Mechanical Engineering | Office | Website

The objectives of the undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering are:

• 1. To produce engineers who understand the performance of engineered products and systems in terms of the relevant fundamental principles of math, science and the humanities, whether they are practiciing engineers or students in graduate engineering programs.
• 2. To produce engineers who excel in the professional practice of mechanical engineering. Professional practice includes the ability to identify, design, and implement solutions to technical problems through a multiplicity of laboratory, analytical and communication methods within a business climate.
• 3. To produce engineers who are aware of how their roles as technical professionals and leaders affect the wider human community, who serve not only as employees or employers but as socially-conscious citizens, and who are motivated by moral principles in their professional and personal lives.

The mechanical engineering curriculum prepares graduates to solve problems related to:

• design and manufacture of products
• reliability of components and systems
• conversion of energy from one form to another
• instrumentation and control of physical processes

Mechanical engineers design systems that range from automobiles, consumer products, air-conditioning, power generation, aircraft and production systems and are prepared to draw on technical knowledge and insight involving materials, mechanics, controls, structures and manufacturing processes.

A mechanical engineer deals with the physical reality of things such as engines, car bodies, electric generators, cranes, air conditioners, airplane wings and pumps. The mechanical engineer is faced with the challenges and uncertainties that come with complex products and systems. In addition to using the classical and modern principles of engineering science, the mechanical engineer must be able to devise economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable solutions to problems. The analytical problem solving skills combined with sound technical fundamentals of the mechanical engineering degree can form the basis for successful careers other than in engineering including business, law and medicine.

The curriculum provides students with an in-depth knowledge of engineering science and design methodology. These insights are reinforced by intensive laboratory experiences in virtually every area of study and three industrial co-op assignments. Students also have team-oriented design experiences integrated throughout their curriculum. A capstone design project, conducted in the senior year, challenges students with an industrially-sponsored product that involves solving a real product or process related problem that draws on knowledge of engineering science and design.

The mechanical engineering program is supplemented by a minimum of six credit hours of technical electives. Technical electives are upper division (300 or 400 level) courses in engineering, mathematics or science. An integrated concentration of courses is recommended to strengthen the background of students in their area of specialization.

Concentrations