Mechanical engineers are problem solvers who design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. Our mechanical engineering program will provide you with the tools, education, and skills to join this exciting field and create exceptional career prospects.
During your time at PSU, you’ll:
- Engage in a broad curriculum that teaches you how to tackle problems that lack obvious solutions.
- Connect with local organizations, industry professionals, and alumni to build relationships that can further your future career.
- Gain valuable industry knowledge interning with top companies in the Portland metro area such as Jacobs and Daimler Trucks.
- Get hands-on experience working with expert faculty on undergraduate research.
You’ll grow personally and professionally as you prepare to join the next generation of mechanical engineers, and launch a successful career in the field.
As a student in the program, you’ll have the chance to participate in:
Our Freshman Engineering Sequence
We’ve designed this unique, fast-paced, hands-on series of classes to help freshmen dive into mechanical engineering and learn how to tackle problems that don’t have obvious solutions.
The Engineering Work Experience Internship Program
The Engineering Work Experience Internship Program is a highly competitive internship opportunity for students in their junior year. Candidates receive mentorship and coaching to help them prepare for the interview process, and have the opportunity to specify company preferences.
The Mechanical Engineering Experience
Students say this upper-level course feels like a first engineering job. You’ll be involved in the design, fabrication, testing, and reporting on a device that has real-world applications. Along the way, you’ll learn about teamwork, project management, and effective communication.
With access to opportunities like these, you’ll gain the skills and connections to pursue your next steps, whether you’re starting a career or going on to graduate school.
Thanks to its urban location, Portland State University is ideally situated to provide the opportunities and connections you need to succeed in the mechanical engineering industry.
From our downtown campus, you’ll have the chance to take your studies to the streets and gain hands-on experience in the field.
In recent years, PSU’s mechanical engineering students have leveraged our location to:
- Develop relationships with professionals in private companies and government agencies, leading to internships and future employment.
- Collaborate on resume-building projects to make an immediate and lasting impact in nearby communities.
- Work with faculty on real-world research, using the city as their testing ground.
With so many opportunities available, you’ll find your path at PSU and build connections that will prepare you to work as an mechanical engineer or continue your studies in graduate school.
The Portland metro region is home to some of the world’s top engineering employers — and with our deep industry ties, PSU’s mechanical engineering program can provide you with the connections and opportunities you need to launch your career in a high-demand field.
Our well-equipped graduates go on to find jobs at top companies like Daimler, Boeing, and NASA, doing meaningful work that affects everyday life. They work in a variety of industries from the automotive to the mechanical design industry, and, on average, earn starting salaries of $70,000 or more.
As a graduate, you’ll have the skills and connections you need to pursue work as a:
- Manufacturing Development Engineer
- Mechanical Designer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Quality Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Test Engineer
Whether you want to find a great job or go on to graduate school, PSU’s mechanical engineering program will bring you the experiences and connections you need to pursue an exciting career in the field.