Engineering, B.S.E Mechanical Engineering Concentration

Engineering, B.S.EMechanical Engineering Concentration

Program Overview

PLNU’s Engineering B.S.E. with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering equips you to design, analyze, and improve mechanical systems that shape the modern world. With a foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, you’ll develop expertise in areas like materials, dynamics, fluid systems, and energy. This program prepares you for careers in manufacturing, transportation, renewable energy, or for graduate study in mechanical engineering and related fields.

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ABET Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

Why Choose Engineering at PLNU?

Enhanced graphic of copy in the color green. Text reads: "The program is rooted in the philosophy that engineers are people who make things, and many classes are project driven or have labs."
Enhanced graphic of copy in the color green. Text reads: "PLNU's engineering program has been recognized by the EDC as a preferred provider of engineering and manufacturing talent."

Required Internship

All students complete an internship, ensuring you graduate with professional engineering experience. ABET commended this as a program strength.

Capstone Project with Purpose

You’ll complete a year-long senior design project with real-world clients. Recent projects have included designing engineering systems for mission projects in Guatemala.

Personalized Mentorship

Small class sizes and one-on-one faculty advising provide individualized support for academic planning, career goals, and graduate school preparation.

What You’ll Study

Alongside a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, you’ll specialize in mechanical engineering with courses such as:

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Dynamics and Thermodynamics
  • Robotics and Embedded Systems
  • Measurement and Instrumentation

Your education culminates in an internship and a two-semester senior design project, where you’ll design and test real mechanical systems.

Graduates of PLNU’s Engineering program pursue careers in:

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer

With ABET accreditation, hands-on projects, and strong industry connections, PLNU’s Mechanical Engineering concentration prepares you to design solutions that drive innovation across industries.

The Language of Logic

A Circuit-ous Path: How Dan Beans Became the Electric Utility Director for the City of Roseville
Mechanical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering

Designing the Future: Engineering Solutions for a Changing World

Videos (2)
Articles (5)
A Circuit-ous Path: How Dan Beans Became the Electric Utility Director for the City of Roseville Dan Beans is the electric utility director for the City of Roseville, helping ensure reliable power at an affordable cost to residents. Discover
Mechanical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering Mechanical engineering or electrical engineering? Find out the right major for you. Work with computer hardware, electronics, aerospace, turbines, and generators. Discover
Faculty Spotlight: Michelle Chen, Ph.D. To explain her field of study, Dr. Michelle Chen, PLNU professor of physics and engineering, refers to a ball on her desk. It is hand-sized and made up of hexagons, like a soccer ball you can see all the way through. She points to each part and explains: each intersection of lines symbolizes a carbon Discover
Erika Weisdorfer: Engineering Good While she was a student at PLNU, Erika Weisdorfer felt a calling to use her engineering physics degree to help others. Discover
Teaching Machines to Learn Not only was she pushing herself outside of her comfort zone exploring this new field, Dotter was also getting to ask questions of purpose and meaning, questions at the intersection of both computer science and biology. How can we teach a computer to learn the way we do? While many people have wondered that very Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Engineering, B.S.E Mechanical Engineering Concentration program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Are you curious about the mechanisms and science behind machinery and infrastructure? Utilize a degree in mechanical engineering to break down and innovate the vehicles and technology that make our society possible. 

What can you do with an engineering degree with a concentration in mechanical engineering?

Many PLNU graduates have gone on to work in careers in academia, aerospace, computer technology, automotive industry, construction, manufacturing design, renewable energy, research, seismic science, transportation, and urban planning (just to name a few). All are equipped with thorough knowledge and tools for their roles within these industries. 

Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and optimize systems that integrate people, materials, information, equipment, and energy. They improve quality and productivity across a range of industries including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

  • Median Pay: $101,140/year
  • Number of Jobs: 351,100
  • Job Outlook (2024–34): +11% (Much faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +38,500 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and test mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They work in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy.

  • Median Pay: $102,320/year
  • Number of Jobs: 293,100
  • Job Outlook (2024–34): +9% (Much faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +26,500 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Bioengineer / Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare. They work at the intersection of engineering and medicine to improve patient care and healthcare delivery.

  • Median Pay: $106,950/year
  • Number of Jobs: 22,200
  • Job Outlook (2024–34): +5% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: +1,100 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Smarter, Faster, and Stronger Tech

"Called to Care"
"Intelligence with Intent"

Creating Tomorrow's Solutions with Today's Code

Quotes (2)
Pictures (5)
Called to Care
"I had amazing professors at Point Loma. I was part of the honors scholars program and had an excellent experience working with faculty. The Christ-centered education really influenced what I feel is my calling to work in healthcare. I really think that everything I learned during my time at PLNU has informed my choice to always explore opportunities to use my skills in a way that could help others."
Erika Weisdorfer Engineering and Physics B.S.E.
Intelligence with Intent
"I’ve been given the ability to understand certain parts of education like math and engineering. We’re all given different abilities from God. My talents and my intelligence are gifts, and I have to use them to continuously find His purpose."
Marissa Dotter Physics and Engineering B.S.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

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Physics and Engineering Senior Project

All engineering majors work on a capstone engineering project.

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Physics and Engineering Internships

Combine the skills and knowledge you gain from your physics and engineering coursework with valuable corporate experience through a semester-long internship.