About the Department

The Penn State Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) is an internationally distinguished department that is recognized for its globally competitive excellence in engineering and scientific accomplishments, research, and educational leadership.

Our Engineering Science program is the official undergraduate honors program of Penn State’s College of Engineering, attracting the University’s brightest, most creative, and most ambitious engineering students. Our curriculum and multidisciplinary program emphasizes enhanced understanding and integrated application of engineering, scientific, mathematical, and statistical principles and prepares students for advanced studies and careers in leadership in a diverse array of scientific and engineering endeavors.

We also offer graduate degrees in engineering science and mechanics (M.S., Ph.D., joint M.D./Ph.D.), engineering mechanics (M.Eng.), engineering at the nano-scale (M.S.), and an integrated undergraduate/graduate program. With access to award-winning faculty and world-class facilities, our graduate students conduct innovative research in cutting-edge science and technologies and on interdisciplinary programs that address society’s grand challenges.

We strive to offer a comprehensive education in which our students obtain the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary engineering and scientific skills that enable them to pursue successful careers as world-class engineers and become future state, national, and international leaders of scientific and engineering endeavors, the law, medicine, business, politics, governments, and academia who can impact and advance the well-being of the global society, its environment, and future frontiers yet to be discovered.