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Mechanical Engineering Major

Bachelor of Science

With a mechanical engineering degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems while preparing for careers or graduate study in engineering.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Bethel, you’ll study mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, and integrated systems while building a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. You’ll apply what you learn through labs, design projects, and original research in a Christ-centered, close-knit learning environment. You can complete the degree in as few as four years, preparing you for engineering roles across industry, professional licensure, or graduate engineering programs.

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Why should I study mechanical engineering at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your education will center in the Department of Physics and Engineering, where you’ll receive personalized mentorship and engage in hands-on learning experiences. And you’ll find unique options and pathways to match your graduate school and career goals.

  • Built-in career preparation
    From your first day at Bethel, career preparation is woven into your experience through The Studio for Vocation and Calling and is reinforced by the Bethel Career Commitment. Graduates are prepared for engineering careers in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, biomedical technology, energy, and product development, as well as for graduate school or professional licensure pathways like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. 
  • Faith-fueled learning
    Ground your mechanical engineering studies in a Christ-centered environment that prepares you to serve with purpose, integrity, and excellence in your career.
  • Flexible learning paths
    You’ll build a broad engineering foundation in your first two years through shared coursework in physics, mathematics, and engineering, allowing you to explore interests while preparing for advanced mechanical engineering design and analysis.
  • Close faculty mentorship
    In a tight-knit environment, you’ll work closely with faculty on real-world design challenges, lab-based experimentation, and research projects that mirror professional engineering practice.
  • Strong success in graduate and medical schools
    You’ll be well-equipped to pursue careers that require medical or graduate degrees. And our graduates have a longstanding success rate in getting into medical programs and pursuing vibrant careers.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Throughout the mechanical engineering undergraduate program, you’ll build technical, professional, and leadership skills used by engineers across industry and graduate study.

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Foundational engineering knowledge

Build mastery in physics, mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science that supports advanced engineering analysis and design.

Mechanical design and systems thinking

Design and analyze mechanical and thermal systems using modern engineering methods, constraints, and tools.

Hands-on technical experience

Use lab equipment and prototyping tools to test, build, and refine engineering solutions through projects and research.

Professional communication

Collaborate on team-based projects and research while clearly communicating technical ideas through reports, presentations, and design reviews.

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Tackle open-ended, real-world engineering challenges that mirror professional practice across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and biomedical technology.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

As a student in the mechanical engineering program, you'll engage in hands-on learning experiences that will prepare you for a successful career in mechanical engineering.

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Clubs and travel

You can participate in engineering-related clubs such as the High-Power Rocket Team and Society of Physics Students, where students apply classroom knowledge to real design, testing, and competition challenges. You can also pursue study abroad opportunities in Switzerland or at Oxford University in England.

Mentoring and networking

You’ll closely collaborate alongside experienced and seasoned faculty who will get to know you and your goals. Our alumni also come back to campus to connect with current students and offer advice—and most importantly, they actively seek to hire our graduates.

Hands-on research

You’ll have opportunities to conduct faculty-mentored research, participate in nationally competitive internships, publish papers, and present at local and national conferences, building strong preparation for graduate school and technical careers.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?

Graduates of Bethel’s mechanical engineering undergraduate program pursue careers and advanced study across a wide range of industries.

Design and product engineering

Design and develop mechanical systems and devices for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Manufacturing engineering

Oversee the manufacturing process, optimizing production efficiency and quality while minimizing costs.

Product development

Lead the development of new products from concept to market, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product success.

HVAC Engineering

Design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Biomedical engineering

Develop medical devices and technologies, contributing to advancements in healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

Aerospace engineering

Design aircraft and spacecraft systems, ensuring safety, performance, and reliability in aerospace applications.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success.

Department of Physics & Engineering


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 244

Contact

Brian Beecken

Brian Beecken

Brian Beecken

Professor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Alyssa Hamre Kontak

Alyssa Hamre Kontak

Associate Professor of Physics

Bio >

Julie Hogan

Julie Hogan

Associate Professor of Physics

Bio >

Nathan Lindquist

Nathan Lindquist

Professor of Physics

Bio >

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Wayne Raman-Nair

Professor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Keith Stein

Keith Stein

Professor of Physics

Bio >

Shensheng Tang

Shensheng Tang

Professor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

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Gretchen Kulas

Adjunct Instructor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Nathan Lemke

Nathan Lemke

Senior Staff Physicist

Bio >

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Jason Stroup

Adjunct Instructor of Physics and Engineering

Bio >

Thomas Greenlee

Thomas Greenlee

Professor of Physics Emeritus

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Richard Peterson

Richard Peterson

University Professor of Physics Emeritus

Bio >

38

paid summer internships in 2024

7

National Science Foundation grants have funded research in physics, engineering, and nanotechnology

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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A path with promise

Clear price. Clear outcomes.

Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.

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Explore the career commitment

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements

Frequently asked questions

An undergraduate mechanical engineering major is a college program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and prepares students to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems. At Bethel, students study core areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and integrated systems while building a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. Coursework is paired with labs, design projects, and research that help students apply theory to real engineering challenges.
Students in the mechanical engineering undergraduate program develop technical, professional, and leadership skills used by practicing engineers. These include engineering design and analysis, hands-on lab and prototyping skills, applied problem solving, teamwork, and professional communication. Through projects, research, and co-curricular experiences, students also build skills that support graduate school preparation, professional licensure, and engineering careers immediately after graduation.
An engineering degree with faith integration combines rigorous technical preparation with a Christ-centered approach to learning and leadership. At Bethel, mechanical engineering courses are taught with attention to ethics, purpose, and service, helping students consider how their technical skills can be used to serve others and contribute responsibly to society. This approach prepares graduates not only to be capable engineers, but also thoughtful professionals who lead with integrity.
Yes. Bethel’s mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree prepares students for graduate engineering programs as well as professional licensure pathways such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Strong preparation in engineering fundamentals, design, and research equips graduates for advanced study, while hands-on experiences help students build the technical confidence needed for licensure and professional practice.
Graduates from a mechanical engineering college major are hired across industries that rely on design, systems, and problem-solving expertise. These include manufacturing, aerospace, energy, biomedical and medical device development, HVAC and building systems, and product development. Mechanical engineering’s broad skill set allows graduates to adapt to evolving technologies and interdisciplinary roles.
Bethel’s undergraduate mechanical engineering major is highly hands-on. While students gain strong theoretical foundations, they regularly apply what they learn through labs, design projects, faculty-mentored research, and engineering clubs. These experiences ensure graduates are comfortable working with modern tools, testing systems, and solving real-world engineering problems.