NNU Logo
Dr. Duke Bulanon

208.467.8047

engineering@nnu.edu

Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Are you a problem-solver with a fascination for how things work? NNU’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a dedicated concentration in mechanical engineering is a hands-on program through broad principles of engineering before challenging you to specialize in the intricacies of machinery, thermal energy, automation, robotics and aerospace. With ABET accreditation and a multidisciplinary approach, your mechanical engineering degree will equip you to tackle real-world challenges and make a real impact.
Mechanical engineers work in various disciplines from the mechanics of materials to electrical engineering and computer-aided design.
  • GRADUATES gain comprehensive FE exam preparation to secure outstanding pass rates and job placement opportunities
  • OUR AVERAGE CLASS SIZES OF 16 foster an environment that promotes optimal learning with personalized attention
  • GAIN VALUABLE GUIDANCE from our esteemed faculty members with extensive industry knowledge

Craft Your Story with a Mechanical Engineering Degree

A mechanical engineering degree offers unparalleled opportunities to shape the world around us. Whether designing and building machinery, developing alternative energy sources or creating state-of-the-art prosthetics, mechanical engineers play a vital role in almost every sector of society. The concentration includes such diverse fields as robotics, aerodynamics and aerospace, while specializations in energy conversion, solid mechanics and dynamic systems allow for focused study in areas of particular interest. With a mechanical engineering degree, craft your own story in this exciting field.

degree details

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

On Campus

Benefits of our Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree: Mechanical Concentration

  • Esteemed faculty members who possess extensive industry experience and embrace Christian ethics
  • Access to cutting-edge research in mechanical engineering solutions and applications
  • State-of-the-art research lab
  • Enhance your spiritual education with a Christian worldview
  • Take advantage of small class sizes
  • Specialize in energy conversion, solid mechanics, dynamic systems and manufacturing processes
  • Participate in hands-on coursework that complements ongoing department projects
  • Prepare to pass the FE Exam through an ABET-accredited program
  • Cultivate your spiritual growth within a liberal arts curriculum that promotes Christian values

Goals & Outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Students

  • Acquire the essential professional skill set required for mechanical engineering careers
  • Master applying innovative approaches to solve complex engineering problems
  • Mentorship and unparalleled faculty guidance with experienced professionals in a collaborative and inclusive environment
  • Reap the rewards of hands-on experience in practical and research settings
  • Emerge from your studies with strong ethical and professional responsibilities from a Christian foundation
  • Develop your leadership capabilities and knowledge to propel your professional growth
  • Embody service through dedication to professionalism, community and God’s creation

Additional Information About NNU’s Mechanical Engineering Program

Mechanical Engineering Courses and Program Information
To earn this degree, you will engage in a comprehensive curriculum encompassing machine design, vibrations, fluid mechanics, mechatronics and fluid and heat transfer. Additionally, you will undertake a senior research project tailored to your field of study. This coursework seamlessly complements the department’s ongoing research initiatives, providing invaluable opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience.

In addition to gaining access to cutting-edge research, you will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from professors with extensive industry experience. They will serve as mentors, providing you with hands-on training in fabrication and lab equipment. With an average class size of 16, you can form meaningful relationships with your professors, who genuinely care about your success inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, NNU offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, fostering a holistic and enriching experience on our vibrant residential campus.

Specialization
If you’re considering a career in mechanical engineering, choosing a program that allows you to hone in on your specific interests and talents is essential. At NNU, you’ll find a mechanical engineering program that offers a range of specialty areas for students to explore. Whether you’re passionate about energy conversion, solid mechanics, dynamic systems or manufacturing processes, you’ll find ample opportunity to learn and grow in your chosen field. With outstanding faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to student success, NNU’s mechanical engineering program is an excellent choice for those seeking a career in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
What Mechanical Engineering Majors Should Expect

Our program equips you to seamlessly transition into the engineering workforce, excel in the professional engineering licensure exam, and pursue further education at the graduate level. Graduates of our program boast impressive success rates in the FE exam, graduate school placement and job placement. Notably, our alums have been accepted into esteemed institutions such as Columbia, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Carnegie Mellon for their graduate studies.

This concentration will prepare you for careers in renewable energy, manufacturing, mechanical systems, automotive, aerodynamics, aerospace, propulsion systems, industrial robots, biomedical prosthetics and more.

Accreditation & Regulations

The Bachelor of Science Engineering program at NNU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This multidisciplinary program provides a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals for the first two years and allows you to specialize in mechanical engineering for the remaining two years.

Mechanical engineers design the machines to keep the global economic matrix running.

Career Paths for Mechanical Engineers

With a concentration in mechanical engineering, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue various exciting career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in working with renewable energy, designing creative manufacturing processes or improving the aerodynamics of vehicles, this concentration can give you the foundational skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Architecture and Engineering Occupations

Aerospace Engineer

Meet Our Faculty

NNU has given me a great stepping stone to leap into [aerospace] industries, by allowing me to get hands-on experience working with spacecraft through undergraduate research projects, providing a good educational experience through great professors, and by providing connections and guidance in helping me navigate into my dream career.

