Engineering Mechanics
Mechanics
is the study of forces that act on bodies and the resultant motion that
those bodies experience. With roots in physics and mathematics,
Engineering Mechanics is the basis of all the mechanical sciences: civil
engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering,
aeronautical and aerospace and engineering.
Engineering Mechanics
provides the "building blocks" of statics, dynamics, strength of
materials, and fluid dynamics. Engineering mechanics is the the
discipline devoted to the solution of mechanics problems through the
integrated application of mathematical, scientific, and engineering
principles. Special emphasis is placed on the physical principles
underlying modern engineering design.
 What's
the Difference between Engineering Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering?
Although
the names of the two degree programs sound alike, Engineering Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering are distinct programs with
important differences in outlook, philosophy, and content. These
differences are most apparent in the junior and senior years as the
Engineering Mechanics
major delves deeper into the field of mechanics and takes more rigorous
math courses than the Mechanical Engineering major.
Required courses in the Engineering Mechanics curriculum provide a foundation in Lagrangian
and Hamiltonian dynamics, continuum mechanics, and computational
mechanics. The Engineering Mechanics secondary field options, which stress different
branches of the science of mechanics rather than application areas, also
require 400-level courses. These advanced courses, required for
Engineering Mechanics
undergraduates, are frequently taken by graduate students from several
different disciplines. Many Engineering Mechanics undergraduates participate in research,
and some are offered teaching assistant positions for introductory
courses.
On balance, the Engineering Mechanics graduate is an engineering scientist, well equipped
for further study in graduate school, or for research-oriented jobs in
industry. He or she will have a thorough education in applied
mathematics, with emphasis on the techniques needed to solve mechanical
problems. The Engineering Mechanics program emphasizes analytical skills, scientific
breadth, and research preparedness.
Preparation
Those interested in a
career in engineering mechanics should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the university
is regionally accredited. Engineering mechanics students take courses such as
Mechanical Vibrations, Aerodynamics, Elementary Heat Transfer, Fluid
Dynamics, and Design Problems in Engineering.
Engineering Mechanics students are also encouraged to engage in
undergraduate research with a faculty member. As a result, Engineering
Mechanics students are prepared for careers at the forefront of a wide
variety of fields, including the aerospace, electronics, automotive,
manufacturing, software, and computer industries. The curriculum also
provides excellent preparation for graduate school in many different
engineering disciplines.
Co-ops
Students seeking
engineering mechanics jobs enhance their employment opportunities
by participating in internship or co-op programs offered through
their schools. These experiences provide the students with broad
knowledge and experience, making them more attractive candidates to
employers. Many universities offer co-op and internship programs for
students studying engineering mechanics.
Click here for more
information.
Professional Organizations
 American
Society of Civil Engineer's Engineering Mechanics Division
American
Society of Mechanical Engineer's Applied Mechanics Division
Note: Some
resources in this section are provided by the
University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign.
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