Mechanical Engineering
Learn to imagine, design, and produce solutions to the world’s problems.
Mechanical engineers are vital in multiple fields, from biomechanics and machine design to robotics and energy generation. They also figure out how to manufacture these devices using new materials, reduce costs, and design energy-efficient methods of production.
At UMass Amherst, you’ll learn to turn your ideas into reality. Students gain an understanding of different materials and their mechanical properties, learn to simulate and analyze dynamic systems, and develop manufacturing processes aimed at minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Mechanical engineering students refine their expertise through electives in specialties such as robotics, biomechanics, solar and wind power systems, and other areas of mechanics.
Students can put their growing knowledge directly to work with hands-on projects: solving real-world problems for corporate partners, winning entrepreneurship challenges with teammates, or working with NASA on UMass Amherst’s Rocket Team.
Explore our programs
Undergraduate
Research Areas
Benefits list
Preeminent academic wind energy program in the U.S
Undergraduates can take wind energy courses and participate in wind energy research via internships, independent study, or senior thesis work. There is also a Wind Energy Certificate and the option for a course-only MS with wind energy concentration.
Alumni spotlight
In the spotlight
Jabin Chen has completed an astonishing eight internships during his journey as a mechanical engineering undergraduate at UMass Amherst. A passionate advocate for experiential learning and career exploration, Chen has worked for Amazon Robotics, Nanoramic Laboratories, Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tesla, and Rivian, among others.
Featured faculty
Jim Lagrant
Professor of Practice in Manufacturing, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Director, MS Manufacturing Program
Department Industrial Liaison, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Teaching fundamental and advanced manufacturing related courses with a focus on automation technology, industry 4.0, and experiential engineering education.
Bernd Schliemann
Chief Undergraduate Advisor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Committed to the academic success of all MIE undergraduate students and those graduate students in the Engineering Management MS program.
Ashwin Ramasubramaniam
Adjunct, Chemical Engineering
Director, Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Program
Uses computational modeling to study and engineer materials for optoelectronics and energy applications.
In the news
MIE Department Head Sundar Krishnamurty Gives Keynote Speech at Prestigious Conference
His talk gave highlights of a National Academy of Engineering report on how engineering education programs can better develop advanced manufacturing capacities.
MIE Students Bring Innovative Musical Shoe Concept to Life
For their senior capstone design project, a team of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering students brought an innovative musical shoe concept to life.
MIE’s Fall Semester Senior Design Showcase Highlights Novel and Creative Projects
The competition rewards student teams for capturing customer needs, converting them to engineering specs, and applying optimal engineering analysis and design.
Mechanical Engineering
From developing innovative prosthetic limbs to advanced wind turbines, harness your creativity as a UMass Amherst mechanical engineering student.