An undergraduate major in Mechanical Engineering can lead to one of three degrees:
Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering
The undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford exposes each student to intellectual and practical experiences, and provides an environment that allows for the accumulation of knowledge to a variety of societal needs. Graduates have many options from entry level work as mechanical engineers, to graduate studies in either an engineering discipline or in another field, where a broad engineering background is useful. Regardless of the ultimate career choice, graduates leave the with a solid grounding in the principals and practice of mechanical engineering, equipped to embark upon a lifetime of learning, while employing new concepts, technologies and methodologies.
Bachelor of Science – Product Design
Stanford's Joint Program in Design dates from 1958, when it was started by Professor Robert McKim. The Program is jointly offered by the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Department of Art and Art History. Over the years, it has graduated hundreds of undergraduates.
Product design concerns itself with the conception and design of product experiences for the benefit of society. It encourages creativity, craftsmanship and personal expression, while serving larger goals of common good. Students studying Product Design generally follow the Mechanical Engineering curriculum and focus on a process that resolves constraints arising from technical, human, aesthetic and business concerns. The course work provides the skills necessary to carry projects from initial concept to completion of working prototypes.
For more information on the Design program, see: Joint Program in Design and the Design Group web sites.
Bachelor of Science – Biomechanical Engineering
The Biomechanical Engineering major integrates biology and clinical medicine with engineering mechanics and design. Research and teaching in the Biomechanical Engineering Group are primarily focused on neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular biomechanics, and cell and tissue mechanics. Research in other areas such as hearing, vision, ocean and plant biomechanics, biomaterials, biosensors, and imaging informatics are also conducted in collaboration with associated faculty in medicine, biology and engineering.
This degree introduces fundamental biological and biophysical principals while developing strengths in traditional engineering areas, specifically mechanical engineering. Primarily geared toward the students' interests, this major offers a plethora of courses for students interested in specific fields of biology and mechanical engineering such as design, biomechanics and medicine.
The Biomechanical Engineering major provides a fundamental understanding of mechanics in fields of biology and medicine. However, it is not normally recommended as a terminal degree. This major is well suited for those interested in future graduate studies in bioengineering, medicine or related areas. The course of study allows students to satisfy many premedical, pre-dental, or pre-paramedical fields.
For more information on the Biomechanical Engineering program, see: http://www.stanford.edu/group/biomech/.