Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Elevate Your Engineering Career with Mechanical Engineering Technology!
Are you passionate about designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems? Do you aspire to work on innovative projects that drive technological advancements? Purdue University's Mechanical Engineering Technology major is your gateway to a dynamic and rewarding career in the world of mechanical engineering.
In this major, students gain hands-on experience in mechanical system design, material testing, and computational tools. They learn to apply statics, dynamics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid power principles. Coursework covers manufacturing systems, industrial controls, machine elements, and materials and processes, all reinforced through real-world projects, teamwork, and the engineering design process.
This major is also available at locations across the state. Earn the same Purdue degree in a smaller, more personalized setting focused on hands-on, career-ready learning while connecting with local industries, and landing strong job opportunities close to home. Learn more here.
Graduate in three years with this major as part of our Degree in 3 program. An advisor can help explain the course load and necessary requirements to complete your degree a year earlier.
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Program Details
AVAILABLE CONCENTRATIONS
Concentrations allow you to focus your studies on a specific area within your major. While a concentration is not required for this program, choosing one can help you tailor your coursework to your interests and career goals. Explore the options below to see how you can personalize your degree.
The Computer-Aided Design Technology concentration provides focused study in the digital tools used to design, analyze and manufacture mechanical components and systems. Students develop applied expertise in computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), engineering simulation and precision machining.
Through coursework in finite element analysis, students learn to construct and validate models for structural, buckling, modal and thermal analyses using commercial simulation software. Emphasis is placed on model formulation, meshing strategies, boundary conditions, interpretation of results, and comparison with analytical or experimental data.
Students also gain hands-on experience generating, verifying and executing computer numerical control (CNC) programs using industry-standard CAM and simulation tools. Additional coursework allows students to explore the integration of CAD within industrial enterprises or develop expertise in digital manufacturing methods such as additive and subtractive production, model-based definition, metrology and 3D scanning.
Graduates of this concentration are prepared to contribute to mechanical design, product development, engineering analysis, CNC manufacturing and digital production environments. They are equipped to connect design intent with simulation and manufacturing processes while improving product quality, manufacturability and production efficiency.
The Fabrication and Welding Technology concentration provides focused study in the materials, processes and design considerations used to create manufactured products, industrial equipment and structures. Students develop specialized knowledge in welding, fastening, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, diffusion bonding and other methods used to join metals, polymers, ceramics and composite materials.
Through coursework in welding processes, students examine equipment, filler metals, weldment design, quality control, inspection methods and common welding challenges. They learn to select appropriate processes, equipment and consumables, estimate production costs, and develop basic welding procedure specifications for a variety of applications.
Additional study in advanced manufacturing materials explores how material structure, processing methods and manufacturing conditions influence performance. Students learn to evaluate material properties, select materials for specific engineering requirements, and understand how casting, forming and heat treatment affect finished components.
Graduates of this concentration are prepared to support welding engineering technology, fabrication, manufacturing, materials selection, process development and quality assurance. They are equipped to evaluate joint designs, optimize production parameters and improve the safety, quality and efficiency of manufactured assemblies.
The Mechanics concentration provides focused study in the forces, motion and material behavior that influence the performance of machines, structures and mechanical systems. Students develop analytical and experimental skills that support mechanical design, performance evaluation, condition monitoring and failure prevention.
Through a flexible selection of advanced mechanics courses, students can explore experimental strength of materials, machine diagnostics, finite element analysis, machine elements, mechanism kinematics and dynamics, and mechanical failure analysis. Coursework connects principles from statics, dynamics and strength of materials with practical engineering applications.
Students may gain experience measuring stress and strain, analyzing vibration and noise, monitoring temperature and lubrication, evaluating gears and power-transmission components, and modeling structural or thermal behavior using finite element software. Additional topics may include fatigue, buckling, structural joints, motion analysis, condition-based maintenance and the selection of bearings, shafts, belts, chains, clutches, brakes and motors.
