Program Overview
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
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. In this energy-conscious world, a thorough understanding of energy and its uses is essential to the success of a mechanical engineer.
Program Overview
Mechanical engineers help to design energy-efficient devices such as wind-turbines as well as artificial knee joints that help society. Graduates have the qualifications to enter graduate school, become a licensed professional engineer in any state after sufficient work experience, 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
- Robotics
- Automation
Typical Job Titles
Typical job titles for graduates may include:
- Design engineer
- Project engineer
- Process engineer
- Test engineer
- Development engineer
- Program manager
- Consulting engineer
- Field engineer
Program Requirements
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, and planning and management of design projects. Graduates in the area of Mechanical Engineering will be required to master technical elements and to demonstrate particular competence in the areas of communication, fiscal management, and project control.
Admission Requirements
This program does not have specific admission requirements. Only admission to the university is required to declare this major.
Engineering Standing Requirements
Learn more about engineering standing requirements.
Recommended Courses
- Students should take MATH 1190 or higher.
- Students should take MATH 2202 or higher.
- Students should take two four-hour laboratory sciences in the Natural Sciences.
- Students should choose PHYS 2211/2211L and PHYS 2212/2212L.
- Other options are available; however, selection of other options in IMPACTS will lengthen time to graduation.
Double Owl Pathways
Mechanical Engineering BS / Mechanical Engineering MS
Non-Degree Options
- Energy/HVAC Minor
- Engineering Design Graphics Minor
Sample Classes
ME 3410: Thermodynamics
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics including the concept of energy and the laws governing the transfers and transformations of energy. Emphasis on thermodynamic properties and the first and second law analysis of systems and control volumes. Integration of these concepts into the analysis of basic power cycles is introduced.
ME 3501: Dynamic Systems & Control Theory
Introduction to a unified approach to lumped-element modeling and analysis of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and multi-energy domain systems. Topics include:
- Graphical and computer modeling
- Formulation of state-space equations
- Analysis of linear systems
- Determination of time and frequency domain response of such systems to transient and periodic inputs
- Block diagram representation of dynamic systems using Laplace Transform
- Feedback control systems, including PID control, root locus, stability analysis, and computer modeling
ME 4141: Machine Design I
The fundamentals of mechanical engineering design to analyze, design and/or select components which are commonly used in the design of complete mechanical systems for structural integrity, reliability, and cost considerations are detailed. The course focuses on static loading and fatigue failure of mechanical elements, including shafts and rolling-element bearings, bolted and permanent connections, springs, brakes, cylinders, gears, and flexible elements.
ME 3705: Internal Combustion Engines
This course will provide an introduction to internal combustion engines from Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer viewpoints. Students will learn the classification of internal combustion engines, engine performance parameters, gas power cycles on which the engines work, and various engine components and their functions. Engine performance calculation will be taught in detail, followed by the discussion on the formation of exhaust emission and various control methods to meet the emission norms.