There are several ways that you can define a specialty or focus within your Mechanical Engineering degree. Having a focus or specialty area will help distinguish yourself from other students pursuing a job. Any of the focus or specialties listed below can be highlighted on your resume. A minor, a second major, or a Co-op Certificate will also be listed on your transcript. Here are some ways to define a focus or specialty:

• Take technical elective courses in a focus area. You can list these elective courses and the focus area on your resume. Click here for some examples.

• Pursue a minor. Most minors require two or three courses beyond the major to complete. A summary of Engineering minors has been prepared to show how ME students can complete each minor.

• Pursue a second major. A second major can be added for any program that is not enrollment controlled. The most popular second major for Mechanical Engineering students is Nuclear Engineering. Since there is much overlap between the degree requirements, it is possible to obtain the B.S. NucE degree with 23 credits beyond the B.S. M.E. degree. Click here for more information on the MNE Concurrent Majors Program (pdf).

• Participate in the Co-op Program. If you complete three Co-op rotations you will receive a Co-op certificate. Each Co-op rotation appears on your PSU transcript. At the bottom of your transcript, completion of the Co-op certificate is noted. You can use the three Co-op rotations as your General Technical Elective (GTE). Click here for more information on the Co-op program.

• Work in industry for one or more summer interns. These intern positions can be found at the Career Fair in April and September, from the Co-op Office, or during your own job search. Click here for information on the Engineering College Intern Program. You can also find a summer intern position by posting your resume at the MNE job/resume site and also reviewing job openings regularly.

• Work on Undergraduate Research. Faculty in the department work on research in their discipline. The research work is usually conducted by graduate students or research associates. Sometimes undergraduates participate in the research, assisting other researchers or working on their own project. The undergraduates might be paid through a research grant for their work. More often, the students work on research as an Independent Study project, ME/NucE 496. Students who are enrolled for ME/NucE 496 need to also complete a ME/NucE 496 form (available at http://www.mne.psu.edu/undergrad/degree.htm) that describes the research project and is signed by the research adviser. To find a research project, look at the research descriptions for faculty at http://www.mne.psu.edu/research to find areas that interest you. You can then contact faculty working in that area to see if undergraduate research opportunities are available. You can find information about summer research opportunities across the country at http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/start.htm.

• Study abroad. Study abroad is available for engineering students. Some students choose to take AHS courses during study abroad. Other students take some technical courses during study abroad. Mechanical Engineering students are most successful finding technical course substitutions at The University of Leeds, Bathe University, The University of New South Wales, and The University of Melbourne. The College of Engineering website on International Programs will give you information on planning to study abroad. The website includes a database of courses that have been previously evaluated for course substitutions. An International Engineering Certificate Program is also available to students who plan to work or study abroad.