The Ohio State University

Undergraduate students have a variety of options that can greatly enhance their educational experience!  The mechanical engineering curriculum is easily coordinated with various curriculuar options.  When considering any of these options (or others!) students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to develop a personal academic plan. 

Co-op / Internship Opportunties

Many students find that a co-op or internship experience greatly enhances their engineering education.  A co-op or internship can show you how theoretical concepts are applied in practice, help enhance your resume with engineering work experience, and even help fund your education! 

The College of Engineering has a very good co-op and internship program.  In order to register with the Engineering Co-op and Internship Program (ECIP), you must

• be enrolled in the College of Engineering as a full-time undergraduate student;
• be a student in good academic standing;
• have earned a "C" or higher in Math 151 or Math 161;
• have earned credits equal to three full-time quarters of study with a minimum of two, full-time consecutive quarters at Ohio State.

If a student does not meet all of these requirements, he or she may petition the program for permission to enroll. 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering strongly encourages students to participate in a co-op or internship at some point during their undergraduate education.  The mechanical engineering curriculum is easily coordinated with a co-op or internship.  If you have questions about how to incorporate a co-op or internship into your schedule, please see your advisor! 

Minors

Mechanical engineering students can and do pursue a wide variety of minors to complement their B.S.M.E. degree, based on either professional or personal interests.  Minor coursework is typically taken in conjunction with major courses and can provide an enjoyable balance to a student's studies. 

Information on minors offered at the University can be found at http://artsandsciences.osu.edu/currofc/gec/minors.cfm.  (Information on the business minor is located under "General Business.") 

Minor information can also be found through department and college websites.  If there is a particular area in which you would like to earn a minor and are having trouble finding information, ask your advisor for help or contact the department of interest! 

Study Abroad

A study abroad experience is a great way to enhance your undergraduate education by being exposed to different cultures and ideas, meeting new people, and earning course credit.  (Engineering students typically earn credit for GECs when studying abroad, as the availability of engineering coursework that will transfer from other institutions is limited.) 

The College of Engineering does not sponsor its own study abroad programs.  However, the College and the Department of Mechanical Engineering are committed to supporting students who wish to pursue these opportunities.  More information on the University's study abroad programs can be found at http://oia.ohio-state.edu/content/view/113/179/

Honors Programs

Students who have at least a 3.4 cumulative point-hour ratio (CPHR) after earning at least 24 credit hours of graded OSU coursework are eligible to participate in a variety of honors programs through both the College of Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

Undergraduate research is a great way for students to apply the coursework and the critical thinking skills that they learn in their engineering coursework.  Undergraduate students can become involved in research either through the Department of Mechanical Engineering Honors Program, or through their own initiative.