Mechanical Engineering Banner Students Working

SCHOOL OF STEAM

Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science

Design Solutions and Build a Better World with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mechanical engineers are problem-solvers, innovators, and creators. From developing advanced technologies and sustainable energy systems to designing products that improve everyday life, mechanical engineers shape the future through practical solutions that serve humanity.  Our Mechanical Engineering, B.S. program combines rigorous engineering coursework with a distinctive Franciscan perspective that challenges students to use their talents in service to others.

Mechanical Engineering the SFU Way

  • Design from Day One: Build real engineering experience every semester by designing solutions for actual clients from concept through implementation. 
  • Get Technical: Apply engineering theory through hands-on labs using the tools, technologies, and techniques found in today's engineering workplaces.
  •  Engineering in Service: Use your engineering skills to improve lives through projects that reflect Saint Francis University's Franciscan commitment to service and the common good. 
  • Real Clients. Real Challenges: Collaborate with real clients to solve authentic engineering problems while developing teamwork, communication, and professional skills.
  • A Capstone That Launches Your Career: Complete a senior design project that showcases your technical expertise, creativity, and readiness for a career in mechanical engineering.
  • Industry Connections: Build relationships with regional industry partners through internships, networking, and experiences that prepare you for a successful career.
closeup of wired engineering project

Engineering with Purpose

At Saint Francis University, engineering is more than equations and problem sets—it’s about using your skills to serve others. From your very first semester, you’ll dive into an eight-semester design sequence that connects classroom learning with real-world impact. Whether you’re helping a child struggling to walk or aiding a meteorologist in need of data from 80,000 feet, you’ll work on meaningful projects that touch real lives—starting day one. 

Careers Launch Here

Your hands-on experience doesn’t stop there. Our students gain hands-on knowledge through internships both locally and across the country, discovering where they fit in the vast world of engineering. Want to see how they turned these experiences into career launches? Explore a few of their stories here: Engineering Majors Land Notable Internships and see how internships led to first jobs.

 

CURRICULUM & COURSES

What You’ll Learn in the Mechanical Engineering Program

 

 The Mechanical Engineering, B.S., degree represents a technical discipline that is focused on practical problem solving and the application of engineering methods to the design, manufacture, testing, analysis, and operation of new devices, structures, processes, and systems in the service of humanity. The backbone of the program is an intentionally structured, real-world design sequence woven through every semester of the curriculum. This sequence is specifically built to give students progressive, practical experience in taking projects from design to implementation for actual clients, combining theory with practice in real-world settings.


 

Build a Strong Technical Foundation

Through extensive laboratory work and hands-on projects, you'll learn to apply engineering principles using modern tools and technologies.. The Mechanical Engineering curriculum provides comprehensive preparation in the core areas of the profession, including: 

  • Engineering design and problem solving 
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) and solid modeling
  •  Statics and dynamics 
  • Materials science and mechanics of materials 
  • Thermodynamics and heat transfer 
  • Fluid mechanics 
  • Electrical engineering fundamentals 
  • Control systems 
  • Power and thermal systems 
  • Engineering experimentation and analysis 

  • Program Overview

    • On-campus bachelor's degree program 
    • Course Descriptions: Catalog - 26/27
    • 132 minimum credits
    • 4-year anticipated completion  
    • Priority enrollment deadline: May 1 

    More engineering-related  options: 

    Visit our Engineering Program Portfolio Page to see all of our engineering offerings.

  • Each student will have demonstrated the proficiency in the following outcomes upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering:

    • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
    • an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
    • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
    • an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
    • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
    • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
    • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

  • Accreditation Statement:

    Saint Francis University intends to seek ABET accreditation for the Mechanical Engineering, B.S., program as soon as the program becomes eligible. The curriculum has been intentionally designed to align with ABET accreditation criteria while preparing students with a strong foundation in engineering principles, hands-on design experiences, and real-world problem solving.

    • Dedicated Researchers; Passionate Teachers

    Our faculty members bring strong academic credentials to the classroom coupled with experience in authentic field projects and research to give you a hands-on experience that translates to real-world skills.

