Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor’s Degree
Preparing Students Today to Meet the Challenges of Tomorrow
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at Colorado School of Mines educates students in engineering physics, mathematics and materials science principles, preparing them to design, analyze, manufacture and maintain systems that incorporate motion, energy and force. In the middle years, the Mechanical Engineering curriculum offers a four-course project-based design sequence for learning engineering tools, such as MATLAB and SolidWorks, providing opportunities to solve problems in a hands-on environment.
In their junior and senior years, students tackle an advanced mechanical engineering core. This includes:
- Fluid mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Heat transfer
- Numerical methods
- Control systems
- Machine design
- Computer-aided engineering
- Manufacturing processes
Embedded throughout the program are professional and technical skills such as working in teams, engineering design, technical communication and programming.
Learn more about our innovative program here: Mechanical Engineering website
Experiential major menus
Uniquely tailored to your undergraduate major of choice, these menus offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities that complement and enrich the traditional classroom experience.
Explore the extra-curricular activities that complement your degree.
Mechanical Engineering at a glance
Hands-on undergraduate research opportunities
$10.5 million awarded research in 2022
#2 in ROI for low-income students
76% of undergraduates with completed internships
The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a design-oriented undergraduate program that emphasizes fundamental engineering principles. Students receive a strong foundation in mechanical engineering disciplines and a working knowledge of modern engineering tools. Many courses are augmented through hands-on and project-based experiences. Successful graduates are well-prepared for a mechanical engineering career in a world of rapid technological change.
Mechanical Engineering Curriculum
Areas of Special Interest
- Mechanical Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace Engineering
Available Minors
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing
Specialized tracks within our program include:
- Aerospace
- Automation and Controls
- Automotive
- Biomechanics
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Materials
- Nuclear Energy
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Robert Braun
Dr. Robert Braun serves as a distinguished professor in Mechanical Engineering at Mines and as the director of the Mines/NREL Advanced Energy Systems program. Earning his PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002, Dr. Braun has extensive academic experience in addition to working as a project leader for United Technologies Fuel Cell and Research Center.
With a multidisciplinary background in both chemical and mechanical engineering, Dr. Braun’s research interests include energy systems modeling and analysis and techno-economic optimization.
Making Mines more affordable
Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
Why study mechanical engineering at Mines?
As one of the nation’s top engineering and applied science colleges, Mines is a top choice for students who want to pursue a mechanical engineering degree. With a renowned mechanical engineering faculty, industry partnerships, and access to campus labs and research facilities, it’s no wonder why Mines is a premier choice for mechanical engineering students.
Why do so many students choose Mines?
- Numerous industry partnerships, including Lockheed Martin, Kiewit, Raytheon, Ball and more
- Project-based learning in a hands-on environment
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Various minors and specific areas of interest, including aerospace, additive manufacturing, robotics and intelligent systems and space and planetary science and engineering
Sean Moncur
After I visited Mines and talked to connections in the industry, I learned Mines carries a huge reputation in the technical world. They also really help you through events like the career fair to find internships and jobs. Mines also has an amazing community that you can feel every time you are on campus.
Sean Moncur
Mechanical Engineering Student
Career Outcomes
Our undergraduate program at Mines provides students with the foundational knowledge, hands-on training and inspiration to thrive in the world of mechanical engineering. With an eye to the future, we prepare our students for their future career paths by focusing on hands-on learning and lab work addressing contemporary, real-world problems. Through a balance of developing core knowledge and providing hands-on research opportunities, Mines provides our students with the skills they’ll need to truly stand out after graduation.
With a degree in mechanical engineering, students may continue to graduate school or enter the professional field. Common careers for mechanical engineering students include:
- Automation and Robotics
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Construction and HVAC
- Controls and Instrumentation
- Defense
- Design
- Electromechanical
- Mechanical
- Manufacturing
- Patent law
- Petroleum
- Pharmecutical and Medical device
- Power Generation and Sustainable Energy
- Project Managment
- Structural
And more. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Mines, you’ll have the skillset, experience, and critical thinking skills to thrive in your next step—wherever your path might take you.