Undergraduate Study

Mechanical Engineering

Male and female undergraduate student collaborating together in Yale Engineering's Center for Engineering Innovation and Design.

Engineering Innovation for Real-World Impact

Yale’s Mechanical Engineering program trains students to design and build innovative technologies that improve daily life and make energy use more efficient. Students learn both classic engineering skills and modern tools in various fields, including computer modeling, robotics, and nanotechnology. The program emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility, preparing graduates to become leaders in technology and sustainable innovation.

Undergraduate Degree Options

We offer three degree paths in decreasing order of technical challenge to suit diverse career goals:

01

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

This degree program is designed for students seeking a professional engineering career and the most comprehensive foundation in mechanical engineering.

  • It provides the strongest preparation in mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals.
  • It is recommended for students who wish to pursue professional engineering licensure or graduate studies.
  • Because of the intense course load associated with this program, students are encouraged to consider it early in their first year to ensure a balanced schedule and timely completion.
02

B.S. in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)

This degree program offers a slightly reduced engineering commitment while retaining a solid technical core.

  • It is ideal for students who wish to combine engineering with other academic interests, such as a double major or certificate.
  • It is commonly chosen by students whose decision to pursue engineering studies comes at a time when completing all ABET requirements in their remaining semesters at Yale would be challenging.
  • It balances depth in engineering with flexibility for broader intellectual exploration.
03

B.A. in Engineering Sciences (Mechanical)

This degree program offers the greatest curricular flexibility, requiring only eight courses beyond the prerequisites.

  • It is suitable for students seeking exposure to some mechanical engineering training within a liberal arts framework.
  • It emphasizes problem solving and quantitative reasoning rather than professional qualification.

Academic Planning and Scheduling

Regardless of the degree path selected, students should make their choice of degree early to maintain a balanced academic plan with no more than four or four-and-a-half STEM courses per semester.

  • A late start in the program or scheduling conflicts may sometimes be addressed by taking summer courses, though offerings are limited and depend on an enrollment threshold.
     

Resources

Directors of Undergraduate Studies

Beth Anne Bennett 
Senior Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering


Contact for questions about course selection (including questions relating to four-year plans, study abroad, and transfer credits)

Headshot of Alessandro Gomez.

Alessandro Gomez 
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
 

Contact for questions about internships, research opportunities, and careers