Mechanical Engineering

See your ideas come to life through hands-on engineering projects and internships, from day one.

Students in York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering degree program learn by doing, starting their first year. Mechanical Engineering majors gain fantastic real-world experience and even income through a three-semester co-op program with top employers locally and nationally.

Our Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree, accredited by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission, guides students seeking entry-level mechanical engineering careers and provides a path to advance to higher positions or further education in a range of engineering disciplines.

Recent graduates of the Mechanical Engineering degree program have created new automotive machines, drones, and automation systems to help address real-world issues. Learn more about YCP’s career-enhancing Mechanical Engineering research and project experiences.

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$A student leans across a desktop in the engineering lab, wearing safety goggles as she measures a small piece of wooden scaffolding.$

About the BS in Mechanical Engineering

Key Courses
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Course Requirements

Virtually every course you take in the BS in Mechanical Engineering program involves projects or lab experiences. Core courses focus on learning the art of engineering design and the physical and digital tools engineers use to bring them to fruition. Requirements also include general education courses building soft skills like critical thinking.

Mechanical Engineering major courses include:
- EGR 240: Mathematical Methods in Engineering
- EGR 264: Strength of Materials
- EGR 342: System Modeling and Analysis
- EGR 360: Fluid Mechanics
- ME 361: Thermo/Fluids Experiments
- ME 390: Machine Design
The ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program at York College of Pennsylvania encourages students to complete multiple applied work experiences. Mechanical Engineering majors gain on-the-job training amounting to one year of engineering experience and can take advantage of opportunities to complete self-driven or collaborative design and research projects.

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at York College of Pennsylvania

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program at York College provides the hands-on work experience needed for success in the engineering profession and sets the stage for career advancement.

Ready to get started on your degree and three semesters of an engineering co-op? Review admissions information and request further information.

Apply to the Mechanical Engineering major program today.
Career Opportunities & Benefits
Mechanical Engineering Career Preparation

York College Mechanical Engineering majors graduate ready for a range of entry-level positions in industry, business, and government. Broad training in the design of mechanical systems applied through real-world experiences has prepared our graduates for opportunities with top employers, including American Hydro, Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, RMF Engineering, Teleflex, and United Technologies.

Career options to pursue after majoring in Mechanical Engineering include:
- Advanced Manufacturing Facilities
- Automation Controls and Instrumentation Design
- Equipment Design and Production
- Energy Production
- Forensic Engineering
- Materials Characterization and Engineering
- Product Research and Development
- Process Engineering
- Polymer Engineering
Mechanical engineers are in demand in many industries: hydropower, medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and more.

Graduate and Professional Study Readiness

Graduates of the BS in Mechanical Engineering degree become prepared to apply to further training and graduate programs by their research and design experience. Engineers who enter the workforce with a bachelor’s may want to acquire specialized knowledge or experience in the form of graduate programs to open opportunities for advanced engineering careers or academic research roles.

The scientific foundation of a mechanical engineering major program can also be used to prelude graduate studies in business, law, medicine, and other fields. Find your path in an interdisciplinary area like bioengineering, bring insight into patent or intellectual property law careers, and be ready for many other pathways.

Mechanical Engineering Degree Salary

Bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering open opportunities for entry-level roles with high starting salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineers make a median annual salary of $95,300.

Additional work experience can lead to more specialized roles and prepare you to apply for professional or state licensure. Licensure requirements typically include around four years of experience. Salaries can also be elevated for engineers in demanding industries such as energy.

Mechanical engineers with bachelor’s degrees can take an initial exam to become engineers-in-training. Gaining the additional years of on-the-job experience needed to apply for your Professional Engineering (PE) licensure or state license allows you to enhance your advancement opportunities or start to work more independently, adding to your salary potential.

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Internships & Work Experience

Co-Op Work Experience

Our unique engineering co-op experience requirement allows you to graduate with one year’s experience in a real work environment. After your first two years in the BS in Mechanical Engineering program, you’ll alternate each academic semester with a semester-long period of employment under the supervision of top employers in Pennsylvania and beyond.

These co-op positions are often paid, offering an opportunity to earn a paycheck while gaining degree credit. Demonstrate real on-the-job engineering experience to your future employers and gain a deeper understanding of the profession.

