Welcome Future Mechanical Engineering Students!

Mechanical engineers apply their knowledge of the physical world to solve problems related to the development of consumer products. Their interests cover such diverse topics as automotive engineering, acoustics, machine design, heating and air conditioning, manufacturing engineering, fluids and hydraulics, stress analysis, computer-aided design/engineering, among many others.

Mechanical engineering is a very versatile degree; graduates may work in such areas as design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, technical sales, and engineering management. Mechanical engineers are employed by a full spectrum of organizations including manufacturers, aerospace, biomedical, government, consulting firms, and research and development organizations.

All mechanical engineering students study the same core curriculum, which includes courses in three broad technical areas: manufacturing, mechanical systems, and thermal science. Manufacturing courses cover how products are made. Mechanical systems courses cover the study of mechanisms and structures. Thermal science courses cover heat transfer, fluid mechanics and energy conversion. Since many new consumer products are electro-mechanical in nature, the core curriculum also includes a sequence in electrical engineering.

As seniors, mechanical engineering students are required to take four technical electives. Students may concentrate in a particular subfield by selecting at least three of the four electives from a special list for that concentration. Four concentrations are offered: automotive engineering, manufacturing, mechanical system design, and thermal system design. The diploma only lists the mechanical engineering major. Students who do not choose a concentration, or find it inconvenient to do so, can complete their degree requirements by taking any combination of four technical electives. A list of acceptable electives is available from the Mechanical Engineering Office or from a faculty
advisor.

The mechanical engineering program integrates the design experience throughout its curriculum. Student design experience starts with the freshman level Introduction to Engineering and Engineering Computer Applications Lab, and it continues to the capstone senior projects courses, Projects 1 and Projects 2. In lower level courses, primarily open-ended design exercises are utilized to teach various aspects of design. Senior projects provide an extensive, structured design experience with a strong emphasis on teamwork, and oral and written communications.