Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Who is this program for?

The bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering is ideal for students who want to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems used in everything from vehicles to energy systems. With a foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science, graduates are prepared for careers as mechanical engineers, product designers, or project managers in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky prepares students for high-impact careers across industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, energy, and medical technology. Mechanical engineers design and develop the systems and devices that power our everyday lives—from engines and robotics to medical devices and advanced climate control systems. Through a rigorous curriculum grounded in math, science, and engineering principles, students learn to solve complex problems involving energy, motion, sound, and manufacturing. Offered on both the Lexington and Paducah campuses, this ABET-accredited program provides opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and collaboration with industry leaders. Graduates are well-positioned for competitive careers or advanced study in top graduate programs. If you're ready to design the future, Mechanical Engineering at UK offers the tools and experiences to help you build it.

The First Year Engineering Experience

All first-year Engineering majors participate in the First Year Experience Program offered by the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. The First-Year Engineering (FYE) Program is designed to orient students to the wide range of engineering disciplines and allows students to take engineering classes on day one. FYE classes present foundational knowledge from all our undergraduate majors and equip students with the confidence to pursue any degree program they are interested in.

Our Accreditation

ABET

This program is accredited by ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest standards of quality and prepare students to enter the global workforce as well-qualified engineering professionals. Read more about this accreditation.

Related Careers

  • Aerospace Aviation
  • Automotive Manufacturing
  • Industrial Equipment Design
  • Consulting firms
  • Government agencies
  • Energy and environmental solutions

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What You'll Learn

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program provides students with a strong foundation in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Students study core topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, materials science, and mechanical design. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on learning through labs and design projects, preparing students to understand and innovate in areas ranging from energy systems to robotics and advanced manufacturing. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway

This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.

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University of Kentucky Accelerated Master's Pathways

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Accelerated Pathway

This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.

Get Your Head Start

“As a mechanical engineering student, I began to see how engineering really opens a door for you. You might not necessarily be doing engineering your whole life, but you still have the creative problem-solving mindset that you get from becoming an engineer.”

Monon Rahman

2019 Mechanical Engineering Graduate

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Explore Financial Aid Options

Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.

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Get Involved!

Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

Learn About Student Organizations & Activities

Join the Engineering Living Learning Program

The ELLP provides a welcoming community for engineering and computer science students to be supported academically and establish meaningful connections with other students.

This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and academic support. In addition, the ELLP provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering faculty, alumni, industry partners, academic advisors, engineering student organizations, and Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are hand-selected to support new students during their transition to the University of Kentucky.

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Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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