Mechanical engineering: 3 North American universities preparing graduates for global success

Mechanical engineering students are trained to think critically and solve problems — a skill set highly valuable in today’s global market. For example, these professionals are making significant contributions to the development of efficient renewable energy systems. They designed advanced wind turbines and solar panels that are now in use worldwide, reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable energy. 

In the automotive industry, they are at the forefront of creating electric vehicles (EVs) that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Companies like Tesla and Toyota rely on mechanical engineers to innovate and improve their EV technologies, making them more accessible and affordable to the world.

And since mechanical engineering degree programmes often emphasise both technical and managerial aspects of engineering practice, graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles — whether supervising technical teams or developing strategies at the corporate level. 

If this is the kind of career you’re looking to build for yourself, choose one of these universities as your launchpad. 

The University of Alberta in Edmonton is an excellent destination for students to learn and explore. Source: University of Alberta

University of Alberta

Located in Edmonton, one of the northernmost major cities in the world, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering empowers its students and researchers to uncover new knowledge and contribute to making the world a better place. Some of its most significant discoveries were within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which ranks 6th in Canada — think of everything from complex concentrated alloy for use as a high-temperature coating in hydrogen combustion engines to AI-powered drones aiding humans in making better decisions during emergencies. 

While MSc and PhD students here are taught as “junior colleagues in research,” the department’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) programme was designed for those looking to focus on both technical and managerial aspects of engineering practice. This qualification equips you with the skills to assume leadership roles, ranging from supervising technical staff to formulating strategies and policies at the top levels of a company. Hence, it is highly valued in the industry for its emphasis on practical skills. 

On this route, you can choose between a general degree in Mechanical Engineering or enhance your credentials with an Engineering Management Specialisation. Flexibility aside, accessibility adds to its appeal — the programme is relatively affordable compared to other competitive options in Canadian universities. 

Nothing less is expected from an institution that truly cares. The Faculty of Engineering’s world-class instructors, hybrid learning environments, hands-on lab and field experience, and co-op opportunities create a nurturing atmosphere where you can thrive — much like the city of Edmonton, which is just as warm as it is lively.

Otherwise known as the “City of Festivals” for its numerous year-round events, it boasts a population of one million and is one of Canada’s strongest local economies. Here, you can marvel at the Northern Lights in dark sky preserves or explore the vast North Saskatchewan River Valley after hours. On weekends, you might find yourself relishing ​​folk music in a natural open-air amphitheatre or participating in a winter canoe race. Sound like an exhilarating place to live and study? Click here to learn more about the Faculty of Engineering. 

With dozens of specialisations to choose from, students here can tailor their education to match their specific interests. Source: Purdue University

Purdue University

Purdue University’s College of Engineering’s vision is to be “the most consequential engineering college in the nation” — and it’s well on its way there. It hosts one of the top five engineering programmes in the US, with graduates going on to become astronauts, CEOs, entrepreneurs, researchers, and more. Their Purdue degree opens doors to almost any company or organisation, enabling them to carve successful careers and take on society’s grand challenges.

The college is home to the School of Mechanical Engineering which is moving the world forward by combining the latest technologies with the strongest of fundamentals. At its graduate school, you’ll master the skills necessary to innovate at nearly any field, from fuel pumps to heart pumps. Most of the credit for this goes to its graduate programme, ranked amongst the top 10 in the US.

For those looking to elevate their potential in the industry, pursue the Professional Master’s Programme (PMP) in Mechanical Engineering. This programme allows you to gain a world-class education in your chosen area in as little as one to two years, while refining your management skills and providing a robust foundation for a career path filled with precision and confidence.

You can tailor your education to your specific interests with dozens of specialisations, including heat transfer, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, controls, design, nanotechnology, semiconductors, combustion, robotics, biomedical, and much more. The programme’s focus on soft skills development also equips you with the communication, leadership, and financial knowledge essential for success in today’s competitive job market.

Life at Purdue doesn’t stop at the classroom. You’ll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a large US university with a walkable campus and a diverse student body of over 50,000 students representing 135 countries. As the PMP is a qualified STEM programme, international students can apply for CPT/OPT employment opportunities in the US.

UIUC has a rich and storied history that dates back to its establishment in 1867. Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Nothing guarantees career progression like an advanced degree from the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering (MechSE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Here, instructors double as world-renowned experts actively shaping the landscape of their fields before bringing insights back to the classroom. Their experiences prepare tomorrow’s mechanical engineers to thrive in one of the world’s most sought-after sectors.

Faculty and students unite in MechSE’s Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.ME) programme — a competitive, professionally-oriented postgraduate degree that is just as experiential as it is flexible. While nurturing the technical skills beyond what is taught at the undergraduate level, it also allows learners to specialise according to their interests. Options abound within six tracks: Design & Mechanics, Controls & Robotics, Energy, Manufacturing, Fluid & Thermal Sciences, and Biomechanics.

M.Eng.ME graduates are currently employed at top-ranked companies like Abbott Laboratories, Accenture, Amazon, Boeing, Capital One, Microsoft, NASA, SpaceX, and Tesla.

The M.Eng.ME is an apt choice for anyone looking to follow in their footsteps. Aspiring career climbers who earn this degree from UIUC can increase the depth of their technical background, attending full-time or part-time—even while maintaining a full-time job, thanks to the online option, which ranks #3 in the US. Whether on campus or online, students receive guidance from a dedicated team of faculty and staff throughout their time in the program.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International