About the Program
The BS program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) at Purdue University is an ABET-accredited engineering degree that prepares students to become innovators and leaders in the design, analysis, manufacturing, and operation of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers apply key principles from mathematics, physics, and materials science to solve complex engineering problems and create technologies that improve lives.
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines. Purdue’s program emphasizes both fundamental knowledge and practical skills, equipping students to design machines, devices, and systems used throughout modern society. The curriculum builds on foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles to advanced study in core mechanical engineering subjects such as Statics and Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing, and Systems Design and Control.
Students gain hands-on experience through instructional laboratories and design projects that reinforce theoretical concepts while building technical problem-solving skills.
A range of elective courses allows students to tailor their studies to interests such as energy systems, manufacturing, robotics, automotive, and aerospace applications. In senior design, teams solve open-ended, real-world engineering challenges. This course synthesizes technical knowledge and helps students develop engineering design and analysis skills, project management, communication and teamwork, and professional engineering judgment.
Mechanical Engineering students are encouraged to expand their education beyond the classroom through Internships and Co-ops with industry partners, Undergraduate Research with faculty across disciplinary areas, Study Abroad opportunities to gain global engineering perspectives, Student Organizations and Competitions (e.g., engineering clubs, and design teams). These experiences help students build professional skills, explore career paths, and make valuable industry connections.
Graduates with a BSME degree are well-equipped for technical and leadership roles in engineering fields. They go on to work across diverse sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, biomedical, robotics, and manufacturing. The solid engineering foundation enables lifelong adaptability and success in rapidly evolving industries.
Mechanical Engineering - Purdue University
Mechanical Engineering Major Change (CODO) Requirements
Critical Course
The ♦ course is considered critical.
In alignment with the Degree Map Guidance for Indiana’s Public Colleges and Universities, published by the Commission for Higher Education (pursuant to HEA 1348-2013), a Critical Course is identified as “one that a student must be able to pass to persist and succeed in a particular major. Students who want to be nurses, for example, should know that they are expected to be proficient in courses like biology in order to be successful. These would be identified by the institutions for each degree program.”
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