Mechanical Engineering
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Mechanical engineering is the second largest engineering discipline and one of the oldest. Mechanical engineers are involved in the design of structures and the motion of mechanical systems.

Meet a mechanical engineer: David Nyarko

Education
Most companies hiring mechanical engineers expect candidates to have bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering. But today, more and more companies are requiring employees to pursue advanced degrees, particularly if the employee manages projects.

In college, students study advanced mathematics, calculus, chemistry, and physics among the core courses. They are also required to develop computer skills. By their junior year, college students take specialized mechanical engineering courses, including fluid dynamics, materials science, robotics, manufacturing processes, thermodynamics and heat transfer, and environmental science.

Fast Facts
Number of people in profession: 386,100*
Percentage male: 93
Percentage female: 7
Average salary: $65,000

People You Will Work With
Chemical engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers

* Based on a 1999 National Science Foundation survey