Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Program Overview
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a robust and multifaceted field dedicated to applying principles from physics, mathematics, and material science in the design, analysis, and manufacture of mechanical systems. As one of the oldest and most comprehensive engineering disciplines, it spans numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, robotics, and energy. At Florida Polytechnic University, we equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a thriving career through a curriculum that blends theoretical insights with hands-on experience.
Careers in Mechanical Engineering
Nearly every change in business, science and engineering involves mechanical engineers. The job is highly individualistic and flexible because it is so broad. That means job security and professional challenge for those willing to keep their knowledge and skills fresh and relevant.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Data, the employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 19,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Salary Ranges
The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $102,320 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $161,240.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering through broad educational experience. The program offers concentrations in Aerospace, Energy, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Automotive, Operations Research, Simulations, and Advanced Topics. The program seeks to inoculate an understanding of the fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied research opportunities.
Concentrations in Mechanical Engineering
- Advanced Topics: Students can design their own four-course concentration within the major based on their personal academic and professional pursuits. This unique combination of courses works in concert with other co- and extra-curricular activities, including research experiences, internships, and a wide variety of opportunities in our student organizations. Advanced Topics offers the student the flexibility in curriculum choices to grow with their changing interests as they look forward to graduation, graduate school, and their professional endeavors.
- Aerospace: Aerospace focuses on industries in which engineers design or build aircraft, missiles, and systems for national defense, or spacecraft. Complementing your general mechanical engineering principles, you study subjects such as propulsion, stability and control, structures, mechanics, and aerodynamics, which is the study of how air interacts with moving objects. As you look forward, this provides you with additional courses to pursue career options at aerospace companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Draken, etc., and may spark an interest in undergraduate research and advanced study in graduate school.
- Automotive: Students engage in in-depth study of automotive engineering principles, focusing on vehicle design, propulsion systems, and advanced technologies. They gain hands-on experience through projects, learning to optimize vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.
- Energy: Energy in engineering is the study and application of thermal, electrical, and kinetic energy in the design and operation of mechanical systems. Energy-related projects undertaken by engineering students include the design of energy-efficient structures, the development of renewable energy systems such as wind and solar power, and the improvement of the energy efficiency of industrial equipment and machinery.
- Materials and Advanced Manufacturing: The field of materials and advanced manufacturing focuses on engineering composite materials with unique capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and versatility. The design of new smart materials and systems has major implications for the defense, aerospace, energy, and semiconductor industries. This concentration will give you a strong foundation in the fabrication, characterization, modeling, and prototyping of such materials.
- Operations Research: Operations research focuses on modeling and solving operation efficiency challenges, and predicting and demonstrating value-added gains like cost savings. Professionals with expertise in this field are often found in environments with complex operations like ports and shipyards, where they are responsible for managing and improving traffic flow. If you like solving workflow problems and designing efficient systems, then this is the concentration for you.
- Robotics: Through focused coursework, students delve into robotics principles, learning about sensors, actuators, control systems, and artificial intelligence. They gain hands-on experience by designing and programming robotic prototypes, honing their skills in solving real-world challenges. The curriculum covers areas like robot kinematics, computer vision, and human-robot interaction.
- Simulation: Simulation in mechanical engineering is the modeling and analysis of the behavior of mechanical systems using computer software. Students of mechanical engineering focus on simulation-related challenges by studying simulation concepts and using software to develop and analyze models of mechanical systems.
Why Florida Poly?
At Florida Poly, our small campus environment fosters a unique approach to STEM education. Through a curriculum that progresses from freshman to senior year, emphasizing project-based learning, individualized mentorship with faculty, required internships in high-tech industries, and culminating in a senior capstone design project, students are equipped with comprehensive skills and experiences, uniquely preparing them for success in the rapidly advancing tech landscape.
The Internship Experience
At Florida Poly, internships aren't just encouraged—they're a fundamental part of the educational experience. Mandatory for all students, these internships provide direct engagement with high-tech industry leaders. This immersive experience not only provides practical skills but also fosters crucial connections within the industry, frequently paving the way to future employment opportunities for our graduates.
