Bachelor's in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Why pursue a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering?

Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering are critical to the success of many human enterprises. They play a central role in the generation and distribution of energy, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Nearly every product or service in modern life has been touched in some way by a mechanical engineer.

At Harvard College, students choose a "concentration," our term for a major. All prospective undergraduate students, including those intending to study engineering and applied sciences, apply directly to Harvard College. During your sophomore fall, you’ll declare a concentration, or field of study.

Students can pursue a degree with an emphasis in mechanical engineering through the following concentrations:

• A.B. in Engineering Sciences - Mechanical and Materials Science and Engineering Track
• S.B. in Mechanical Engineering

Learn about some of our Mechanical Engineering Concentrators >

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Bachelor of Arts (A.B.)

Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that uses the principles of physics and materials science for the analysis and design of mechanical and thermal systems. The objectives of the Mechanical and Materials Science and Engineering Track of the Engineering Sciences A.B. program are to provide students a solid foundation in mechanical engineering study within the setting of a liberal arts college for preparation for a diverse range of careers in industry and government or for advanced work in engineering, business, law, or medicine.

Bachelor of Science (S.B.)

Mechanical Engineering concentrators receive a foundational education in a discipline central to challenges in energy, transportation, manufacturing, robotics, and the development of public infrastructure. Mechanical Engineering deals with the study and application of mechanical and thermal systems and covers a range of subtopics including mechatronics and robotics, structural analysis, thermodynamics and engineering design including the analysis of mechanical systems using finite element methods, the science of new materials, and devices for micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) and biological and nanotechnology applications.

AB/SM Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering Degree Program

Our AB/SM degree program is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only.

Prerequisites

Learn about the prerequisites for the concentration and the differences between the S.B. and A.B. tracks on on our First-Year Exploration page. Students interested in concentrating in Mechanical Engineering can be matched with a Peer Concentration Advisor. PCAs serve as peer advisors for pre-concentrators (and current concentrators), providing a valuable perspective and helping students to discover additional resources and opportunities. Learn more about the Peer Concentration Advisor program.

AB/SM Program

Our AB/SM degree program is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only.

Requirements

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering requirements.

Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering Degree Courses

View current Mechanical Engineering courses. 

Research Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students are encouraged to engage in research early in their studies. Opportunities include:

• Harvard College Research Program (HCRP)
• Laboratory assistant positions in faculty labs
• Course-based research projects

Students can work on cutting-edge research in areas such as robotics, materials design, biomechanics, and more. Learn more about research opportunities at Harvard SEAS.

Learn about the research interests of our Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering faculty.

Mechanical Engineering Career Paths

Graduates from both the A.B. and S.B. programs pursue diverse career paths. Our alumni work in various industries, including:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Automotive Engineering
• Energy and Sustainability
• Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare
• Robotics and Automation
• Manufacturing and Product Design
• Consulting and Finance
• Technology and Software Development

Some alumni have continued their education in graduate programs, while others have taken leadership roles in industry, government, or started their own companies. The flexibility of the A.B. degree allows students to combine their engineering studies with interests in areas such as business, public policy, or environmental science, leading to careers that bridge multiple disciplines. The S.B. degree's strong technical focus prepares students for engineering roles that require in-depth technical expertise.

Read about some of our Mechanical Engineering Alumni. 

Clubs and Organizations

SEAS-affiliated student organizations are critical to the overall growth of our concentrators as engineering and applied science professionals. These organizations enable our students to pursue passion projects and events in areas of interest that are complementary to the current formal academic curriculum. Join clubs such as the Harvard College Engineering Society, Robotics Club, and Materials Research Society Student Chapter. Learn more about SEAS-affiliated student clubs and organizations.

Hands-on Learning

At Harvard SEAS, we are committed to active learning as an integral part of undergraduate education. This approach is supported by our state-of-the-art Active Learning Labs. These labs are meticulously designed to equip students with essential skills across the mechanical, electrical, computational, biological, environmental, and design disciplines. In collaboration, the Active Learning team and SEAS faculty develop engaging, hands-on activities that align with educational objectives and enhance coursework. This integrative approach ensures a robust learning environment that fosters practical and theoretical proficiency.