If you have previous engineering experience, you may be qualified to waive up to two of the three co-op semesters.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering co-op work program at York College.

Research and Project Opportunities

Mechanical Engineering majors may get the opportunity to dive into a specific research question through independent study courses. In your major courses, you’ll build, test, and apply design principles in hands-on experiences.

In a final design capstone, students may combine their research with applied engineering skills to create a prototype device or system as a solution to a customer’s problem. Similar to independent study projects, the final design capstone is supervised by a faculty advisor and combines your technical skills with your theoretical knowledge.

Previous students in the BS in Mechanical Engineering program have created automated greenhouse and bike rental systems, designed race cars and drones, and developed workplace technologies.

Learn more about projects completed by York College Mechanical Engineering students.
Mentorship & Community
Collaborative Engineering Facilities

The multiple spaces that make up our on-campus engineering facilities were designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in subfields of the discipline. Explore the Kinsley Engineering Center, or visit the weld shop and wood shop. In computer labs, students use specialized systems for automation and robotics, power systems and energy conversion, materials engineering, embedded systems, thermodynamics, and more.

Learn more about the technology you’ll use starting in your first year:
Learn From Expert Faculty

The Engineering faculty at York College of Pennsylvania have extensive professional and academic experience in exciting fields. As you undertake research and capstone projects, faculty members will be supporting you the entire way.

Bringing their expertise to the classroom and independent study partnerships, instructors assist you in familiarizing yourself with state-of-the-art technology in labs and act as collaborative partners in your chosen research pursuits.

Student Support and Resources

York College’s various academic and career services are rich resources available to you throughout your journey as a Mechanical Engineering major. From facilitating network connections through the Center for Community Engagement to post-graduation job search assistance from the Career Development Center, we’re here to help.

Explore YCP’s student development services, health services, and campus life.

Engineering Clubs and Organizations

In addition to working with expert faculty, students in the BS in Mechanical Engineering degree program connect with peers and professionals with the help of student clubs and organizations. You could join YCP’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or participate in the exciting initiatives of the Women in Science and Engineering club.

View YCP’s clubs and organizations.

Meet the Faculty
High-Demand Skills
Specialized Skills for Engineering Careers

Graduates of York College’s bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering degree program will have distinct skills attractive to future employers. They can:
- Employ engineering and advanced science and mathematics skills to identify and solve complex problems
- Consider public health and safety and the impacts of social, environmental, and economic, factors when making informed decisions
- Flexibly integrate new knowledge with an attitude of continued learning
- Intelligently apply computer software for modeling and design
- Communicate effectively with a range of scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Develop and conduct experiments and interpret data
Great Minors for Mechanical Engineering Majors

Pair your Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor that highlights your diverse interests and marketable skills. Our minor degree offerings include:
View All Majors and Minors
Accreditation & Professional Recognition

ABET-Accredited Mechanical Engineering Program

The Mechanical Engineering B.S. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do mechanical engineers do?

Depending on whether a mechanical engineer works in HVAC, aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, robotics, or another field, they will have different daily tasks and responsibilities. In general, mechanical engineers spend time analyzing problems and designing mechanical systems or devices to solve them. Each day, a mechanical engineer might use computer systems, build and test prototypes, or be involved in the manufacturing process.

Your work location may vary, too. Mechanical engineers often work in office settings and may even be able to work from home some days, but mechanical engineers also may be called to the field (such as a worksite or factory) to troubleshoot issues, observe the system or design in use, or perform repairs.
How long does it take to get a mechanical engineering degree?

Full-time students can earn their bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in four years, allowing them to enter the workforce or pursue further education or training. Up to four additional years of work experience is typically required to move beyond entry-level positions and earn licensure as a Professional Engineer.
Are mechanical engineers in demand?

The versatile design knowledge and technological skills you learn in the BS in Mechanical Engineering program apply to a broad range of engineering fields. Some of the most in-demand engineering careers benefit from a background in mechanical engineering, including industrial engineering, electrical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation

2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog

View the 2022-2023 Catalog

Related Programs

Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department

Stephen Kuchnicki, Ph.D.
Chair, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Department
Kinsley Engineering Center, Room 102
Phone: 717.815.1547
skuchnic@ycp.edu

Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Course Requirements

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at York College of Pennsylvania