Capstone Design
Florida Poly's capstone design course is the pinnacle of each students' academic journey, consolidating their four years of learning into a single project. During their senior year, students in this course collaborate with peers from various fields to tackle real-world challenges supported by industry sponsors. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students not only apply theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields.
Alumni Making an Impact
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained at Florida Poly, especially through internships and capstone projects, our alumni smoothly entered thriving careers in high-tech industries. These hands-on experiences offered invaluable insights and practical expertise, enabling our alumni to innovate and excel in dynamic, leading-edge settings, influencing the trajectory of technology.
Program Educational Objectives
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering through broad educational experiences. The program offers concentrations in Aerospace, Energy, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Automotive, Operations Research, Simulations, and Advanced Topics. The program seeks to enhance the understanding of the fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied research opportunities. Underlying the program is a recognition that the impact of technology upon the quality of life is increasing and that the proper application of technology is critical to meeting current, emerging needs of both industry and society.
Graduates are expected to be known for their accomplishments within a few years of graduation and they should demonstrate:
- Career Excellence: Graduates will make significant contributions to the engineering field through the application of their technical expertise, leadership skills, and innovative problem-solving abilities, whether they pursue careers in industry or advance their knowledge in graduate school.
- Professionalism: Graduates will exhibit high standards of ethical behavior, responsibility, and professional conduct in their engineering careers, adhering to safety, environmental, and societal regulations to ensure that their professional activities contribute positively to their communities and industries.
- Life-Long Learning: Graduates will demonstrate ongoing career development as adaptive and independent professionals by pursuing professional certifications, continuing education, industry-related training, and advanced degrees to remain current with evolving technologies and industry trends.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the mechanical engineering degree program, students will attain the following outcomes to be ready to enter professional practice of engineering.
- 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 met 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 informal judgements, 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 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.
Meet the Faculty
- Matt Bohm: Department Chair & Professor of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. Acting Chair Environmental and Civil Engineering.
- Gerardo Carbajal: Associate Professor.
- Kais Jribi: Assistant Professor.
- Elisabeth Kames: Assistant Professor.
- Chris Kelley: Assistant Professor.
- Alexander Murphy: Assistant Professor.
- Musa Norouzian Reykandeh: Assistant Professor.
- Younggil Park: Associate Professor.
- Terry Parker: Professor - Mechanical Engineering.
- Apurva Patel: Assistant Professor.
- Edwar Romero-Ramirez: Associate Professor.
- Sanna Siddiqui: Assistant Professor.
- Mary Vollaro: Professor.
- Daren Watson: Assistant Professor.
- Navindra Wijeyeratne: Assistant Professor.
- Ebisa Wollega: Associate Professor.
- Samuel de Oliveira: Instructor.
Florida Polytechnic University
Overview:
Florida Polytechnic University is a public university specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. It is known for its innovative approach to learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong emphasis on hands-on experience.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Florida Polytechnic University offers a vibrant campus life with a focus on fostering a sense of community. Students can participate in various clubs and organizations, including sports teams, gaming groups, and academic societies. The university also hosts events and traditions throughout the year, such as Florida PolyCon and Purple Fire Week.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Focus on STEM:
The university specializes in STEM fields, providing students with a strong foundation in these critical areas.Innovative Learning:
Florida Poly emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.State-of-the-Art Facilities:
The university boasts modern facilities and cutting-edge technology, providing students with access to the latest tools and resources.Strong Industry Connections:
Florida Poly has strong ties to the local tech industry, offering students opportunities for internships, research, and career placement.Academic Programs:
The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various STEM fields, including:
Mechanical Engineering:
Students can develop skills in areas like robotics, automation, and sustainable energy.Computer Engineering:
The program focuses on software development, cybersecurity, and data science.Other STEM Fields:
The university also offers programs in areas like electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and data science.Other:
Florida Polytechnic University is located in Lakeland, Florida, and is within close proximity to a large concentration of high-tech companies. The university is known for its unique architectural design, featuring a modern and futuristic campus.