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Department ofMechanical Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Learn to make anything

Mechanical Engineering applies the fields of physics, mathematics, and materials science to the design and realization of mechanical and thermal systems. For over a century mechanical engineers have played a central role in creating the infrastructure of modern society while addressing the emerging interdisciplinary challenges of tomorrow.

At SCU, you’ll receive a rigorous theoretical foundation coupled with hands-on laboratories and projects.  You’ll have the opportunity to make real connections with faculty and even work with them on cutting-edge research. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, our curriculum challenges students to consider the moral, ethical, and social impacts of engineering while supporting entrepreneurial thinking. Combined with the breadth of the core curriculum, the mechanical engineering program at SCU trains the whole person to create engineers of conscience, competence, and compassion.

Three scientists working with laboratory equipment in a lab. Two people discussing a drone in a tech lab.

Our undergraduates take advantage of our prime location in the heart of Silicon Valley to gain experience in summer internships and find sponsors for design projects. Our M.S. and Ph.D. programs welcome students from all over the world as well as those practicing engineers working right here in the Valley. Graduates of our programs work in the Valley and beyond in diverse industries such as aerospace, autonomous vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices, data science, Internet of things, and advanced manufacturing.

 


 Students, Alumni, and Faculty Spotlights
  • Dr. Ayoubi elected as 2025 AIAA Associate Fellow

    Professor Mohammad A. Ayoubi has been elected to the Class of 2025 Associate Fellows of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest aerospace professional society.

  • Kitts recognized for sustained excellence in scholarship

    This year's University Award for Sustained Excellence in Scholarship went to Dr. Chris Kitts in Mechanical Engineering for his work in the design, control, and teleoperation of highly advanced robotic systems for scientific discovery, technology validation, and engineering education.

  • MECH alumnus Sam Bertram selected as Forbes 30 Under 30

    MECH alumnus Sam Bertram '16, M.S. '18 of OnePointOne selected as Forbes 30 Under 30: Social Impact. Sam is the Co-Founder and CEO of OnePointOne, which is revolutionizing vertical farming through automation, AI and plant science

  • RSL developing novel marine systems through $1.3 Million of external grants

    Faculty, staff and students in the Robotic Systems Laboratory (RSL), directed by Dr. Christopher Kitts, are currently working on several innovative marine systems as part of three grants valued at more than $1,300,000. These include development of a deep sea water sampler using shape memory alloy technology to sample water at temperatures of up to 200 deg C (National Science Foundation), a new hybrid aerial/underwater vehicle (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), and a long duration autonomous underwater robot (Office of Naval Research).

Contact Us

Chair: Michael Taylor
Department Manager: Gina Orais

408-554-4937

Mechanical Engineering
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053