Mechanical Engineering

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

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 the mechanical engineering professional and choose upper-level technical electives for further in-depth study. We offer formal tracks in Aerospace Engineering and Biomechanics, allowin students to pursue special interests in engineering, physics, biology, mathematics, management, and humanities. Students interact with a multidisciplinary faculty both in the classroom and in research laboratories. 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 is available.

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. Students choose an area of specialization in preparation for technical careers or graduate and professional school. The major offers numerous technical electives and allows students to pursue special interests in engineering, physics, biology, mathematics, management, and humanities. 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 is available in Mechanical Engineering. Courses in the basic sciences and mathematics and in other engineering disciplines, including civil and materials are required. The major offers elective opportunities in diverse areas such as the physical and mathematical sciences, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and environmental engineering. Students interact with a multidisciplinary faculty both in the classroom and in research laboratories.

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 Undergraduate Advising manual, Section 1.2.3, 1.2.4, and 2.9 for details, which is available on the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Advising page.

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), American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Blue Jay Racing, Design Build Fly, Hopkins Rocketry, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at JHU (oSTEM), and Women of Mechanical Engineering Network (WoMEN).​​