Undergraduate

Undergraduate Academic Programs

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering endeavors to educate high-achieving professionals in mechanical, aerospace and nuclear engineering. A mix of practical theory and applied experience is at the heart of the department’s undergraduate education. Team-building, creativity and critical thinking skills are emphasized, giving students an advantage in the job market. Experiential learning, a distinguishing feature of the department, allows students to learn through doing. In addition to interactive laboratory and classroom experiences, culminating capstone projects take students from design to prototype testing.

Aerospace Engineering Program

Aerospace engineering is dynamic and addresses the needs to commercial and military systems. Comprehensive laboratories and extensive computing facilities focus instruction on the challenges of terrestrial and space flight.

Ohio State’s aerospace engineering program provides students with a broad range of knowledge, while technical electives allow for studies to be specialized, if desired. Technical electives include fluid mechanics; propulsion; aircraft flight testing; helicopter aerodynamics; control theory (air-breathing and rocket); turbomachinery; structural dynamics; aeroelasticity; stability and control of flight vehicles; orbital mechanics; and hypersonics.

The unique combination of a large university, distinguished faculty and small class sizes allows the program to foster learning in a close knit atmosphere and world-class setting.

Additional information, including the sample curriculum, admission to major requirements, and capstone options, can be found at https://mae.osu.edu/academics/aerospace-engineering

Mechanical Engineering Program

Mechanical systems can vary greatly in complexity and magnitude, from the valve in an artificial heart to a car engine. Mechanical engineering addresses all aspects of the conversion of thermal energy into useful work and the machines that make it possible. 

Students enrolled in mechanical engineering may choose to take specialized courses throughout the curriculum or maintain a broader course of study. Specialized topics include: applied mechanics; automotive engineering; biomechanical systems design and manufacturing; dynamics, vibrations and controls; energy systems; and nuclear engineering.

Ohio State’s broad mechanical engineering curriculum exposes students to the technologies, facilities and instructor that help jumpstart their careers.

Additional information, including the sample curriculum, admission to major requirements, and capstone options, can be found at https://mae.osu.edu/academics/mechanical-engineering