Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering traditionally associated with the design of mechanical systems, covering diverse fields such as materials science, manufacturing systems, hydraulic systems, and automotive systems. In the US, mechanical engineers have generally completed a four-year university program, and many have a master's or doctoral degree, particularly those involved in research. A typical undergraduate course of study would include instruction in:
Because many systems that were once purely mechanical now have a computerized control component (e.g. anti-lock brake systems) mechanical engineering education overlaps some with other fields such as electrical engineering.