    Program Chair: 
    Dr. Rachel Wagner,
    rwagner@francis.edu,
    814.471.1215

    Career Outlook in General Engineering

    Mechanical engineers are in demand wherever products are designed, built, tested, and improved. From advanced manufacturing and aerospace to robotics, energy systems, medical devices, and consumer products, graduates apply engineering principles to solve real-world problems that improve lives. 

     

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, with thousands of job openings expected each year as experienced engineers retire and industries continue to innovate. Mechanical engineering also offers strong earning potential and ranks among the bachelor's degrees with the highest lifetime return on investment.

     

    By the Numbers

    • Thousands of job openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year nationwide. 
    • Median annual pay exceeds $100,000 for mechanical engineers in the U.S. 
    • Mechanical engineering is a top 10 bachelor's degree for lifetime earnings among all bachelor's degree holders.  

    Ready to take the next step?

    We’re here to help you succeed. Our enrollment team is happy to answer your questions, set up a time to meet with faculty,  and walk you through the application & financial aid processes. 

    Find your Enrollment Advisor
    Explore our team directory and the areas/regions they serve. When you're ready, connect with your enrollment advisor by phone, email, or text. 

    Meet the Team 
     

    Schedule your personal visit today and/or sign up for one of our upcoming events!

    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions About the General Engineering Major

    • Mechanical Engineering at Saint Francis University is built around doing engineering—not just studying it. From your first year through your senior capstone, you'll tackle real design challenges, work alongside faculty mentors, and apply engineering principles to projects that solve real problems. Small class sizes mean you'll know your professors, collaborate closely with classmates, and graduate with meaningful hands-on experience and a portfolio of work that sets you apart. Guided by our Franciscan values, you'll also learn to use your engineering knowledge in service to others.

    • Yes, but it's built on a strong foundation. 

       

      The Mechanical Engineering, B.S., degree grows out of Saint Francis University's established General Engineering program. For years, many students have completed the Mechanical Engineering pathway within that program. In fact, Mechanical Engineering has consistently been the most popular engineering concentration among our students. The new degree gives students a clearer, more recognizable credential that aligns with employer expectations while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum and hands-on learning experience.

    • The Mechanical Engineering program is designed to meet the educational requirements for ABET accreditation, the gold standard for engineering programs. Because ABET requires a program to graduate its first class before applying, Saint Francis University will pursue accreditation as soon as the program becomes eligible. The curriculum has been intentionally developed to align with ABET standards in engineering, mathematics, science, laboratory experience, and design.

    • Absolutely. 

       

      One of the defining features of the program is its continuous engineering design sequence. Beginning early in your studies and continuing every year, you'll work on increasingly complex engineering projects that challenge you to design, build, test, analyze, and improve solutions for real clients and real-world applications. Your experience culminates in a senior capstone design project that brings together everything you've learned throughout the program.

    • Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile engineering disciplines. Graduates are prepared for careers in industries including manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, energy, medical devices, automotive engineering, product design, and advanced technology. 

       

      Common career paths include: 

       

      • Mechanical Design Engineer 
      • Manufacturing Engineer 
      • Product Development  Engineer
      •  Robotics Engineer 
      • Aerospace Engineer 
      • Energy Systems Engineer 
      • Research and Development Engineer 
      • Quality or Process Engineer 

       

      Many graduates also continue their education in graduate engineering programs or specialized technical fields.

    • Saint Francis University believes engineering is best learned by doing. Students have opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, industry-sponsored projects, and faculty connections with regional employers. The engineering program has developed partnerships with organizations such as the Curry family of companies and Lockheed Martin Aeroparts, providing valuable opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and gain real-world experience before graduation.

    • Mechanical Engineering students learn in laboratories and design spaces that support every stage of the engineering process from concept to testing. Throughout the program, you'll use engineering software, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, laboratory equipment, instrumentation, testing systems, and specialized engineering labs while developing solutions to real engineering challenges. Combined with hands-on design experiences every semester, these facilities help you build the technical skills employers expect from today's engineers.

    • Yes. The Mechanical Engineering curriculum provides a strong foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, science, experimentation, and design that prepares graduates for advanced study. Whether you want to pursue a master's degree, doctoral research, or specialized professional training, you'll graduate with the knowledge and practical experience needed to take the next step in your engineering career.

