Mechanical Engineering Colleges and Universities in the United States
Higher Education Articles February 5, 2013The branch of engineering that deals with how energy is converted into motion called mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers’ tasks involve testing, designing, and manufacturing devices or systems that transform, alter, or utilize energy. Students are usually concerned about available specializations, the opportunity to conduct research, and types of degree programs offered when selecting for a mechanical engineering college or university.
Selecting a Mechanical Engineering School
Mechanical engineering is a specialization within the broader field of engineering, which has its own specialization area. Students should consider the specialties within a mechanical engineering program when selecting for a mechanical engineering school. Concentration areas for mechanical engineers include automation engineering technology and applied mechanics, energy and environment, and computational and mathematical mechanics. It is extremely critical for students to determine the degree programs that are being offered at the school when selecting a mechanical engineering university or college. Mechanical engineering credentials are usually available at the undergraduate, graduate and doctorate levels. A student with an undergraduate degree and a state license can seek entry level jobs. If the students want to pursue a postsecondary teaching job or an advanced research position, they will need an advanced degree.
Opportunities to conduct original research are usually taken into account by students especially those who seek an advanced degree. Core graduate program coursework in mechanical engineering usually includes independent research projects. A graduate involved in research work will need constant assistance from a faculty member; the quality of faculty available at a school often influences the choice of mechanical engineering degree program by a student. Student can visit a college and interact with the faculty and other students in the graduate program at the school before making their final decision on which schools to attend.
Largest Mechancial Engineering Schools Base on the Number of Student Enrollments
| University/College | Student Enrollments | Institution Type |
| Arizona State University | 67,082 | 4-year, Public |
| California State University-Long Beach | 37,891 | 4-year, Public |
| Florida International University | 38,759 | 4-year, Public |
| Florida State University | 38,682 | 4-year, Public |
| Michigan State University | 46,510 | 4-year, Public |
| Ohio State University | 53,715 | 4-year, Public |
| Pennsylvania State University | 44,406 | 4-year, Public |
| Purdue University | 41,433 | 4-year, Public |
| Texas A&M University | 48,039 | 4-year, Public |
| The University of Texas | 49,984 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Arizona | 38,057 | 4-year, Public |
| University of California – Los Angeles | 38,220 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Central Florida | 50,121 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Florida | 51,474 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Illinois | 43,246 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Michigan | 41,028 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Minnesota | 51,140 | 4-year, Public |
| University of South Florida | 46,189 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Washington | 39,675 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Wisconsin | 41,620 | 4-year, Public |