Graduates of this concentration are prepared to contribute to mechanical design, product testing, equipment diagnostics, reliability, failure analysis and engineering simulation. They are equipped to evaluate how mechanical systems behave under real-world operating conditions and recommend improvements that increase performance, durability and safety.
The Powertrains concentration provides focused study in the mechanical and electrical systems that convert energy into motion. The concentration examines both internal combustion engines and electric vehicle systems, giving students a broad understanding of traditional, electric and emerging vehicle technologies.
Through coursework in electric vehicle systems, students explore the integration of mechanical power, electrical power and control systems within electrically powered vehicles. Topics include vehicle power requirements, efficiency, electric motors and controllers, battery technologies, and the analysis and configuration of electric powertrain systems.
Additional coursework develops expertise in the mechanical components used to transmit and control power, including gears, shafts, bearings, chain and belt drives, clutches, brakes and motors. Students also study internal combustion engine operation, performance, efficiency, emissions, thermodynamic cycles and emerging engine technologies.
Graduates of this concentration are prepared to contribute to automotive, transportation, off-road equipment and advanced mobility industries. They are equipped to support powertrain design, vehicle testing, component selection, performance analysis and the development of more efficient conventional, electric and hybrid vehicle systems.
The Smart Manufacturing concentration within the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program prepares students to design, analyze and optimize modern manufacturing systems that integrate mechanical principles with advanced automation and control technologies. Students build a strong technical foundation in statics, materials, fluid power and motion control while developing applied expertise in industrial control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), additive manufacturing, hydraulics and mechatronics.
Through hands-on laboratory and project-based experiences, students learn to integrate mechanical structures, sensors, actuators, embedded microcontrollers and control logic into intelligent, data-driven production systems. Emphasis is placed on system performance, simulation, safety standards, troubleshooting and quality control to ensure reliable and scalable industrial solutions.
This concentration equips graduates to support advanced manufacturing environments where automation, digital integration and flexible production are critical. Career pathways include automation engineering technology, controls and systems integration, manufacturing process engineering, additive manufacturing, and smart factory implementation across diverse industrial sectors.
Potential Employers
General Electric
Rolls Royce
General Motors
John Deere
Potential Job Titles
Mechanical engineer
Project engineer
Production engineer
Quality engineer
The mechanical engineering technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s general criteria and program criteria for Mechanical Engineering Technology and similarly named programs.
EVERY GIANT LEAP STARTS WITH ONE SMALL STEP
Course Highlights
Academic Opportunities
Study Abroad
All students in the Purdue Polytechnic can choose to gain an enriched perspective of the global marketplace through a multitude of global experiences that both interest and benefit the student.
Minors
Purdue Polytechnic offers minors that provide unique opportunities to expand your knowledge, broaden your experience and prepare you for success after your time at Purdue.
Student Organizations
Student activities and organizations are a great way to immerse yourself in your chosen path of study. Choose from a variety of interests within the college organizations or university-level programs.
Mechanical Engineering Technology gave me the opportunity to learn engineering in a hands-on way that I understood, while still being properly challenged. I received the knowledge needed to do this job, while developing the social skills and other soft skills necessary both to work in a team and to lead."
Purdue Polytechnic gave me invaluable hands-on experience, especially in labs that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Classes like MET 426 and MET 349, along with support from professors like Jason Ostanek and Mark French, fueled my passion for engineering. The practical knowledge I gained will be directly applicable to my new role at Fleece, where I’ll work on improving quality procedures and product testing."
Purdue Polytechnic provided me with hands-on project experience that helped me secure internships and ultimately made me more qualified for my role. The Engineering Technology capstone gave me the skills to plan, budget and execute projects effectively, preparing me for the fast-paced work environment at WSP."
My classes not only prepared me to be a good designer, but a good manufacturer; I understand the process of creating a product from the initial idea all the way to holding the finished product in my hands. And, I can thank Purdue Polytechnic for my job opportunity – I worked with my employer for my capstone project!
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