    • Both programs provide an outstanding engineering education, but they're designed for different goals. 

       

      The Mechanical Engineering, B.S. is a specialized degree for students who know they want to pursue careers in mechanical engineering. It focuses on the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and operation of mechanical systems while providing the technical depth employers expect from a traditional mechanical engineering program. 

       

      The General Engineering, B.S. offers a broader, more flexible approach. Students build a strong engineering foundation and then tailor their education by choosing from several engineering pathways based on their interests and career goals. 

       

      The Mechanical Engineering degree was created because so many Saint Francis students were already choosing the Mechanical Engineering pathway within the General Engineering program. By offering a dedicated Mechanical Engineering major, students earn a degree title that more clearly reflects their area of expertise and aligns with what many employers and graduate schools expect to see.

    Follow Us on Facebook to See SFU Engineering Students in Action

     

    Features and News

    Blog
    Jacob Garrity, SFU December 2025 Grad Double Major: Engineering & Computer Science Employed with Tesla

    Tesla Dream Job for Engineering Graduate

    Rachel (Vasilko) Heckman ‘13 | 06/08/2026
    Ever since he was in middle school, Jacob Garrity had his sights set on a career at Tesla. His growing interest in robotics and the company’s image as an industry leader drew him in and ignited a spark. Now, less than six months after his graduation from Saint Francis, Jacob is living out his biggest dream.
    Austin Wheeler

    Austin Wheeler: Finding His Calling and Launching His Career

    University Communications & Marketing | 05/22/2026
    Austin Wheeler is a senior engineering student who sees his work as a calling, blending faith with hands-on engineering. From building adaptive vehicles for children through Go Baby Go to contributing to NASA-sponsored ballooning projects, he focuses on making a real impact through his work at Saint Francis University.
    Ballon in Space

    SFU Nearspace Ballooning Team Launches High-Altitude Mission with Altoona Students

    Br. Marius Strom, Engineering Laboratory Instructor | 05/14/2026
    Saint Francis University’s Nearspace Ballooning Program partnered with Altoona Area High School students to launch a high-altitude research balloon mission near Spring Church, Pennsylvania. Supported by the FirstEnergy Foundation, the project gave students hands-on experience in science, engineering, launch operations, and payload recovery.
    SFU Students presenting on remote monitoring of AMD

    Monitoring AMD treatment sites remotely

    Dr. Rachel Wagner, Department Chair | 12/11/2025
    For their 2025 Capstone Design project, our Environmental Engineering student team of Ashlyn Campagna, Andre Isreal, Isabel Lumley, and Kevin Salmon, partnered with BioMost, Inc., an experienced AMD treatment company in western Pennsylvania, to explore strategies for managing some of the monitoring needs of their AMD treatment sites remotely.
    Nathan Cammarata

    SFU's IDEA Center: Smartphone-Based Rail Car Tracking for Geo-Spatial Organization

    Dr. Rachel Wagner, Department Chair | 08/18/2025
    As rail cars are constantly moved for cleaning, repair, or inspection, Curry Rail Services needed an efficient system to quickly identify the location of each car. Nathan Cammarata, an SFU engineering/mathematics major is collaborating with the company todevelop a smartphone-based strategy for tracking the location of rail cars in real time.
    Brenden Miller, Class of 2022, Environmental Engineering at Saint Francis University

    Beyond Nuts and Bolts: Preparing Problem-Solvers for the Engineering World

    Br. Marius Strom, Engineering Laboratory Instructor | 08/15/2025
    There is no solution manual to the world's needs, but those needs are many. As engineers, we must embrace the ambiguity in order to create new solutions for our brothers and sisters. Saint Francis University's Engineering programs are designed to build not just your technical skills but also your ability to grasp the world as it is, enabling you to meet the challenges of tomorrow head on and reveal opportunities where others see only unsolvable problems.
    Saint Francis University Industrial Printer

    SFU Receives Industrial-Scale 3D Printer for Innovation and Education

    07/16/2025
    Saint Francis University has received a high-speed, industrial-grade 3D printer, thanks to a generous donation from a corporate partner. Known as the BIG-Meter, the printer features a build area of one cubic meter, enabling the creation of full-scale prototypes, tooling, molds, and end-use parts in a single print.
    View All