Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering focuses on the design and development of thermal, fluids, and mechanical systems to solve big societal problems.

More detailed requirements for students enrolling at JHU for Fall 2025 will be available on this page when the JHU e-Catalogue is published in early July.

Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering continues the Johns Hopkins Engineering tradition of providing a quality education to students, preparing them to make substantial contributions to the fields of engineering and science. To achieve this purpose, the Department’s faculty is committed to creating a stimulating intellectual environment that encourages all students to achieve their full potential. Our faculty members are actively engaged in both research and teaching programs.

​The modern engineer must be well versed in communication and teamwork skills, which are developed in our undergraduate program through courses that involve laboratory exercises, report writing, and recording of oral presentations. Development in solving design problems is cultivated through design electives and special design projects assigned in many of the courses, up to and including the capstone senior design course. 

Programs

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and in Engineering Mechanics. Formal tracks in Aerospace Engineering and Biomechanics are available in both majors. Some double-majors can be completed with these degrees, depending on the number of outside credits previously earned. A 5-year combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program is available in Mechanical Engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) major emphasizes mechanical and thermal systems analysis and design. Students develop a wide range of fundamental skills required of mechanical engineering professionals and choose upper-level technical electives for further in-depth study.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics​​

The Engineering Mechanics (EM) major is designed to provide students with a highly flexible but rigorous foundation in solid and fluid mechanics. The major includes numerous technical electives and allows students to pursue special interests in engineering, science, and mathematics.

Research

​​Opportunities vary from year to year based on available research. General research areas are in fluid mechanics, biomechanics, mechanics and materials, and robotics. A majority of our undergraduate students partake in research sometime during their time here. See the MechE Undergraduate Program Manual for details.

After Graduation

​​​Visit the BS First Destinations Alumni page for details on where alumni go after graduation. Alumni will go into engineering practice, consulting, graduate school, and a variety of other careers.​​

Activities

Visit the Student Groups page for details on relevant student organizations, which include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Blue Jay Racing, Design Build Fly, Hopkins Rocketry (the AstroJays), Hopkins Student Wind Energy Team, Hopkins Themed Entertainment Association, Hopkins Mars Rover Team, and Volunteers for Medical Engineering.​​

Getting Started

BS Engineering Mechanics

Fall Semester
Course
Credits

AS.030.101

3

AS.110.108* (FA2 Requirement)

4

EN.530.107

0.5

EN.530.111

2

EN.530.115

1

EN.530.123

3

First Year Seminar

3

Total

16.5

Spring Semester
Course
Credits

AS.110.109 (FA2 Requirement)

4

EN.500.113 (FA2 Computing and Data Science Requirement)

3

EN.530.108

0.5

EN.530.116

1

EN.530.124

2

EN.661.110 (FA1 Foundational Course in Writing, FA5 Foundational Course in Ethical Reflection)

3

EN.661.250 (FA1 Foundational Course in Oral Communication)

3

Total

16.5

* Select a math course according to your level of preparation as indicated by AP/IB/GCE or other exam score and/or the JHU Math Placement Process result. See your placement recommendations in the placement site in Canvas after you complete the process.

BS Mechanical Engineering

Fall Semester
Course
Credits

AS.030.101

3

AS.110.108* (FA2 Requirement)

4

EN.530.107

0.5

EN.530.111

2

EN.530.115

1

EN.530.123

3

First Year Seminar

3

Total

16.5

Spring Semester
Course
Credits

AS.110.109

4

EN.500.113 (FA2 Computing and Data Requirement)

3

EN.530.108

0.5

EN.530.116

1

EN.530.124

2

EN.661.110 or AS.004.101 (FA1 Foundational Course in Writing)

3

EN.661.250 (FA1 Foundational Course in Oral Communication)

3

Total

16.5

* Select a math course according to your level of preparation as indicated by AP/IB/GCE or other exam score and/or the JHU Math Placement Process result. See your placement recommendations in the placement site in Canvas after you complete the process.

Additional Information

To learn more about the Department of Mechanical Engineering, visit me.jhu.edu.