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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
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Mechanical Engineering

Explore Penn State Altoona's Mechanical Engineering program by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click on the "Open" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the Mechanical Engineering Program Coordinator to learn more

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is one of the largest and broadest engineering disciplines, providing the foundation for almost all other engineering majors. The expertise developed in Penn State Altoona's Mechanical Engineering program empowers graduates to work on athletic equipment, medical devices, theme park rides, electronics, engines, power plants, propulsion systems, manufacturing automation, and virtually any other system that can be created. Mechanical engineers contribute to our health, happiness, and safety and often change the way we think about the world.

Why Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineers have some of the most versatile training of any of the engineering disciplines, which touch virtually every aspect of modern life. If a system is manufactured, generates heat, needs to be protected from its environment, needs to be transported, or needs to move, there is a good chance someone with mechanical training had a part in designing it. Graduates employ concepts from foundational topics like physics, chemistry, and mathematics to study mechanical and fluid/thermal systems. Because every industry values a mechanical engineer’s problem-solving capabilities, a student pursuing such a degree will enjoy tremendous career flexibility in disciplines as varied as research, manufacturing, product and systems design and testing, health care, energy, the military, transportation, and consumer products. Education in mechanical engineering is also excellent preparation for technical management, business, law, or technical sales.

Where do mechanical engineers work?

Penn State Altoona Mechanical Engineering graduates will be educated in a diverse range of industries for large multinational companies and small local firms alike. They will be well prepared to work in virtually every industry, such as small startups of all stripes, manufacturing, automation, robotics, public works, power generation, defense, automotive, HVAC, aerospace and propulsion, heavy equipment, computer hardware, rail, ship and yacht manufacturing, commercial/residential building installation design, mining, wind/solar, and countless more. They will also be equipped to work as managers due to their broad educational background and creative problem-solving skills. In addition, our engineering graduates regularly accept positions at Fortune 500 companies such as Ingersoll Rand, Boeing, Toshiba-Westinghouse, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, Procter & Gamble, United Technologies Corporation, and Johnson & Johnson.

Mechanical Engineering

  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Entrance to Major Requirements
  • Technical Electives
  • Undergraduate Research and Opportunities
  • Scholarships and Awards
  • Mechanical Engineering Faculty
  • ABET Accreditation
  • Request Information about Mechanical Engineering

Contact Us

Grant A. Risha
Mechanical Engineering
Program Chair

Office 203
Force Advanced Technology Center
[email protected]
 

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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Rail Transportation Engineering
  • Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences & Technology
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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