Mechanical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Involve yourself in the design, development, and construction of diverse physical devices and systems as part of mechanical engineering.

Length
4 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-op, Management, Society

Overview

Explore how mechanical engineering turns ideas into solutions that power the world around us, from vehicles and aerospace systems to energy technologies and biomedical devices. Through hands-on labs, design projects, and 3D modeling, students develop skills in areas like mechanics, manufacturing, materials, and thermal systems. 

Graduates are prepared for diverse careers designing, improving, and innovating technologies across a wide range of industries.  

Why study this program?

  1. Build, prototype, and test designs in a dedicated machine shop equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, machining tools, and fabrication equipment, with technical staff to guide hands-on learning.
  2. Gain real-world experience through industry-connected capstone design projects, undergraduate research opportunities, and student teams competing in areas like aerospace, automotive, robotics, and biomedical engineering.
  3. Access advanced facilities and specialized equipment through opportunities within our undergraduate project laboratory.
A student wearing safety glasses and a mechanical engineering shirt smiles.

What you'll learn

Study a broad field that combines mechanics, design, energy systems, manufacturing, materials, and intelligent technologies to understand how machines, devices, and systems are created and improved.

You can focus your learning through specialized streams in Mechanics and Design, Energy and Fluid Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Biomechanics, and Smart Systems, with technical electives that allow you to explore areas such as product development and advanced engineering design.

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate engineering programs participate in a shared first year — Engineering 1. Build a solid base in the fundamentals of engineering disciplines and get exposed to engineering design work right at the start of your degree.

Learn more about Engineering 1

MECH ENG 2C04 – Mechanical Engineering Design Project I

Put engineering concepts into practice through hands-on design project where you work through the design process, from identifying a problem to developing and testing solutions with your team.

MECH ENG 3C03 – Manufacturing Engineering

Discover how products move from concept to reality by exploring manufacturing processes, production methods, and the technologies used to create modern engineered products.

MECH ENG 3MA2/3MB2 – Composite Laboratory IA & IB

Explore advanced materials through hands-on laboratory exercises in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, solid mechanics and machining processes.

MECH ENG 4R03 – Control Systems

Work on a year-long team design project that tackles real engineering challenges, often in collaboration with industry partners. Apply your technical knowledge to design, build, and present a working solution.

In your final year of study, you’ll work with a team of fellow students to apply your skills in a major project within the field of Mechanical Engineering that showcases your skills in quantitative design analysis, optimization, validation and testing.

Explore capstone projects
A person holds a sample under machinery in a lab.

Co-op and experiential learning

Go beyond the lecture hall with experiential learning. Our engineering co-op program provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate.

Sample co-op employers:

  • ArcelorMittal
  • Hatch Associated Ltd.
  • Honda Canada
  • Linamar Corporation
  • MDA Corporation
  • Septodont
  • Toronto Hydro Corporation
Did you know: McMaster's Faculty of Engineering has the 3rd largest co-op program in Canada.
Learn more about co-op

Potential career paths

Graduates will be career-ready for high-demand areas such as mechanical design, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, robotics and automation, aerospace, automotive, and product development. 

  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Operations Engineer
  • Process Engineering Specialist

Explore Mechanical Engineering in grad school

You’ll already be connected to world-renowned researchers leading innovation in your undergrad: continue pursuing research and innovation in a master’s program.

Mechanical Engineering programs

  • State-of-the-art labs

    The Faculty of Engineering houses innovative design studios, labs and spaces that allow students to develop hands-on learning from day one.

  • Clubs and teams

    McMaster has many clubs, teams and societies you can join to practice your engineering skills, get more hands-on experiences and explore new activities.

    Learn more about Mac Eng Experiences

Financial aid & awards

Over $2.5 million in funding awarded annually

The Faculty of Engineering offers substantial financial support to students, including one of the largest faculty-based entrance scholarship programs in the country, with over $2.5 million awarded annually.

Learn more

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