Mechanical engineering is one of the largest disciplines of engineering because it is one of the broadest. It focuses on the application of the principles of mechanics and materials to design machines and devices, including power-producing and power-using machines. In this energy conscious world, a thorough understanding of energy and its uses is essential to sustainability. Mechanical engineers help to design energy efficient devices such as wind-turbines as well as artificial knee joints that directly benefit society.
Graduates have the qualifications to enter graduate school, become a licensed professional engineer in any state after sufficient
work experience and examinations, or directly enter careers in areas such as, but not limited to: manufacturing, aerospace
industry, power generation and distribution, automotive design, machine design, alternative energy, construction of HVAC systems,
robotics, and automation. Typical job titles for graduates may include design engineer, project engineer, process engineer,
test engineer, project manager, consulting engineer, and field engineer.
Mechanical Engineering requires rigorous training in basic science and engineering principles along with the development of skills in the areas of computer-aided design, instrumentation, communication, and planning and management of design projects. The broad-based background is tailored to develop professionals who will be able to move between the technical and managerial aspects of mechanical engineering projects and to serve in key leadership positions within the engineering profession.
As with many engineering degrees, a mechanical engineer becomes very good at solving difficult problems which makes it a good foundation for non-engineering careers such as management, law, and medicine.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering was approved by the Board of Regents in August 2009. The first freshman
class started that same year and new courses are added to support these students (as well as new and most transfer students),
many who will graduate in May 2013. Following the curriculum, some courses will be offered after 4pm to provide flexibility
for part time students. A suggested course sequence is offered below to those students who start their first semester ready
for Calculus I. An advisor can help you select which courses you should take each semester.