About Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a broad-based discipline that embraces two major topic areas - mechanical systems and thermal systems. With an understanding of the phenomena associated with these topics, mechanical engineers conceive and design a wide variety of devices, machines, and systems to meet the needs and desires of a modern economy. Mechanical engineers also engage in other engineering functions such as applied research, development, and management.
Mechanical engineers have a primary role in addressing problems related to manufacturing, productivity and safety in the workplace, supply and efficient utilization of energy, transportation, enhancement of the environment, and human rehabilitation.
Accreditation
The Mechanical Engineering B.S. degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
The Program is based on a curriculum of 128 semester credit hours. In addition to courses in pre-engineering, mathematics, calculus-based physics, chemistry, humanities, and social sciences, the curriculum also includes a core of fundamental engineering coursework and advanced courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mechanics of machinery, and mechanical design. Laboratory experiences are provided in each area to illustrate the application of theory in engineering practice. During the senior year, the curriculum provides for electives that allow specializations in the areas of mechanical systems or thermal systems, or for further exposure in both areas.
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Educational Objectives
The Educational Objectives of the mechanical engineering undergraduate program are the following:
- Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of their employers in mechanical engineering or any other career path they choose;
- Graduates will pursue continuing education opportunities in their chosen field through a variety of means, such as professional development training and advanced education;
- Graduates will pursue leadership positions in their selected profession and/or communities.
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Student Outcomes
The Mechanical Engineering program strives to instill the following knowledge and behaviors in its students by the time of graduation from the program:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.