Building upon the success of its inaugural two engineering bachelor’s degree programs, Concordia will introduce this fall a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
In addition to bachelor’s degree programs in industrial engineering and chemical engineering, Concordia will soon expand its repertoire with the launch of a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Students may apply now for a fall 2025 start.
This strategic program addition positions Concordia to meet growing industry demand, while maximizing the resources and expertise already in hand—or soon to be added—at CUW, explains Department Chair Subha Kumpaty, PhD, DMin, PE. For students, it will increase opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. First-year engineering students across all three programs will take foundational courses together. This increases opportunities for them to practice teamwork and collaboration that will be essential for their real-world success.
And all of it will continue to be done through Concordia’s distinctly Lutheran approach to higher education.
“Our programs will not only instill the technical competencies and practical skills necessary, they will approach the disciplines from a uniquely Christian perspective,” Kumpaty says. “Faculty here will personally champion students’ success.”
Career prospects for mechanical engineers
Mechanical engineers play a vital role in designing, developing, building, and testing mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. Their work spans across various industries and sectors, including manufacturing, energy, robotics, automotive, aerospace, engineering services, and research and development. While most mechanical engineers work on design and analysis in office settings, they also work in manufacturing plants and prototyping laboratories, and visit worksites and energy facilities to address specific technical challenges.
In the U.S., market demand for mechanical engineers continues to grow, making this program a timely addition. While industrial and chemical engineers are crucial in today’s workforce, companies like Milwaukee Tool and others in the region often prioritize hiring mechanical engineers due to their versatile skill set, explains Kumpaty.
“By introducing this program, CUW is helping to fill a critical workforce gap and preparing students for promising career opportunities,” he says.
The future looks bright for those pursuing a career in this field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $99,510 as of May 2023. The profession is expected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. With an estimated 19,800 job openings per year, graduates entering the field can expect strong career opportunities.
Why Choose Concordia for engineering?
At CUW, students will receive a unique educational experience characterized by personalized attention and a supportive community. The faculty are deeply committed to student success, offering mentorship, internship advocacy, and career guidance throughout the program, says Kumpaty.
“A lot of universities, they weed you out, but we want to weed you in.”
Kumpaty also emphasizes CUW’s commitment to whole-student development—in mind, body, and spirit. This philosophy ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive in their personal, academic, and professional journeys.
Students at CUW have numerous opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities and faith development. With daily chapel services and 32 varsity athletic programs, among many other options, many students enrolled in the university’s two existing engineering majors cite the balance between academics and extracurriculars as a key factor in their decision to attend CUW.
Want in?
Mechanical engineering is a field of study that involves the design and development, and analysis and control of devices and systems. Mechanical engineers address many challenges related to things all around us: household refrigerators, automotive engines, airplanes, and more.
Earn your degree in mechanical engineering at Concordia. Gain hands-on practice and receive real-world preparation from experienced faculty.