Degree Type
Major
Outcome
Bachelor of Science
Modality
In person
Career Path
Engineering
Science and Mathematics
STEM
Mechanical Engineering B.S.
About the Mechanical Engineering Program
Prepare to meet the demands of high-tech industries through design, production, and innovation. Students engage with critical and emerging domains, including aerospace systems, defense technologies, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, AI-enabled solutions, sustainable energy, and health care technologies, ensuring they are ready to contribute to the industries shaping the future.
The distinctive signature of this program is its strong technical core combined with the flexibility to pursue either a technical or non-technical minor across Syracuse University. Through the two-semester Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Capstone, students work with industry sponsors on real-world engineering challenges, moving from concept to final solution under faculty guidance.
- Pursue experiential learning opportunities through professional, paid work experience in your field and still graduate in four years.
- Collaborate with faculty on research projects at on- and off-campus institutes and labs.
- Join any of the over 20 clubs and student organizations like Citrus Racing, ‘Cuse Baja and the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) club.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management through the five-year H. John Riley Dual Engineering/MBA Program.
- Earn a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering one year after successful completion of the bachelor’s degree through the combined B.S./M.S. Program.
- Graduate and work at companies like Amazon, Constellation, General Dynamics, GM, Honeywell, JMA Wireless, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon, Tesla and others.
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
More to Explore
Learn about the student experience for mechanical engineering undergraduates.
My overall experience at Syracuse University was great. There was always something to do, and I appreciate how the campus catered to anyone's interest.
Emily Greaney '21, G'22
Mechanical Engineering B.S.
Mechanical Engineering Design Capstone
Syracuse University’s mechanical and aerospace engineering capstone design program stands out for the depth of real-world engagement it offers students. Spanning two full semesters, the course is structured to simulate the actual product development process and environment engineers encounter in industry. Students work in teams sponsored by major companies. Recent partners have included NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Eaton Corporation, Carrier Corporation, and Dupont, alongside aerospace and energy startups. This experience simulates professional engineering practice and develops key skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, planning, and leadership.
The capstone design course gives students direct exposure to the kinds of problems they’ll face as professional engineers. In the 2025-2026 cycle alone, seventeen senior capstone teams presented yearlong design projects developed in partnership with major aerospace, defense, energy, and technology companies. Beyond technical skill-building, the program emphasizes teamwork and professionalism, with final presentations judged by panels of industry experts—some years even awarding monetary prizes to the top-scoring teams. This combination of sponsor-driven projects, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and direct industry feedback gives students a genuine bridge from coursework to career.
Questions?
Please contact Professor Alex Deyhim:
akdeyhim@syr.edu
O: 315.443.1928
M: 607.229.3840
Become A Sponsor: The Process
- Pre-Proposal
Complete a Pre-Proposal for Senior Design Projects form that asks for the following: Project title General description of the project Objectives of the project Point of contact Projected list of deliverables.
The list of deliverables is a critical component of the pre-proposal. Deliverables are tangible items that must be transferred to the client prior to a student’s graduation. - Team Matching
Students review project proposals and submit top three choices. Capstone Instructor(s) assigns students to teams and projects based on student preferences and career goals. - Project Contract
Company commits to project fee and any expenses related to the development of the project. Sponsors pay a fee of $8,000 per capstone project to Syracuse University to support the College, Department and Capstone program. - Project Proposal
Student team develops a detailed proposal based on initial discussions with the client. Once approved by the company, project work begins. - Faculty Mentor matching
A faculty member from the MAE department is assigned to each team based on their area of expertise.
- Trade secrets and other proprietary information will be omitted from the public presentation and will be presented separately to the client.
- Project sponsors assign a member of their organization to mentor/advise their student team. Mentors/advisors meet with the teams (in-person or via Zoom) on a weekly/bi-weekly basis to provide feedback and offer guidance to the students. Mentors/advisors are invited to attend the final presentations.
Company Benefits
- Client receives all deliverables
- Ownership of intellectual property
- 1500+ student hours of design work over 2 semesters
- 40 faculty hours of technical advice
- Visibility to all of the senior class
- Early access to graduates
- Visibility on MAE Department Web page
Student Benefits
- Hands-on industry experience
- Exposure to leading technical organizations
- Networking opportunities
- Experience working on a team to deliver an engineering solution
- Exposure to the traditional gated review process, establishing realistic deliverables and milestones, planning, tracking and reporting
- Develop/hone skills in written, graphical, and oral presentation
Prior to the start of any project, students will sign a Syracuse Mutual Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement and Syracuse General Agreement on Assignment of Intellectual Property. The students on the relevant teams will have the right to be listed on any patent as “Inventors”, but the sponsoring company will be listed as “Assignee”. Neither Syracuse University nor the students will retain any rights to the intellectual property.