Case Study: Marquette University achieves industry‑ready engineering graduates with MathWorks' Model‑Based Design (MATLAB & Simulink)

Marquette University Integrates Model-Based Design Into Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Marquette University updated its undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum to teach students to solve real‑world, multidisciplinary problems using Model‑Based Design. Faculty recognized graduates needed the modeling and simulation skills used in industry rather than a sole focus on grades, so they partnered with MathWorks and incorporated MATLAB and Simulink into courses across all four years.

MathWorks’ tools were integrated into first‑year discovery labs through fourth‑year mechatronics and capstone projects, with students modeling systems, using Simscape and Control System Toolbox, generating code with Simulink Coder for Arduino, and validating designs on hardware. As a result, Marquette reports stronger engineering communication, graduates prepared to bring Model‑Based Design into industry, and students motivated by hands‑on, real‑world challenges after four years of sustained MBD experience.

Marquette University

Kevin Craig

Greenheck Chair In Engineering Design And Professor Of Mechanical Engineering