Mechanical Engineering
General Information Mechanical Engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers draw upon mathematics and science to design machines, systems, and processes of all types in every industrial sector including energy, consumer products, transportation, and industrial manufacturing. In addition, mechanical engineers are involved in selecting the materials for, and ensuring structural integrity of almost every manufactured product - from the lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloy skin of a jumbo jet to the impact-energy absorbing material of a running shoe.
If you like to improvise and invent, like to build things, are interested in computers, and have a curiosity toward machines and mechanical devices - large or small - then you should consider the Mechanical Engineering Program at York College. Here, you'll participate in a rigorous program of study in science, mathematics, and engineering, as well as the humanities and social sciences, to prepare for a quality lifelong career.
Please click here for more detailed information about the Mechanical Engineering major on our Engineering Website.
Accreditation
The Mechanical Engineering Program at York College is fully accredited under the most current criteria (EC2000) by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET).
Engineering Cooperative Work Experience (CO-OP)
A unique aspect of York's engineering program is cooperative education. After the first two years of study, you will alternate your academic semesters with paid, professional engineering work experience in industry. In addition to helping you prepare for more sophisticated academic work, this experience will give you:
- an edge in the job market
- a salary to help pay tuition costs
- opportunities to explore your own career interests
- a better understanding of engineering as a profession
York's Partnership With Industry
The Mechanical Engineering Program at York College enjoys a close and active involvement with local industry. An Engineering Industry Advisory Council (EIAC) helps to support and implement the BSME program at York College. Part of the Council Charter is to provide co-op opportunities for York's engineering students. Members of the EIAC include:
- Adhesives Research
- American Hydro
- Army Research Laboratory
- BAE Systems
- Black & Decker/DeWalt
- Cooper Tools/Campbell Operations
- Donsco, Inc.
- Engineering Society of York
- FCI Electronics
- Harley-Davidson
- KBA North America-Web Press
- Kinsley Construction Co.
- LWB Refractories
- McLaughlin Engineering & Management Consulting
- Metso Minerals Industries, Inc.
- New Standard Corporation
- Pall Corporation
- Topflight Corporation
- Tyco Industries
- Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, Inc.
- Weldon Solutions, Inc.
- York, A Johnson Controls Company
- The York Water Company
B.S. Degree In Mechanical Engineering (Suggested Course Sequence)
1st Year
Fall Term
- Calculus I
- General Chemistry & Lab
- English Composition
- Information Literacy
- EPADS I *
- ADR **
Spring Term
- Calculus II
- Physics & Lab (Mechanics)
- Writing About Literature
- Human Communication
- EPADS II
- Physical Education
Summer Term
- Summer Break
2nd Year
Fall Term
- Differential Equations
- Statics
- Physics & Lab (E&M)
- Computer Applications for Engineers
- ADR
Spring Term
- Engineering Analysis
- Thermodynamics
- Strength of Materials & Lab
- Electrical Circuits & Lab
- Eng. Career Seminar
- Physical Education
Summer Term
- CO-OP I
3rd Year
Fall Term
- Fluid Mechanics & Lab
- Dynamics & Vibration
- Mechatronics
- ADR
- ADR
Spring Term
- CO-OP II
Summer Term
- Machine Design
- Materials Science & Lab
- Statistical Design & Process Control
- Engineering Elective
4th Year (34)
Fall Term
- CO-OP III
Spring Term
- Senior Design I
- Heat Transfer
- Thermal System Design
- Computer Control of Machines & Processes
- ADR
- ADR
Summer Term
- Senior Design II
- Engineering Elective
- Engineering Elective
- ADR
- ADR
*Engineering Practice and Design Studio (EPADS)
**Area Distribution Requirement refers to the York College general education requirement, which includes four non-technical areas of study: Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, American/Western Civilization and American Government, and International Studies and Foreign Language.
Personal Academic Advising
As a student of mechanical engineering at York College, you will be assigned an engineering faculty advisor who will personally assist and help guide you through course selection and scheduling, career decisions, including co-op employment options, and many other facets of college life.
Professional Activities
As an engineering student at York College, you will want to participate in either or both student chapters of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Society-sponsored design-and-build competitions, dinner meetings, tours, and field trips all provide exciting opportunities for visiting and networking with practicing engineers and fellow students from other schools.
What You'll Study
Your courses in mechanical engineering will focus on six major areas:
- Solid Body Mechanics and Materials
- Engineering Systems
- Thermo/Fluid Sciences
- Real-World Team Design Projects
- Mechatronics
- Nontechnical Engineering Issues
EPADS (Engineering Practice and Design Studio)
As an entering freshman engineering student at York College, your program of study will include a unique first-year, two-course sequence intended to provide you with a set of basic engineering skills as well as knowledge and understanding of what engineers do and "how they think." As a member of an engineering team, you will work on an engineering design project with real deliverables, learn how to communicate within and beyond your group, and learn about the real-world of manufacturing and design.
Facilities and Equipment
Enjoy modern state-of-the-art engineering laboratory equipment, computers, and design facilities including:
- upgraded physics laboratory in electricity and magnetism
- "mechatronics" laboratory in the area of digital electronics
- engineering systems, controls, and robotics laboratory microprocessors, and motion control
- electrical measurement and signal processing laboratory
- materials science and engineering laboratory
- solid body mechanics laboratory
- machine shop and welding lab
- thermodynamics and fluid mechanics laboratory
- design projects laboratory
- CAD lab
- enhanced library holdings of books and periodicals
Admissions Requirements
Evaluation Criteria
- academic performance including high school rank and quality of courses taken
- SAT or ACT scores
- high school recommendations
- personal qualities and extracurricular record
High School Preparation
- three years of laboratory science (physics strongly recommended)
- four years of mathematics normally covering elementary and intermediate algebra, plane geometry, trigonometry, and calculus
- four years of English
- on-site visits with the faculty are recommended; contact the Admissions Office to make arrangements
Affordable Costs
According to U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges, the average tuition at the 13 colleges in Pennsylvania offering engineering programs is nearly double that at York College. Also, with York's mandatory co-op feature, engineering students can pay a significant portion of their study with money earned on the job.
Career Opportunities
As an engineering graduate of York College, you'll have a variety of career options:
- Advanced Manufacturing Facilities
- Automation Controls and Instrumentation Design, Equipment Design, and Production
- Energy Production, Utilization, and Management
- Engineering Systems Analysis and Synthesis
- Graduate Study in Engineering, Business, Law, or Medicine
- Materials Characterization and Engineering
- Product Research and Development
Financial Assistance Available!
Many incoming freshmen who are fully admitted to the Mechanical Engineering program receive a one-third tuition Dean's academic scholarship which is renewable for four years. A variety of other academic achievement scholarships and need-based awards are available. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information @ 717.849.1682
