Prospective Undergraduate FAQ

MEAM is a discipline of engineering that encompasses principles from physics and materials science to design and analyze manufacturing machinery and industrial equipment, motor vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices and more. The field’s core concepts include mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science, and energy.

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Yes! Just email meam@seas.upenn.edu to request that you be contacted by an undergraduate student, and we will get someone in touch with you.

Yes. The Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

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No. Students do not need to declare any major or concentration when applying to Penn as an undergraduate. Simply indicate that you are "undecided" when applying. Once you get to Penn, you can use the first part of your undergraduate experience to take engineering classes in different disciplines to see what is best for you.

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Yes. In fact, it is encouraged! You can focus in one specific discipline in MEAM, such as Mechatronics, by taking the classes suggested for each area.

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Students need 40 credits (or Course Units/Cu's) to complete the BSE in MEAM. Courses that are required can be found in the BSE Handbook or by looking at the departmental degree requirements page.

Yes. Many of our undergraduates choose to pursue research opportunities outside of classroom experiences. In order to look for a position, start by looking at our Research Areas and Faculty List to see what ares you may like and what faculty are affiliated. Then, contact the professor to inquire if any opportunities are available.

Yes, information on the MEAM minor and required credits can be found here.

Submatriculation is the opportunity for outstanding undergraduate students to enter into the MSE degree program and take graduate-level courses as electives during their junior and senior years.

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