Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Admissions & Aid Shiley School of Engineering
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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

What Will I Learn in the Mechanical Engineering Major?

Mechanical engineering lies at the heart of nearly everything that is manufactured—from renewable energy systems to medical devices, robotics, and aerospace technology. The bachelor of science in mechanical engineering (BSME) degree program at University of Portland (UP) prepares you to design, build, and optimize the machines and systems that power our world.

Mechanical engineers work across sectors in private industry, government, health care, and nonprofit organizations. They are involved in all aspects of product development, starting with conceptualization all the way to design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing. In short, for most everyday machinery and equipment, a mechanical engineer likely played a role in its creation.

As a mechanical engineering major, you can enhance your coursework with hands-on projects in our modern facilities, and through career-building internships, active student organizations, entrepreneurial initiatives, and study abroad experiences. All the while, you’ll benefit from the expertise of UP’s distinguished faculty and their unwavering dedication to your growth and success as an engineer working to make an impact in service to humanity. And with access to the new, state-of-the-art Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation, you’ll have the chance to put your learning into action from day one.

Mechanical Engineering Courses

The ABET-accredited bachelor’s in mechanical engineering program begins with fundamental courses in mathematics, science, and engineering theory. Upper-level major-specific coursework covers subjects like electrical circuits, engineering graphics, dynamic systems, stress visualization, heat and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics.

From there, advisors assist you in selecting professional electives to help you discover your preferred career specialization, offering you both technical depth and breadth in modern topics. The BSME program culminates in a capstone project that features a design experience that draws upon knowledge acquired throughout the curriculum to develop forward-thinking solutions to pressing engineering problems across a range of industries.

Collectively, your coursework and experiential learning ensure you are building industry-aligned skills and have exposure to leading technologies in the mechanical engineering field.

Degree Requirements

University Core

University of Portland’s 40-credit Core Curriculum is a series of liberal arts courses designed to develop principled, globally minded leaders. The Core coursework emphasizes cross-disciplinary engagement, ethical reflection, and critical thinking—challenging you to deeply contemplate the impact of your work.

The Core

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More than a Degree

Discover a mechanical engineering bachelor's degree program that sets new standards—where rigorous academics meet hands-on experience in an environment dedicated to launching tomorrow's engineering leaders.

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Engineering Internships

UP’s Multiple Engineering Co-op Program (MECOP) and Civil Engineering Co-op Program (CECOP) provide the opportunity for you to graduate with a year of industry experience. The programs connect you to two six-month paid internships with leading regional employers from our 150+ partner organizations, including Boeing, Flex Force Enterprises, and McKinstry. A dedicated mentor guides you through the program, ensuring you make the most of your hands-on learning and professional development.

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Undergraduate Research

Deepen your engineering expertise and push the boundaries of the industry’s knowledge through undergraduate research opportunities at UP. By working one-on-one with faculty advisors, you can earn elective credit while exploring cutting-edge topics in UP’s state-of-the-art Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation.

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Holy Cross Tradition

At UP, our Holy Cross identity and values infuse a deeper purpose into our mechanical engineering degree program. While mastering technical skills, you'll also be inspired to create engineering solutions that thoughtfully address societal needs, environmental challenges, and economic realities.

The UP Difference

Discover the distinctive student experience at University of Portland.

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Engineering Program in Oregon, Money Magazine

Average Engineering Class Size

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Engineering Students Co-Authored Publications with Faculty

Mechanical Engineering Student Spotlight

“My drone research with Dr. Ivler opened up a lot of opportunities and taught me so much. It was incredibly important to see such an accomplished woman in my field. Her success gave me the confidence to take risks and pursue what I want to do. Every professor I had at UP helped me grow as an engineer, encouraged me to chase my passions, and be myself. And every experience I’ve had leading to my current role has helped me become a better engineer, even if it wasn’t directly related to the technical work I’m doing now. The soft skills I’ve learned along the way have sometimes proven to be more valuable than technical skills.”

Kate Russell ’22, Propulsion Engineer at Blue Origin

Careers and Outcomes

The mechanical engineering major emphasizes individual support, collaboration, refined communication skills, and hands-on laboratory and project work, all of which shape you into a well-rounded engineer prepared for graduate school or the workforce.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

BSME graduates are among the most sought-after engineering professionals. With excellent career prospects and competitive starting salaries across a range of industries, such as biomedical, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace, graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Aircraft Engineer
  • CAD Technician
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Marine Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Product Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Robotics Engineer

Graduate Studies

The bachelor of science in mechanical engineering degree program is also an excellent launch pad for graduate studies in business administration (MBA) to pursue engineering consulting careers or legal programs that focus on patent law.

Alumni Employers

UP’s mechanical engineering alumni enjoy success at prominent companies and organizations such as:

  • Ampere
  • Boeing
  • Hyster-Yale
  • IDEX Optical Technologies
  • Jacobs Solutions Inc.
  • McKinstry
  • Nike
  • Stellar J

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Design Solutions That Impact Everyday Life

Mechanical engineers are the architects of progress across nearly every sector, developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance industries and improve lives. Apply now to UP’s bachelor of science in mechanical engineering degree program to use your passion for problem-solving for societal good.

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