Thoughts on Mechanical Engineering at University of Minnesota?

Hey everyone, I'm currently a junior looking into college programs for mechanical engineering. I noticed that the University of Minnesota has a reputable program. Can any current students or alumni shed some light on the quality of the education, research, and internship opportunities? Would love to know more about the community and campus life too! Thanks!

Hey there! It's great to see you're considering the University of Minnesota (UMN) for mechanical engineering. UMN has a strong mechanical engineering program that ranks among the top in the nation. Here's some information that may help you as you weigh your options.

Quality of Education: UMN's College of Science and Engineering is known for its strong faculty, cutting-edge research, and rigorous coursework. In the mechanical engineering program, you'll have the opportunity to learn from professors who are experts in their respective fields. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and offers various opportunities to participate in design projects, which help tremendously in understanding the practical application of engineering concepts.

Research Opportunities: UMN is a research-intensive university, and its mechanical engineering department has a wide range of research areas, including robotics, bioengineering, energy, and fluid dynamics. As an undergraduate student, you can get involved in research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which provides a paid research experience and helps you gain valuable skills in conducting research under faculty guidance.

Internship Opportunities: UMN has strong connections with many local and national companies such as 3M, Medtronic, and General Mills. These connections enable students to secure internships and co-op positions during their time at the university. Additionally, the College of Science and Engineering hosts career fairs to connect students with potential employers and to explore job and internship opportunities.

Community & Campus Life: The campus at UMN is located in the heart of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), which means there are plenty of off-campus activities to explore, including arts, sports, and entertainment events. On campus, student organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) provide mechanical engineering students with networking, professional development, and project-building opportunities. Overall, the campus community is diverse and welcoming, and there are a variety of clubs and events to choose from to make your college experience enjoyable and enriching.

I hope this information helps you in your decision-making process. Good luck with your college search!