Ben Campbell

BS Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions About NNU’s Mechanical Engineering Degree

Here is a compilation of commonly asked questions students often have about our mechanical engineering program at Northwest Nazarene University.

What makes NNU's mechanical engineering degree unique?

Imagine a learning environment where creativity meets technology and the laws of physics blend seamlessly with innovation. This is what makes Northwest Nazarene University’s mechanical engineering degree so unique.

At NNU, we don’t just teach you engineering; we immerse you in it. Our ABET-accredited program dedicates two years to broad engineering fundamentals, providing a sturdy foundation before diving into specialized mechanical engineering topics.

Our interdisciplinary approach allows you to see the bigger picture and understand how mechanical engineering interacts with other disciplines. From designing mechanical devices and systems to developing solutions for real-world problems, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge in versatile ways.

But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to community and transformation. As a Christian liberal arts university, we emphasize technical skills, ethical decision-making and leadership. We believe that engineers are more than problem solvers—they’re shapers of the future.

Our graduates don’t just leave with a degree—they leave with a sense of purpose and a readiness to make a difference. They are equipped to lead and innovate in robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, biomedical or energy systems.

Our mechanical engineering degree is more than just a program. It’s a journey of exploration, discovery and transformation to become a mechanical engineer and have a life of impact and service.

How are the course requirements structured over the four years?

Embarking on the journey towards a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Northwest Nazarene University is like stepping onto a bridge that spans from the foundations of engineering to the specialized world of mechanical engineering.

This bridge has been meticulously structured over four years. The first two years are dedicated to creating a robust foundation in broad engineering fundamentals. This part of your journey illuminates the engineering landscape, introducing you to its multifaceted nature and interconnecting threads.

As you move into your third and fourth years, the focus shifts to your mechanical engineering concentration. Here, the bridge narrows, guiding you toward courses in machine design, vibrations, fluid mechanics, mechatronics and fluid and heat transfer. Each course is carefully designed to help you explore the contours of mechanical engineering in depth.

But the journey doesn’t end in the classroom. A significant part of your adventure involves a senior research project tailored to your interest. This immersive experience complements ongoing departmental research projects, providing invaluable hands-on experience.

At NNU, we believe in the transformative power of community. As you traverse this bridge, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of learners, educators and researchers, all working together to shape the future of engineering.

Our course structure is a journey of discovery and transformation, preparing you for a career and a life of impact and service.

Do I have the option of specializing in specific fields while studying mechanical engineering at NNU?

Yes. At Northwest Nazarene University, we understand that each journey toward a mechanical engineering career is as unique as the individual embarking on it. That’s why our mechanical engineering program is designed to be a vibrant tapestry of opportunities, allowing you to weave your path of specialization.

Imagine immersing yourself in an environment where the pulsating heart of energy conversion, the robust backbone of solid mechanics, the intricate dance of dynamic systems and the masterful rhythm of manufacturing processes are all within your grasp. This isn’t just an education; it’s an exploration into the depths of your passions and talents.

Our faculty, a constellation of expertise and experience, will guide you on this journey. They’re not just teachers; they’re mentors who are committed to your success. And with our state-of-the-art facilities serving as your playground, you’ll have the opportunity to bring theory to life.

At NNU, we don’t just prepare you for a career; we inspire you to create your unique imprint in the world of mechanical engineering. So, whether captivated by the promise of renewable energy or fascinated by the mechanics of motion, your journey at NNU can be tailored to reflect your aspirations.

Welcome to NNU, where the pursuit of your dreams is more than just a possibility—it’s a promise.

How will this degree prepare me for meeting current industry demands in automation, robotics and aerospace technology?

Industries are swiftly evolving, and the demand for automation, robotics and aerospace technology expertise is soaring. At Northwest Nazarene University, our mechanical engineering degree is perfectly tailored to equip you with the skills to meet these industry demands.

Our ABET-accredited program offers an immersive educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. You’ll spend two years mastering broad engineering fundamentals before diving into specialized topics, including automation, robotics and aerospace technology. This comprehensive approach ensures you emerge with a robust understanding of the interplay between different engineering disciplines.

But we don’t stop there. At NNU, we believe in learning by doing. Our students get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and software, working on real-world projects that challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

Moreover, our commitment to Christian principles fosters a unique learning environment where ethical decision-making and leadership are emphasized. The result? Graduates who are technically proficient and prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with integrity.

In this rapidly changing world, our graduates are more than just job-ready—they’re future-ready. Equipped with a profound understanding of mechanical engineering principles and a solid ethical foundation, they’re poised to lead, innovate, and make a difference in the high-tech industries of automation, robotics and aerospace.