Mechanical Engineering at NIU
Bachelor of Science

Design and produce innovations that improve people's lives.

Understanding how systems operate is at the core of mechanical engineering. But learning about materials and processes is just the start. The field emphasizes finding new solutions and methods that are better for people and the planet. With the ability to study innovative areas like robotics and sustainable energy, you'll help humankind evolve along with technology.

My major is mechanical engineering. I decided to become an engineer to satisfy my childlike curiosity at the marvel of existence.

ApplyFind Mechanical Engineering Scholarships

What Can I Do With a Mechanical Engineering Degree From NIU?

Our graduates establish and advance successful careers in corporate and nonprofit organizations, government agencies and other settings. You'll have many opportunities to connect with employers while a student, including our engineering job fairs.

Top skills reported by alumni:

  • Computer-aided design
  • Continual improvement process
  • Lean manufacturing
  • New product development 
  • Project management

Top fields alumni work in:

  • Aviation and aerospace
  • Manufacturing
  • Natural resources
  • Transportation and logistics
  • Utilities

Career Potential for NIU Mechanical Engineering Majors

Average mid-career salary:

$91,596

Top employers include:

  • Caterpillar, Inc.
  • Collins Aerospace
  • ComEd
  • John Deere 
  • Navistar, Inc.
  • Northrop Grumman

Job titles include:

  • Design engineer
  • Engineering manager
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Mechanical design engineer 
  • Mechanical engineer
  • Project engineer

Source: Steppingblocks, 2023

What to Expect as a Mechanical Engineering Major at NIU

Our program will provide you with science and math skills in addition to engineering knowledge, giving you great career flexibility. You can focus your studies by choosing an emphasis:

  • Advanced computing and simulation
  • Robotics and controls
  • Sustainable energy

Explore mechanical engineering courses.

How We’ll Help You Succeed

Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.

Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).

Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.

With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.

Apply to NIU

First-year Students
(Freshman)

High School GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ACT/SAT SCORES

Not considered.

We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.

First-Year Application

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First-Year Application

Add us to your common app list

Transfer Students

ALL COLLEGES GPA

2.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ALL COLLEGES GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship
.

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

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