About ME

Howard University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering has been educating world-class mechanical engineers since 1907.

We produce the next generation of high quality engineers who enter the workforce in industrial, government and national labs or pursue graduate degrees as future academicians or research scientists. Hands-on learning, high quality research and entrepreneurial spirit are the main drivers for student success in our department. Our faculty link engineering education with professional practice to engage students in applying the principles of mechanical engineering in real-world problems as early as freshman year.

We offer the following degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy. The master's and doctoral programs also include interdisciplinary degrees in atmospheric sciences and materials sciences. Other focus areas offered include applied mechanics, energy systems, manufacturing, and aerospace. Our curriculum covers fundamental mechanical engineering courses in the areas of thermal sciences, mechanical design, mechanics, and system design and controls. Technical electives, hands-on capstone projects, and innovation space opportunities allow students to specialize in automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and other engineering fields. Graduates also have the potential to work as professional licensed engineers. (Visit the National Society of Professional Engineers for more information.)

Our faculty comprise award-winning engineering educators and scholars who are poised to deliver quality engineering education. Seven out of ten of our tenured and tenure-track faculty members are internationally recognized by peers as fellows of ASME and other professional associations. With a long tradition of academic excellence, our department continues to hire professors of the highest caliber and places strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research, services and professional development.

We currently have one National Science Foundation funded research center and four well-equipped laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities. These laboratories support funded research projects aimed at extending the frontiers of knowledge in many fields including Applied Mechanics and Materials, Fatigue/Failure, Digital Manufacturing (3-D Printing), CAD/CAM, MEMS and Sensors, Surface Engineering and Nanofluids, and Combustion and Reactive CFD. These cutting-edge research projects are funded by several governmental agencies, including the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration and U.S. Army Research Office, as well as industrial partners, such as Boeing, General Motors, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Filter Sensing Technology, Inc.

We provide extensive support for undergraduate student participation in funded research projects. This approach has been used to strengthen our undergraduate research experience, instill their interests in pursuing graduate studies, or fill significant positions in a wide variety of industries and research centers both in the U.S. and abroad. For over 25 years, the Department of Mechanical Engineering has involved a number of industrial partners and national labs in its capstone design projects to expose students to real-life design projects. Students experience unique networking and learning opportunities in an industrial environment, while building their teamwork skills.