B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering at York College of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive and versatile program that is considered the broadest of all engineering disciplines. It spans nearly every sector of the economy, including energy systems, advanced materials, biomedical devices, environmental products, manufacturing, automation, and solutions to complex societal challenges. This hands-on major is designed to produce career-ready graduates who are highly sought after by top companies. The program places a strong emphasis on practical experience and the art of engineering design, providing both breadth and depth through required major courses and elective options. Graduates are prepared for a wide array of career options, from applied and design engineering in industry to research, consulting, and graduate studies.

STEM-Designated: Yes, the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania is a STEM-designated field. This classification is a testament to its rigorous foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For international students, this designation can be particularly beneficial as it may qualify them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension in the United States.

ABET-Accredited: The Mechanical Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). ABET accreditation is a highly respected global standard that assures programs meet the quality standards essential to prepare graduates for professional practice in engineering. This accreditation is crucial for career recognition, professional licensure, and often serves as a benchmark for employers seeking qualified engineers.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Mechanical Engineering requires a minimum of 124 credits and is structured to provide a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students begin with foundational courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics (including calculus and differential equations), and computational methods in engineering. The core mechanical engineering courses delve into areas such as statics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, dynamics and vibration, machine design, heat transfer, thermal system design, and finite element analysis. A distinguishing feature is the mandatory two-semester (four-credit) cooperative work experience (co-op), which integrates full-time, paid professional engineering experience into the academic program. The curriculum culminates in a two-semester senior capstone design project, allowing students to apply their accumulated knowledge to complex, real-world engineering challenges.

Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Mechanical Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania is largely applied and hands-on, emphasizing experiential learning over abstract theoretical research. Students are actively involved in design-based activities from their first year through extensive laboratory work and challenging senior capstone projects. The program provides opportunities for students to partner with faculty members on practical research projects, which can lead to presentations or publications at conferences. Past student projects have involved designing and building swarm robotics, medical devices, and automated systems. Facilities like the Kinsley Engineering Center, with its specialized labs for automation, materials science, thermodynamics, fluids, and heat transfer, empower students to work firsthand with professional equipment and conduct applied "research" in real-world scenarios.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the Mechanical Engineering program, significantly bolstered by its distinctive two-semester (four-credit) co-op work experience. This full-time, paid professional experience is integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to gain invaluable real-world exposure and build a strong resume with top employers both locally and nationally, including companies like Tesla, Volvo, Harley-Davidson, and Amazon. The college actively fosters connections with industry through its faculty, who often have extensive professional experience, and through mechanisms like the Engineering Industry Advisory Council. This robust engagement ensures graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions, possess concrete technical skills, and have established professional networks even before graduation.

Global Perspective: The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing a field with universal applications and impacts across diverse industries worldwide. Mechanical engineers often work on solutions that address global challenges in energy, manufacturing, and sustainable development. The curriculum's emphasis on broad engineering principles, problem-solving, and design thinking prepares graduates to contribute to projects with international implications. Furthermore, the program offers a unique opportunity for students to waive one co-op semester if they successfully complete a semester-long study abroad experience, directly encouraging global immersion and broadening their understanding of international engineering practices and diverse cultural contexts.