Mechanical
Design The Infrastructure That Keeps Canada Moving
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical) program at Cape Breton University is a hands-on, career-focused program designed for students who want to work at the intersection of engineering design and real-world application. This program prepares graduates to design, analyze, build and maintain mechanical systems used across several industries such as energy, construction, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Blending applied theory with immersive labs, projects and experiential learning, the BET (Mechanical) program equips students with practical technical skills, strong problem-solving abilities and professional competencies that employers value. The BET (Mechanical) program also aligns with industry needs and accreditation standards through Technical Accreditation Canada (TAC). Graduates leave ready to contribute on day one in a wide range of technical and supervisory roles.
CBU’s BET (Mechanical) program is the only program of its kind in Canada, delivering industry-aligned, hands-on mechanical engineering technology education. With small class sizes, strong industry connections, and a curriculum aligned to real-world demand, CBU’s BET (Mechanical) program gives you a unique pathway to a practical, career-ready education.
CBU’s Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree does not directly lead to a professional engineering designation.
Who is This Program For?
The BET (Mechanical) program at CBU is for students who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and seek a career in mechanical design, manufacturing and fabrication, drafting, project management or organizational planning. Ideal candidates for CBU’s BET (Mechanical) program are hands-on learners drawn to technology, mechanics and the challenge of creating efficient systems.
Program Options at CBU
The BET (Mechanical) program is available through several pathways, allowing students to choose co-operative education to gain valuable work-integrated experience. The three-year direct-entry option (90 credits) provides a strong foundation in core mechanical engineering and technology topics. The four-year Advanced Mechanical option (120 credits) offers deeper specialization in areas such as robotics, process control and professional practice. All options have the same admission requirements:
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Mechanical (90 credits)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Advanced Mechanical (120 credits)
Work-Integrated Learning Options (Co-Op)
Students can learn more about Co-Op at CBU here.
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Mechanical with Co-Op (90 credits)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Advanced Mechanical with Co-Op (120 credits)
Your Diploma Was The Start, Your Degree is Next
CBU offers pathways for students who have completed a technology diploma or other post-secondary studies and want to continue their education. Through Articulation Agreements with partner institutions, including Nova Scotia Community College, College of the North Atlantic, George Brown College, Cambrian College and the Maritime College of Forest Technology, as well as transfer credit opportunities, eligible students can build on previous learning and work toward a BET degree. Learn more at CBU.ca/transfer.
Sample Courses and Resources
Potential Careers
CBU’s BET (Mechanical) graduates are employed by, or expected to be employed by a wide rage of regional, national and international employers, including:
- Design and Drafting Technologist
- Maintenance or Reliability Technologist
- Mechanical Engineering Technologist
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician
- Process or Manufacturing Technologist
- Project Coordinator/Manager
Potential Employers
- Black & McDonald
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality
- Dillon Consulting Limited
- Irving Shipbuilding
- Michelin
- NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
- Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Nova Scotia Power
- Protocase
- Sancon Commissioning
- Stantec
- Municipal governments and industrial employers
Related Contacts
Stephanie MacQuarrie
Dean, School of Science & Technology
School of Science & Technology
Stephanie_MacQuarrie@cbu.ca
902-563-1262
Bill Robinson
Associate Dean, Engineering
School of Science & Technology
Bill_Robinson@cbu.ca
902-563-2810
Quick Links
- Apply Now
- Admission Requirements
- Tuition & Fees
- Scholarships & Bursaries
- Experiential Learning Programs
Employer Insight
I feel that I received a fantastic education from the BET program at CBU and I was well equipped to join the workforce with a strong knowledge base that allowed me to quickly learn and understand the unique concepts that exist at a power utility.
- Jamie Lukeman, CET, BET Alumni
- Regional Training Manager, Nova Scotia Power