What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical Engineering is a broad discipline that applies the principles of science, mathematics, and engineering to design, create, and maintain mechanical systems. For those who are creative problem solvers, a degree in Mechanical Engineering can provide you with the tools to pursue your passions and bring your ideas to reality. Courses prepare students for challenging careers in mechanical engineering and there are five main focus areas:
Aeronautical
The study of research, design, development, testing, and science of aircraft systems.
Composites
The study of materials is concerned with the discovery and design of new materials. New composite materials are essential to creating advanced technologies and making current technologies stronger, smaller, or lighter.
Manufacturing
The study of manufacturing deals with the processes, equipment, and tools used to turn raw materials into a new product.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics is the crossroads in engineering where mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and controls engineering meet to create new and exciting real-world systems.
Power and Energy
The study of power and energy will give students the tools to create, improve, and maintain technologies that power the modern world.
What can I do with a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
The engineering related job market in the Charleston area has exploded in recent years, including a dramatic increase in the need for Mechanical Engineers. Employers include health care, aviation, defense applications, power systems, telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, testing, data centers and many others.
Why The Citadel?
The Mechanical Engineering program features a strong laboratory experience that stresses design and gives students practical, hands-on knowledge. Our laboratory equipment and computers are new and constantly updated to expose our students to the latest technology. Our program features a student to faculty ratio of less than 20:1. This ensures our students get the personal attention required to grasp difficult concepts and achieve their academic goals. Also, all faculty are tenured or tenure-tracked professors who are student-centered and teaching focused. All lectures and labs are taught by professors, not by graduate students.
For more information please see the program brochure and the Major Academic Plan (MAP).
