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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Utah
50 S. Central Campus Dr. Room 2110 MEB
Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Phone: (801) 581-6441
Fax: (801) 585-9826

Department Chair: Dr. Kent S. Udell
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Donald Bloswick
Graduate Program Coordinator: Jenn Harlow
Undergraduate Advisor: Dr. Paul Borgmeier
Undergraduate Academic Program Specialist: Dona Holm

Visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering website.


About the Department

Mechanical engineering has traditionally addressed various aspects of machines that move, including energy systems, controls, human interfaces, and durability. Modern mechanical engineering is found in very diverse fields, such as micro- and nano-mechanical systems, ergonomics, energy-efficient building design, biomedical robotics, and space probes, to name a few. Mechatronics—the use of microcomputers to gather information and use it to control devices—is a strength of mechanical engineering at the U. The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers graduate and undergraduate training opportunities in core engineering disciplines including bio-mechanical systems, composite materials, controls, design, energy systems, ergonomics and safety, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, manufacturing, microsystems and nanosystems, engineering sustainability, thermodynamics, robotics, and solid mechanics. Mechanical engineering's cutting-edge degree programs prepare graduates for a great variety of career paths.

The department is organized around three major academic areas:

  • Design, Controls & Manufacturing
  • Solid Mechanics
  • Thermal, Fluid, and Energy Systems

Within these areas are a variety of projects, such as computer-aided design and manufacturing, innovative prototyping techniques and manufacturing processes, ergonomics and safety, energy production and conservation, cancer treatment, robotics, metal fatigue, airflow and air turbulence, and microelectro-mechanical systems.

Major Research Initiatives:

Engineering mechanics, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, composite materials behavior and mechanics, fatigue, fracture mechanics, behavior of plastics, adhesive bonding, tribology, design methods, reliability in design, quality in design , ergonomics, safety, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, aerodynamics, mechatronics, bioheat transfer, microscale heat transfer, systems engineering, controls, robotics, thermal energy storage, sustainability, thermodynamics, turbulent flow, acoustics, vibrations, biomechanics, aerodynamics, and rocket propulsion.

Associated Institutes and Research Centers:

Faculty:

Degree Programs:

  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (BS/MS)
  • Master of Engineering (ME)
  • Master of Science (Non-Thesis) (MS)
  • Master of Science (Thesis) (MS)
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Average Starting Salary:1

Bachelor's: $54,128
Master's: $62,798
PhD: $72,763

1Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers