BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Why pursue a mechanical engineering degree at North Central College?

Our focus is on automation and robotics. Our themes are sustainability, access, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Technology has the potential to address many societal issues. Engineers influence how new technology is created and applied. Mechanical Engineering students get hands-on experience from day one in the engineering method, using the latest engineering design and simulation software, making parts on 3D printers, and programming in Python. You'll dive into the details of materials, manufacturing processes, sensors and actuators, embedded processors, and robot control systems. Rather than concentrating on textbook examples and memorization, you'll practice the same skills that professional engineer uses in their career: solving problems, working in teams, writing reports, and making presentations. Activities include intercollegiate competitions, community engagement, and independent studies.

You can also:

• Gain real mechanical engineer work experience through internships at nearby research labs such as Argonne National Laboratory or Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
• Study in the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with some of the most sophisticated hardware, software, and other sustainable technology in the industry.
• Pursue your research interests anywhere in the world by applying for a Richter Grant.
• Travel, study and work internationally, and complete mechanical engineering course requirements through our study abroad program.
• Present your original mechanical engineers' work and research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, such as the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research or North Central's own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Since 1861, North Central has been a place where new ideas lead to unlimited possibilities. We’re an independent college dedicated to the power of the liberal arts and sciences to transform students into leaders both in their careers and communities. Our nearly 3,000 students study across more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, with their education, made richer by supportive faculty and staff, world-class facilities, and countless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

A College on the move

Building on the foundation of more than 150 years of excellence, North Central continues to grow with numerous new facilities, programs, and initiatives in the works.

The College opened with 40 students in a single two-story building in Plainfield, Illinois. Since then we’ve changed names twice (to North-Western, then North Central), moved once (from Plainfield to Naperville), and grown steadily (to about 3,000 students).

Over the years, thousands of dedicated students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends have helped us thrive through the toughest challenges – wars, economic crises, social upheavals, and more – and build a future brilliant with hope and promise.

We’ve met the changing needs of students from Civil War veterans to millennial entrepreneurs. And we’ve always stayed true to our heritage of moral courage and forward-thinking.

Today we’re a top-ranked private comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences. U.S. News & World Report counts us among “America’s Best Colleges,” one of the top six schools in the Midwest for a “strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.” Students choose from more than 55 undergraduate majors and five graduate program areas.

Although the College originally discouraged organized athletics as a distraction from weightier matters, our 26 intercollegiate sports in NCAA Division III make our athletic department the largest in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW). North Central is proud of its 32 team national championships and 123 individual national champions.

Though affiliated with the United Methodist Church, we welcome and encourage students and staff of all faiths. We are thoughtfully expanding our academic programs to respond to the needs of our ever-changing world, recently adding Middle Eastern and North African Studies, along with Arabic. And we’re transforming our facilities – most dramatically with a new interdisciplinary Science Center located at the corner of Brainard Street and Van Buren Avenue.

It’s been an amazing 150+ years. But it’s clear that the best is yet to come!