By Tj Coleman
2/9/26
Did you catch the Top 10 MC Moments of 2025 on social media and wonder what moment #7 was about? Or maybe you’ve heard the buzz around campus on McPherson College’s new Engineering and Exercise Science program and want to know what everyone’s talking about. If you missed it, you could check out the post on Facebook here.
Let’s take a closer look at the new Engineering Program starting in Fall 2026. Following huge success as the nation’s only four-year college degree in Automotive Restoration, McPherson College was recently approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. This is the first time in Mac’s history to offer a traditional engineering degree. The program hopes to respond to the regional and national workforce demand for college graduates who combine technical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience in automotive restoration, natural sciences, and mathematics.
Students in this program will engage in experimental learning while preparing for careers in machinery, automation, and sustainable energy. The core coursework being offered includes introductory engineering, engineering drawing, circuit analysis, statistics, mechanics of materials, and control systems. By combining traditional academic coursework with engaging co-ops, internships, and project-based learning, students will learn real world experience and develop industry ready skills. McPherson College has established partnerships with regional businesses including Viega Plastics, CHS Refining, and Jayhawk Pipelines to offer valuable projects and internship opportunities.
You might be wondering how the college decided to introduce this groundbreaking program. McPherson College announced its decision came after a comprehensive market analysis was conducted in collaboration with the Center of Automotive Research. The study further recommended McPherson College build on its existing strengths while addressing industry workforce needs. The study also highlighted a high demand for engineers in the disciplines of agriculture, energy, transportation, and automation. These career fields have long attracted McPherson College students.
If you’re interested in careers such as aerospace or aircraft engineering, automotive engineering, biomedical engineering, CAD technician, robotics or automation engineering, manufacturing engineer, product design, quality engineer, structural engineer, technology specialist, sustainability or energy engineer, or thermal engineering, a Mechanical Engineering degree at McPherson College may be a perfect fit.
