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What college courses should someone wanting to pursue mechanical engineering take so that they are well prepared for the future?

I will be beginning college in a few months giving the fact that I am completing my last year of high school and I would like to pursue a job in the mechanical engineering line of work and I was wondering what classes I should take so that I will be best prepared for my future to come. #mechanical-engineering #mechanical-engineer

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Glenn’s Answer

Most colleges have a pretty well defined course requirements for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At my school, you did not declare which engineering program we were taking after freshman year, the ME programs requirements were slightly different than the other engineering requirements. The counselors at your college or University can help. Typically freshman year include calculus, Physics, Chemistry, English,


When it comes to electives over your 4 years, I recommend technical writing if not already required. Take the harder technical electives that highlight areas of interest. Project classes are impressive to hiring managers.

Thank you comment icon I agree, but would also add public speaking and presentation skills. David Miller
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Jordan’s Answer

Any math course helps, plus statistics and structural or thermals. But your University will basically tell you what to take for the most part. I'd also recommend you focus any electives on things that interest you. Really think this through, because an interesting elective could easily pan out your focus on the first job you elect to take. I wouldn't stop at just Engineering electives though -- an Engineer coming out of school who has even a mild interest and structure on Business methodologies, is awesome. Prototypical Engineers are heads down, get their work done, and very technical... but someone who has Business acumen usually suggest they are great team players, communicators, and go eventually be great leaders to span the technical and commercial aspects of business.
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Jordan’s Answer

Glenn said it well -- most Universities have a set curriculum for Mech Eng degrees, with some options on electives. I recommend reaching out to any professors (after you start your freshman year) or Engineering Deans to get their opinions on electives and a good path within ME. They can provide input on weed out classes (ones that are so tough initially, just to see who survives and who quits), classes that may not look great on the outside but are really beneficial, etc. Plus this shows you care about your education and are utilizing the resources available to improve your future. This is a great mindset to have, that will benefit you after college as well.

As for electives, I recommend any business classes -- either within Engineering dept per se, or at the business school. I regret not taking more business minded, program management, and leadership courses during school. There's a lot that LinkedIn and other 3rd party places that offer these courses, so don't fret if you can't get access or don't take them... but very beneficial to take them as early as possible, sets you up well in the long run. Most engineers in the workplace don't have much of a business acumen, so this could be a real differentiator coming out of college.

Best of luck.
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