Mechanical engineers are problem solvers who help industries tackle important challenges such as developing new power and autonomous systems and advanced composite materials, as well as new methods of enhancing productivity and quality in manufacturing.

What courses will you take?

A mechanical engineering student wearing safety goggles works with equipment in a UMass Lowell lab

The B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell provides a solid science and engineering foundation in the fields of mechanics, fluid flow, heat transfer, energy, material science and dynamic systems. 

Our program emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing opportunities to build and test your theoretical designs. In addition, you will take relevant courses in the humanities and social sciences.

The mechanical engineering program features award-winning researchers and dedicated academics committed to providing students with a high-quality, comprehensive education.

Want to switch into a major in the Mechanical Engineering Department from another UML department? View the requirements.

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2025 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
MECH.1100Introduction to Mechanical and Industrial Engineering1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100
College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)
3
CHEM.1210Chemistry I (SCL)3
CHEM.1230LChemistry I Laboratory (SCL)1
MATH.1310Calculus I (MATH)4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS), (DCA)33
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
MATH.1320Calculus II (STEM)4
MECH.1200Introduction to Engineering Design3
PHYS.1410Physics I (SCL)3
PHYS.1410LPhysics I Lab (SCL)1
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total17

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
IENG.2100Engineering Design and Manufacturing3
ENGN.2050Statics23
MECH.2960Materials Science for Engineers23
MATH.2310 / MATH.2410Calculus III /
Honors Calculus III
4
PHYS.2450Physical Properties of Matter3
PHYS.2450LPhysics III Lab1
Total17

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGN.2060Strength of Materials23
ENGN.2100Professional Development Seminar1
ENGN.2070Dynamics23
MECH.2420Thermodynamics23
MATH.2340Differential Equations23
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHYS.1440Physics II3
PHYS.1440LPhysics II Lab1
MECH.3810Fluid Mechanics23
MECH.3210Kinematics of Mechanisms (CTPS)23
MECH.3610Mathematical Methods for Mechanical Engineers3
PHIL.1030 /
PHIL.2410
Introduction to Ethics /
Engineering and Ethics (AH), (SRE)
3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
MECH.3010Technical Communication for Mechanical Engineers1
MECH.3020Instrumentation and Measurement Laboratory3
MECH.3230Control of Automated Systems23
MECH.3820Heat Transfer23
MECH.3110Applied Strength of Materials23
ECON.2010 /
ECON.2020
Principles of Microeconomics /
Principles of Macroeconomics (SS)
3
Total16

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
MECH.4410Thermo-Fluid Applications3
MECH.4030Thermal Fluids Laboratory (QL)3
MECH.4510Dynamic Systems Analysis3
MECH.4250Design of Machine Elements3
MECH.4730Design Theory and Constraints3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
MECH.4230Capstone Design (IL), (WOC), (AIL)3
xxxx.xxxxTechnical Elective13
xxxx.xxxxTechnical Elective13
xxxx.xxxxTechnical Elective13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 127

Minimum [major] Credits: 63

Maximum [major] that can be counted toward graduation: 72

1Technical electives must be taken at the 4000 level or above in engineering (engineering courses with the following prefixes are allowed: MECH.xxxx, BMEN.xxxx, CHEN.xxxx, CIVE.xxxx, EECE.xxxx, ENGN.xxxx, ENGY.xxxx, ENVE.xxxx, IENG.xxxx, and PLAS.xxxx, with the exception of BMEN.4390). Technical electives may also be satisfied by courses at the 3000 level or above, in math (with the exception of MATH.3630, MATH.4100, MATH.4190, MATH.4350, and MATH.4660), physics, or other science discipline.

2Students entering after fall 2009 must achieve C- (C minus) or better in MECH.2010, MECH.2020, ENGN.2050, ENGN.2060, ENGN.2070, MECH.2420, MECH.2960, MECH.3110, MECH.3210, MECH.3220, MECH.3230, MECH.3810, MECH.3820. Students entering fall 2014, and later, must achieve a C- in these courses before attempting a subsequent course in the pre-requisite chain.

3Mechanical Engineering majors must take one course that meets the Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome of Diversity and Cultural Awareness (DCA); students must select at least one Breadth of Knowledge course in either Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences that has been approved for DCA . Please see the DCA course listing for a complete list of classes that fulfill this requirement.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment. See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

UMass Lowell’s mechanical engineering graduates are in high demand. Our program produces successful mechanical engineers with the skills and flexibility to thrive across a variety of fields. 

Mechanical engineering Ph.D. student, Siddharth Dev using unnamed equipment and a beaker that is glowing

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Apple
  • Bose Corp.
  • CNC Software Inc.
  • ECM Global Measurement Solutions
  • Ford
  • Gibson Engineering
  • Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry Inc.
  • KLEENLine Corp.
  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory
  • Metso Automation USA Inc.
  • Micron Products Inc.
  • Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
  • Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  • UPS

Why Study Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell?

Mechanical Engineering professor Chris-Niezrecki showing equipment to a female student

Research Opportunities

Our faculty excel in several primary research areas, including dynamic systems, robotics, energy engineering, thermofluid transport, modern manufacturing, solid mechanics, and materials science.

Students can benefit from learning how to conduct research in one of our faculty-run research labs focusing on energy and sustainability, defense and security, manufacturing and industry, and engineering education. UMass Lowell is also home to several renowned research centers that promote interdisciplinary collaborations in areas such as 3D printing, sports engineering, wind energy, energy storage, green combustion, and robotics.

Mechanical Engineering major Qiana Curcuru standing in front of equipment at iRobot, where she co-oped. Image by Tory Wesnofske

Co-op Program

Our highly successful co-op program allows you to apply your engineering knowledge in the technical job market and develop skills necessary for success after graduation.

UMass Lowell Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Team poses with a race car.

Student Organizations

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

A female student works with a baseball bat in the Mechanical Engineering bat lab.

Career Connected Experience: The UMass Lowell Guarantee

Every first-time, first-year UMass Lowell student will have the opportunity to pursue at least one Career Connected Experience (internships, co-ops, clinical placements, service learning, study abroad and more) during their undergraduate career — earning pay, credits or both before they graduate.

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