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Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Our nationally ranked engineering programs offer undergraduate, graduate, and 4+1 degree options that will prepare you for the 21st century.

Academic Programs

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.

Undergraduate


Graduate

I liked the class sizes. At PNW, the smaller class sizes let you get a lot closer with your professors. The professors are also really passionate about the subjects they’re teaching.

I chose PNW because of the top tier engineering program that they offered, and it allowed me to not only get an education but also work throughout my time there.

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I came to PNW because it was close to home, beautiful campus and small class sizes. I stayed at PNW because of the amazing professors and close bonds created with my cohorts.

Val Kesler
Mechanical Engineering, ’12

Arturo Garcia is pictured.

PNW has provided me with nearly all the knowledge I will need to pursue my dream career as an inventor and researcher.

Arturo Garcia
MS, Mechanical Engineering, Spring ’20
BS, Mechanical Engineering and Physics, Spring ’18

Student Sydney Valiska is pictured.

I believe having smaller class sizes at PNW compared to other big engineering universities really has allowed me to gain more hands-on experience (especially in labs) that I would not have been able to have at other schools.

Sydney Valiska
Civil Engineering, ’21

There were so many opportunities to get involved and take leadership roles all across campus that it helped me to stretch, grow, and ultimately be prepared to begin life in the ‘real world.

Ben Moul, Mechanical Engineering, ‘12

PNW Alum Hugo Cedeno

PNW prepared me not only for my doctoral studies but also for my future career in the industry. I developed research skills and improved my ability to solve realistic problems that are faced by engineers and managers in the industry.

Hugo Cedeno
Ph.D., Civil Engineering and Computational Science, Fall ’20

Emily Larson

I currently work as a structural engineer for Burns and McDonnell. PNW prepared me for this work by building my technical background and offering the experiential learning opportunities that got me planning, scheduling, budgeting, designing, constructing, with adherence to codes and standards.

Emily Larson
BS, Civil Engineering, Spring’ 11

john tonkovich in the cockpit of a F/A-18 Super Hornet with sky in background

The education I received at PNW gave me the technical aptitude and critical thinking. I rely on minute-by-minute in a fast paced, sometimes unforgiving, and constantly changing career.

John Tonkovich
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Spring ’12

Dr. Andrew Jackura

I am very happy to have been a graduate of PNW. I have many experiences, formed lasting friendships, and took the combined advice from of my professors and mentors and used it as a guide for my career, and will continue to do so in the future.

Image of Rachel Mok.

I chose Purdue University Northwest because it is a nationally-ranked engineering program and because they believed in me.

Rachel Mok, Ph.D.
BSME, May 2011
MS, Mechanical Engineering, MIT, June 2013
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, MIT, June 2019

Image of Ryan Natzke.

PNW provided all of the courses and extracurricular activities so that I had enough knowledge and experience to make the transition from student to full-time engineer an easy one. In my whole career, I have not felt unprepared for the technical challenges at hand.

Ryan Natzke
MS, Engineering, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Spring ’12
BS, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Spring ’10

PNW engineering students work on an electronic project.

PNW Named Among 2025 Best Midwest Universities by U.S. News & World Report

PNW’s School of Engineering ranked 62 nationally among engineering schools whose highest awarded degrees are bachelor’s or master’s degrees in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 annual Best Colleges rankings

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Resources

Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Change the World

Admissions

Apply to one of our nationally ranked programs and prepare for your engineering future.

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Power Onward

Student Resources

Learn how to make the most of your PNW engineering education.

CIVS Center presentation

Meet MCE

Faculty and Staff

Our talented professionals can give you a rewarding educational experience.

The PNW Bell Tower with a blue, cloudy sky in the background

Purdue University Northwest named among 2025 best Midwest universities by U.S. News & World Report

PNW was ranked as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 annual Best Colleges rankings, while also being recognized for student social mobility.

A student in commencement regalia and Hispanic affinity stole walks across a stage

Recapping summer 2024 at Purdue University Northwest

During summer 2024, Purdue University Northwest engaged its neighboring communities with impactful programming that celebrated and uplifted cultures, educated young children with hands-on activities and provided important school resources for families.

PNW Professor Chenn Zhou addresses a conference

Industrious: Why Trailblazer Chenn Zhou Isn’t Worried About AI Disruption in Steel Manufacturing

Chenn Zhou, Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) founding director and NIPSCO Distinguished Professor of Engineering Simulation at PNW, recently sat down for a Q&A interview with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

Upcoming Mechanical and Civil Engineering Events

Oct 07

Fall Break

PNW will observe Fall Break on Monday and Tuesday, October 7 and 8, 2024.

Oct 23

Fall 2024 Career Expo

A career fair for students and alumni of Purdue University Northwest that are seeking full time employment and internships across all industries and academic majors.

Oct 28

Spring 2025 Priority Registration Begins

Priority Registration for Spring 2025 begins October 28. Register promptly for the best selection of course days and times.

Nov 08

Last Day to Drop a Fall 2024 Class

Last day to drop Fall 2024 classes ends at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8.

Accreditation

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Purdue University Northwest’s Bachelor of Science program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

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Purdue University Northwest’s Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.