Mechanical Engineering

Duquesne University’s state-of-the-art Mechanical Engineering Program sets you apart from typical engineering students in the following ways:

  1. Small class sizes. From your very first year, you’ll benefit from small, engaging, and interactive classes. You’ll get to know your professors and classmates well, creating an environment where you learn and grow together.

  2. Hands-on experience. You’ll gain ample hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment in our brand-new laboratories. Every course includes an applied component—whether you’re 3D-printing custom components, building a wooden bridge, or taking fluid measurements in a flume.

  3. Holistic education. At Duquesne, you’ll be prepared to become not just a skilled engineer, but an ethical one. You’ll learn how to work responsibly with AI, take on senior capstone projects that serve the greater good, and even have the offering of a humanitarian engineering course with an optional Spring Break experience in your senior year.

  4. Professional mentorship. You’ll be supported as you prepare for life after graduation—whether your next step is entering the workforce or pursuing graduate school. You’ll be guided to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, have the chance to participate in summer research with faculty through Duquesne’s URP program, and connect with employers at a career fair tailored for Science and Engineering students.

  5. Nurturing environment. At Duquesne, you’ll feel like part of a family. Your professors will be approachable, patient, and supportive, no matter your background. You’ll also have access to a full-time Student Success Coach dedicated to helping you succeed as a well-rounded individual.

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Program Information

Duquesne University's Mechanical Engineering Program offers a comprehensive and cutting-edge education. The program is known for its commitment to academic excellence, hands-on learning, and a strong focus on developing well-rounded engineers.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

School

School of Science and Engineering

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

130

The Student Experience

 
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What’s it like to study Mechanical Engineering at Duquesne?

In this video, students and faculty from the School of Science and Engineering offer an inside look at the program.

Watch
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How Duquesne Prepares the Next Generation of Mechanical Engineers

From hands-on learning and cutting-edge research to a supportive community and career-ready curriculum, Duquesne is shaping future engineers to lead with purpose and innovation.

Hear From The Students

From The Chair

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Why choose Mechanical Engineering? It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving field that covers everything from robotics to electric cars, and even power plants. What really sets our department apart is the hands-on experience students get with the latest technology, software and research.

Katherine Hornbostel, Ph.D. Department Chair and Associate Professor
Take The Next Step
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Research Opportunities

The School of Science and Engineering is a vibrant center for discoveries that benefit society, featuring eight departments, numerous research centers, abundant undergraduate research opportunities—including Duquesne’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program—and a rapidly growing funded-research budget. Our strong partnerships in Pittsburgh and around the world further enhance our collaborative initiatives.

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Student Organizations

You can explore your interests through approximately 14 student organizations, which are open to science and engineering majors. These options include joining the American Chemical Society, the Biomedical Engineering Society, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Multicultural STEM Group, among others, to connect with like-minded peers and pursue your passions.

Faculty & Staff

Katherine Hornbostel, Ph.D.

Katherine Hornbostel, Ph.D.

Department Chair

Caleb Foster, Ph.D.

Caleb Foster, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Amin Ghorbanpour, Ph.D.

Amin Ghorbanpour, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Justine Valenti, M.S.Ed.

Justine Valenti, M.S.Ed.

Student Success Coach

Curriculum

This is the curriculum for the mechanical engineering program, encompassing 130 credits. Immerse yourself in practical experiences, collaborative research, and real-world projects, all designed to equip you with the expertise to make a substantial impact in the field of engineering.

Fall Semester (16 Credits):

  • ENGR 100: Intro to Engineering – 3 cr
  • CHEM 121: General Chemistry I with Lab & Recitation – 5 cr
  • MATH 115: Calculus I – 4 cr
  • PHYS 211: General Analytical Physics I with Lab – 4 cr

Spring Semester (17 Credits):

  • ENGR 110: Programming for Engineers – 3 cr
  • CHEM 122: General Chemistry II with Lab & Recitation – 5 cr
  • MATH 116: Calculus II – 4 cr
  • PHYS 212: General Analytical Physics II with Lab – 4 cr
  • BRDG 100: Research & Information Skills – 1 cr

Fall Semester (16 Credits):

  • MATH 215: Calculus III – 4 cr
  • PHYS 332W: Electronics – 3 cr
  • MECH 200: Engineering Design – 3 cr
  • MECH 201: Statics – 3 cr
  • BRDG 101: Writing & Analysis – 3 cr

Spring Semester (16 credits):

  • MATH 314: Differential Equations – 3 cr
  • MECH 202: Mechanics of Materials – 4 cr
  • MECH 203: Dynamics – 3 cr
  • BRDG 105P/T/H: Intro to Ethical Reasoning – 3 cr
  • BRDG 102: Writing & Literature – 3 cr

Fall Semester (18 Credits):

  • MECH 301: Data Analysis – 3 cr
  • MECH 302: Fluid Mechanics – 3 cr
  • MECH 303: Control Systems – 3 cr
  • MECH 204: Thermodynamics – 3 cr
  • EQ: Essential Questions – 3 cr
  • Bridges – Social & Historical Reasoning – 3 cr

Spring Semester (17 Credits):

  • MECH 306: Heat Transfer – 4 cr
  • MECH 307: Mechanical Design – 3 cr
  • MECH 304: Mechatronics – 4 cr
  • MECH 305: Manufacturing – 3 cr
  • COMM 340W: Technical Communication – 3 cr

Fall Semester (15 Credits):

  • MECH Capstone Design I – 3 cr
  • Thermal System Design – 3 cr
  • MECH Elective (1)* – 3 cr
  • Robotics – 3 cr
  • Bridges- Theology – 3 cr

Spring Semester (15 Credits):

  • MECH Capstone Design II – 3 cr
  • Humanitarian Engineering– 3 cr 
  • MECH Elective (2) – 3 cr
  • Bridges- Elective – 3 cr
  • Bridges – Philosophy – 3 cr
Choose Two
  • Aerospace Engineering – 3 cr
  • Additive Manufacturing – 3 cr
  • Automotive Engineering – 3 cr
  • AI & Machine Learning – 3 cr
  • Clean Energy Engineering – 3 cr
  • Finite Element Analysis – 3 cr

Learning Outcomes

You'll gain the ability to:
  1. identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
  2. 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.
  3. communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. 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.
  5. function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
  6. develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

I Can Help You Reach Your Bigger Goals!

I can help you get started on your academic path. Please contact me if you have questions.

Lexie Vincenty

Enrollment Coordinator

Science and Engineering

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