Minors, Certificates, and Concentrations

A Bachleor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University is an impressive degree. But if you want to stand out to potential employers, consider adding a minor, certificate, or concentration that focuses on the specific field you want to pursue.

The main difference is that minors and certificates often require advanced planning to fit them into the ME Plan of Study, whereas concentrations can be finished more quickly. Here are the distinctions between the three:

Minors

Minors give you significant experience in a field outside mechanical engineering. They can be from any school or college on campus (not just engineering) — art, business, mathematics, foreign language, or computer science to name a few. Minors range from 12 to 18 credit hours to complete. Here are a list of minors that many engineering students pursue.

Certificates

Certificates are like minors, but are much more focused; they typically laser in on one specific skillset, rather than a broad field. Examples are entrepreneurship, sustainability, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or space engineering. They also range from 12 to 18 credit hours to complete. Here are some certificates sought after by engineering students.

Concentrations

Concentrations are specific to Mechanical Engineering. They allow you to complete a certificate-like focus on one specific field, but in just 9 to 10 credit hours. Using their electives, many students can complete a concentration in just one semester! Here are the concentrations currently offered by ME:

How do I get started?

Talk to your advisor to determine if a minor, certificate, or concentration is right for you!