A female engineering student wearing safety glasses operates an Instron universal testing machine in a dimly lit laboratory. She focuses on a computer monitor displaying a real-time stress-strain graph as the machine performs a mechanical test on a small material specimen held in metal grips.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Broadest Engineering Major

Mechanical engineering students in the Parker Motion and Control Lab

Design, Build and Solve Across Industries with a Versatile Mechanical Engineering Degree

Mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile and in-demand fields, with career opportunities spanning industries like automotive, aerospace, energy and manufacturing. At The University of Akron, students gain a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience while studying thermofluids, structures, motion and control systems. Graduates develop the skills to design, build and solve complex engineering challenges in a wide range of real-world settings.

YES, some things just set us apart.

Mechanical engineering student on co-op
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Flexible Career Paths with Paid Co-Op Experience

As the broadest engineering major, mechanical engineering gives you the flexibility to explore many career paths while gaining paid, hands-on experience through our co-op program

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Hands-On Learning with Nationally Recognized Design Teams

Apply what you learn in class by joining nationally recognized design teams where you’ll build your resume, make friends and travel

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Access Tutoring, Academic Support & Scholarships

Take advantage of free tutoring, academic support and a wide range of scholarships that can help reduce the cost of your education

Mechanical Engineering News

College of Engineering and Polymer Science faculty receive CenTiRe funding for tire research

College of Engineering and Polymer Science faculty receive CenTiRe funding for tire research

The University of Akron’s (UA) College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) has secured funding from the Center for Tire Research (CenTiRe) for two faculty-led research projects. The CenTiRe Industry Advisory Board approved three new research proposals this year, with UA earning two of the awards. READ MORE

Engineering students represent UA at Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Competition

Engineering students represent UA at Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Competition

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science participated in Lockheed Martin’s Ethics in Engineering Competition from Feb. 23-25, 2026, in Bethesda, Md. READ MORE

SPARK Fund announces awards to two UA innovation teams

SPARK Fund announces awards to two UA innovation teams

SPARK Fund, an initiative of the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF), has announced two awards to support prototyping and testing for UA innovation teams. READ MORE