The study of mechanical engineering encompasses a wide range of activity that includes researching, designing, developing, manufacturing, managing, and controlling engineering systems, subsystems, and their components. More specifically, individuals pursuing the study of mechanical engineering will learn about the use of energy from natural sources and its economical conversion into other useful energy; the design and fabrication of machines processing materials into useful products; and/or the creative planning, development, and operation of systems for using energy resources and machines.

Mechanical engineering is a creative profession with a heavy emphasis on problem-solving in diverse industries. Areas to which mechanical engineers make substantial contributions include transportation, power generation, energy conversion, machine design, manufacturing and automation, environmental control, and control of engineering systems.