Quick Facts About Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern

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Northwestern University's Department of Mechanical Engineering emphasizes cutting-edge research that advances the frontiers of knowledge and engineering capabilities in emerging disciplines as well as traditional subjects. The department offers a premier program of undergraduate and graduate study that provides a solid foundation for careers in industry, research, and academia in an atmosphere that has all of the advantages of a large university—world-renowned professors doing state-of-the-art research—yet with small class sizes and personal attention from faculty.

Faculty Facts

  • Highly interdisciplinary faculty and research program
  • $7.5 million/year funded research
  • 26 faculty members (FTE)
  • 1 winner of National Medal of Science
  • 1 winner of National Medal of Technology
  • 6 members of the National Academy of Engineering;
  • 2 members of the National Academy of Sciences
  • 4 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • 17 faculty members are fellows of at least one professional society
  • 6 editors-in-chief of international research journals
  • 7 associate editors of at least one research journal
  • 10 awardees of young investigator awards (NSF Career, ONR, Whitaker Foundation)

Undergraduate Study

  • 160-190 undergraduate students in Mechanical Engineering
  • Class size is 10-60 students
  • Nearly all undergraduates finish in 4 years or less
  • Cooperative education program available
  • Study abroad and foreign externships available
  • Certificate programs in "business basics" and "engineering design"
  • Undergraduate research opportunities with world-class faculty

Graduate Study

  • 90-100 graduate students in Mechanical Engineering
  • Highly interdisciplinary graduate research with world class faculty
  • Nearly all graduate students supported on fellowships, RA’s, and TA’s
  • 12-18 months for MS degree
  • 4-5 years for PhD (beyond BS)