The University of St. Thomas offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a five-year course that gives students a comprehensive foundation on the theoretical and practical uses of engineering. The course is not just designed to turn students into engineers, but into problem solvers and innovators who are capable of servicing evolving industries. Students engage with basic mechanical systems, design thinking, and applications reflecting the challenges of engineers today.
Curriculum Design
The curriculum blends classroom instruction with laboratory work and project work. Students begin with foundations in mathematics, physics, and computer science, with increasingly specialized mechanical engineering topics afterward. These typically include:
Statics and Dynamics – a knowledge of forces and movement in mechanical systems
Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics – examining how energy and fluids behave in designed systems
Materials Science and Manufacturing Processes – examining how different materials respond under changing conditions
Mechanical Design and Control Systems – using CAD computer programs and control logic to build and optimize devices
Capstone Design Project – a culminating team project in which students apply what they have learned to develop an actual-world solution
The five-year format leaves space for deeper exploration through internships, electives, and extended lab work, offering students an enhanced experience.
Accreditation
The program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, indicating that it has met the high standards of the global community of engineering education.
Campus Location
At St. Paul, Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas offers students a campus experience with vibrancy and proximity to the Twin Cities' well-known engineering centers. The School of Engineering boasts facilities with modern laboratory spaces, design studios, and workspaces that are all configured to support experiential learning and innovation.
At St. Thomas, learning doesn't end in the classroom. The program weaves together a variety of experiential experiences so that students can learn by doing and then apply what they've learned in real-world contexts:
Undergraduate Research – Students are invited to assist faculty on research that tackles real-world issues, from energy efficiency to biomedical devices.
Co-ops and Internships – Some students gain experience in the profession by working at internships in companies like 3M, Medtronic, and Boston Scientific, which often lead to being hired full-time when they graduate.
Engineering Clubs and Competitions – Members can be a part of groups like the Tommie Motorsports Team, participate in robotics, or engage in humanitarian design projects through Engineers for a Sustainable World.
International Experiences – The university also offers international engineering programs, through which students can build projects around the world and acquire an international perspective on engineering practices.
The students in St. Thomas have careers supported early enough by the university's Career Development Center through:
One-on-one career planning and counseling sessions
Resume and cover letter composition workshops
Interviewing and mock interviewing guidance
Campus recruitment fairs and recruitment events
Employability
Graduates in Mechanical Engineering are poised for success in industry careers across aerospace, automotive, medical devices, manufacturing, and renewable energy, among others. Alumni have attained employment with renowned organizations regionally and across the country, following the program's strong reputation and industry application focus.
Further Academic Progression
After completing the BS degree, many students choose to further their studies at the graduate level in fields of:
Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (MS/PhD)
Business or Engineering Management (MBA)
Robotics, AI, or Data Science
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