Mechanical Engineering
The Nebraska Difference
18:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Kiewit Hall
$115 million student-centric engineering hub
Be a Complete Engineer®
Unleash your potential and cultivate core competencies
88%
College of Engineering graduates employed/continuing education six months after graduating
Program Features
Interdisciplinary Emphasis and Specializations
Mechanical engineering offers diverse studies in energy conversion, fluid flow, solid mechanics, materials engineering and interdisciplinary areas like aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, robotics, biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. This allows you to customize your education, developing expertise aligned with your career goals.
Hands-On Learning and Research Opportunities
The department emphasizes hands-on experiences, providing you with opportunities to conduct experiments in well-equipped laboratories. Undergraduate students can engage in research projects, either through research grants or the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program, working alongside faculty mentors. You can participate in student organizations, gaining valuable engineering experience beyond the classroom.
Mission to Impact Society Locally and Globally
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering aims to impact society through education, research and service. Graduates excel in engineering careers, pursue advanced degrees and value lifelong learning. The program fosters professionalism, leadership, integrity and ethical responsibility, inspiring students to serve humanity and advance technologies and industries.
Notable Courses
Introduction to Geometric Modeling and Mechanical Design Practices (MECH 130)
Principles and practices of geometric design. Computer generation of 2D and 3D models for mechanical systems. Engineering design practices such as specifications, dimensioning and tolerance.
Kinematics & Dynamics of Machinery (MECH 342)
Analysis and design of motion in linkage and cam mechanisms. Gear theory, ordinary and planetary gear trains, static and dynamic forces, balancing and flywheel design.
Elements of Machine Design (MECH 343)
The design of machine elements under varying loading conditions, including bolts, springs, bearings and shafts. Explore failure theories and engage in a comprehensive design project.
Aerodynamics (MECH 413)
Subsonic and supersonic airflow theory, dynamics of flight, performance parameters, rotor analysis and specialized topics. Explore the fascinating world of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
Elements of Nuclear Engineering (MECH 421)
Survey of nuclear engineering concepts and applications. Nuclear reactions, radioactivity, radiation interaction with matter and reactor physics. Applications in medicine, industry, agriculture and research.
Robotics: Kinematics and Design (MECH 453)
Discover the realm of robotics, where mechanisms, sensors, actuators and computers synergistically replicate certain aspects of human functionality with innovative applications and technologies.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Mechanical engineering co-op, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia
- Locomotive intern, BSNF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas
- Manufacturing engineer intern, John Deere, Springfield, Missouri
- Propulsion engineer intern, Textron Aviation, Wichita, Kansas
- Mechanical engineering intern, HDR, Omaha, Nebraska
- Robotics engineering intern, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, Colorado
Careers
- Aerospace engineer, NASA, Houston, Texas
- Weapon systems operation and sustainment team, The Boeing Company, Huntsville, Alabama
- Production engineer, Kawasaki Motors, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Airframe engineer, Textron Aviation, Wichita, Kansas
- Research & development engineer, Stark Industries, Manhattan, New York
- Power supply engineer, Lincoln Electric System, Lincoln, Nebraska
Graduate Schools
- Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan
- Ph.D., Aeronautics & Astronautics, Stanford University
- Ph.D., Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Ph.D., Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University
- Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
- MBA, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Outside the Classroom
Collaborate with industry professionals and your peers by joining professional and student organizations such as the Aerospace Club (including working with NASA), Engineers Without Borders or Robotics.
Pursue research projects available to undergraduate students that offer funding and valuable opportunities to discover what drives you in your academic area.
Connect with companies and organizations for paid internships and jobs, such as via 1-to-1 counseling and career fairs through career services professionals within the colleges and the university.
Featured Faculty
Eric Markvicka, Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Associate Professor
Eric Markvicka is the Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Associate Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and director of the Smart Materials and Robotics Laboratory. His research develops advanced soft materials for wearable technology, robotics and smart systems. A UNL alumnus and Carnegie Mellon robotics graduate, Markvicka has earned numerous honors, including the 2024 NSF CAREER Award, for innovative research and student-centered collaboration.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Mechanical Engineering major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Jeff Beavers
- Contact Title
- Director of Recruitment
- Phone
-
-