Mechanical engineering is a robust and multifaceted field dedicated to applying principles from physics, mathematics, and material science in the design, analysis, and manufacture of mechanical systems. As one of the oldest and most comprehensive engineering disciplines, it spans numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, and energy. At Florida Polytechnic University, we equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a thriving career through a curriculum that blends theoretical insights with hands-on experience.
About 19,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $102,320 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $161,240.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering through broad educational experience. The program offers concentrations in Aerospace, Energy, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Automotive, Operations Research, Simulations, and Advanced Topics. The program seeks to inoculate an understanding of the fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied research opportunities.
Students can design their own four-course concentration within the major based on their personal academic and professional pursuits. This unique combination of courses works in concert with other co- and extra-curricular activities, including research experiences, internships, and a wide variety of opportunities in our student organizations. Advanced Topics offers the student the flexibility in curriculum choices to grow with their changing interests as they look forward to graduation, graduate school, and their professional endeavors.
Aerospace focuses on industries in which engineers design or build aircraft, missiles, and systems for national defense, or spacecraft. Complementing your general mechanical engineering principles, you study subjects such as propulsion, stability and control, structures, mechanics, and aerodynamics, which is the study of how air interacts with moving objects. As you look forward, this provides you with additional courses to pursue career options at aerospace companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Draken, etc., and may spark an interest in undergraduate research and advanced study in graduate school
Students engage in in-depth study of automotive engineering principles, focusing on vehicle design, propulsion systems, and advanced technologies. They gain hands-on experience through projects, learning to optimize vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.
Energy in engineering is the study and application of thermal, electrical, and kinetic energy in the design and operation of mechanical systems. Energy-related projects undertaken by engineering students include the design of energy-efficient structures, the development of renewable energy systems such as wind and solar power, and the improvement of the energy efficiency of industrial equipment and machinery.
The field of materials and advanced manufacturing focuses on engineering composite materials with unique capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and versatility. The design of new smart materials and systems has major implications for the defense, aerospace, energy, and semiconductor industries. This concentration will give you a strong foundation in the fabrication, characterization, modeling, and prototyping of such materials.
Operations research focuses on modeling and solving operation efficiency challenges, and predicting and demonstrating value-added gains like cost savings. Professionals with expertise in this field are often found in environments with complex operations like ports and shipyards, where they are responsible for managing and improving traffic flow. If you like solving workflow problems and designing efficient systems, then this is the concentration for you.
Through focused coursework, students delve into robotics principles, learning about sensors, actuators, control systems, and artificial intelligence. They gain hands-on experience by designing and programming robotic prototypes, honing their skills in solving real-world challenges. The curriculum covers areas like robot kinematics, computer vision, and human-robot interaction.
Simulation in mechanical engineering is the modeling and analysis of the behavior of mechanical systems using computer software. Students of mechanical engineering focus on simulation-related challenges by studying simulation concepts and using software to develop and analyze models of mechanical systems.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering through broad educational experiences. The program offers concentrations in Aerospace, Energy, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Automotive, Operations Research, Simulations, and Advanced Topics. The program seeks to enhance the understanding of the fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied research opportunities. Underlying the program is a recognition that the impact of technology upon the quality of life is increasing and that the proper application of technology is critical to meeting current, emerging needs of both industry and society.
Graduates are expected to be known for their accomplishments within a few years of graduation and they should demonstrate:
The PEOs can be found in our Program Catalog online, on the Department Page, and on the university’s ABET Accreditation Page.
Upon completion of the mechanical engineering degree program, students will attain the following outcomes to be ready to enter professional practice of engineering.
June 30, 2024
Meet the Faculty
Department Chair & Professor of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. Acting Chair Environmental and Civil Engineering 
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Professor - Mechanical Engineering 
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Associate Professor 
Manoj Prabakar Sargunaraj
Visiting Assistant Professor 
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Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual 5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get involved.
Mechanical Engineering in the News
