Mechanical Engineering


Undergraduate Program Objectives

The Northwestern University Mechanical Engineering undergraduate curriculum is to provide a student with:

  1. A cornerstone knowledge and understanding of fundamental mathematics and physical science
  2. A set of core experiences providing fundamental background and understanding of engineering science necessary for mechanical
  3. Experience in engineering design
  4. Skill and expertise in practical tools used by practicing mechanical engineers
  5. Practical, hands-on experiences in design, manufacturing, and engineering science
  6. The opportunity to specialize within the field of mechanical engineering
  7. Experience and training in interpersonal skills, communication, and team skills
  8. Stimulation to foster an ongoing intellectual curiosity and professional development
  9. A liberal education to provide a well-rounded and multi-dimensional educational experience, particularly with regard to an understanding of the societal, ethical, and professional implications of engineering decisions
  10. The ability to think critically, formulate problems, and reason solutions with regard to mechanical engineering situations.
  11. Experience in identifying engineering problems and then applying engineering science to the formulation, analysis, interpretation, and solution of those problems.


Undergraduate Program Outcomes

Northwestern University Mechanical Engineering undergraduate must attain:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of math, engineering, and science
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
  4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  7. an ability to communicate effectively
  8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
  9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  12. knowledge of chemistry and calculus-based physics
  13. an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations
  14. a familiarity with statistics and linear algebra
  15. an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems including design and realization.