College of Engineering |

Mechanical Engineering

Program Flowchart (pdf)

Mechanical engineering is a diverse profession that relies on fundamental science principles to conceive, design, and manufacture everything from miniaturized individual parts (e.g. biosensors, printer nozzles, micro-reactors)  to large complex systems and devices (e.g., rocket propulsion, jet engines, robotic tools, wind turbines, and automobiles). Mechanical engineers are concerned with conceiving, designing, manufacturing, testing and marketing devices and systems that alter, transfer, transform and utilize energy forms that cause motion. In order to be accomplished in the mechanical engineering profession, a broad range of skills and knowledge are required. The Department of Mechanical Engineering provides a curriculum that intertwines a foundation in mathematics and engineering science with creativity and innovation in design. Students learn the skills to develop ideas from concept to product. The program integrates individual mastery of these subjects with teamwork-based solutions to open-ended design problems and practical engineering experiences. Along with the required courses, optional concentrations are available for students to focus their program of study within a particular area of interest.

The design program is a core pillar of the undergraduate curriculum that combines core instruction in design with hands-on experiences in design-build-test projects. A sequence of four design intensive courses culminates in a capstone course, underpinned by industrially-sponsored projects. Industrial sponsorship for the capstone design experience is strong. Over the last ten years, 130 companies,many from within the state, have sponsored over 325 capstone design projects. In addition to industrially-motivated projects, students have the option to participate in humanitarian projects. Students present their work on Design Day, the last day of classes in fall and spring.

The Department has a long-established education abroad program in Germany (RWTH in Aachen) and education abroad programs in France (École Catholique d'Arts et Métiers), the United Kingdom (University of Edinburgh), Korea (Korea University) and Denmark (Technical University of Denmark).  The program also attracts a diverse group of international students to study with us.

Included in the variety of activities open to students is the cooperative education program, in which a student may participate after his/her freshman year.

Program Educational Objectives

Within 3 to 5 years of graduation our graduates are expected to:

1. Have evolved into competent and ethical engineers practicing in a diverse range of current and emerging activities

2. Use their mechanical engineering education as a stimulus for personal and professional growth

3. Demonstrate capability, creativity, leadership, and application of knowledge

4. Be critical thinkers, both independently and as members of a team, who identify problems and develop effective solutions

ME Program Student Outcomes  (ABET)

Our graduates will have:

 1.  An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

  2.  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.

  3.  An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

  4A. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations.

  4B. An ability to make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and

      societal contexts.

  5A. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership.

  5B. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together create a collaborative and inclusive environment.

  5C. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.

  6A. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation.

  6B. An ability to analyze and interpret data, using engineering judgment to draw conclusions.

  7.  An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, beyond what is taught in lecture, using appropriate learning strategies.

ME  Enrollment and Degree Data

College Degree Programs

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