpot. The National Science Foundation will support this UAA senior through graduate school, all the way to a doctorate if he chooses.
Martin Henke and Dr. Getu Hailu are working together to determine a simple and efficient way of keeping the batteries cool.
Mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree program curriculum
In the first half of the mechanical engineering program, you’ll be introduced to the principles of mathematics, chemistry and physics. Next, you’ll get to apply these sciences in an engineering context. The final year includes more advanced courses that are focused on mechanical engineering analysis and design. The program covers topics such as machine design and thermal systems, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R)Top classes for mechanical engineering majors
- Solid Modeling for Engineers: This course introduces you to engineering design through the software tool SolidWorks. At the culmination of the class, you will get to design and fabricate a small project using the 3D printers in the Rapid Prototyping Lab.
- Design of Mechanical Engineering Systems: In this required capstone, you’ll work in small groups to tackle a real-world engineering design problem. Student groups develop and investigate multiple engineering solutions to their given problem, build a prototype of their best solution and analyze the performance of that prototype with the guidance of a faculty advisor.
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