Program Overview

Overview of the Mechanical Engineering Program

The Mechanical Engineering Program at the University of Colorado Boulder is designed to educate creative engineers who are prepared to contribute positively to society. The program seeks to provide a balanced education in the fundamentals of the mechanical engineering profession, incorporating skills and expertise in design, manufacturing, mechanics, and thermal sciences.

Program Educational Objectives

The program has the following educational objectives:

• Build on the educational foundation gained through the program by establishing themselves in professional careers and/or pursuing a graduate degree.
• Apply their problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills to a professional field of practice within or beyond engineering.
• Exercise leadership, collaboration, and communication in their careers.

Colorado Mesa University/University of Colorado Boulder Partnership Program

The partnership between Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and the University of Colorado Boulder delivers specific engineering baccalaureate programs in their entirety in Grand Junction, Colorado. The first two years of coursework are taught by CMU faculty, and the second two years are taught by CU Boulder faculty located in Grand Junction. Students completing the programs will be awarded a Bachelor of Science from CU Boulder.

Western Colorado University/University of Colorado Boulder Partnership Program

The partnership between Western Colorado University (Western) and the University of Colorado Boulder delivers specific engineering baccalaureate programs in their entirety in Gunnison, Colorado. The first two years of coursework are taught by Western faculty, and the second two years are taught by CU Boulder faculty located in Gunnison. Students completing the programs will be awarded a Bachelor of Science from CU Boulder.

Requirements

The program requires the completion of 128 credit hours, including:

• Required courses in engineering, physical science, and mathematics
• Technical electives
• Humanities and social sciences electives
• Free electives
• A writing course

Required Courses and Credits

The required courses include:

• MCEN 1025: Computer-Aided Design and Fabrication
• MCEN 2000: Mechanical Engineering as a Profession
• MCEN 2023: Statics and Structures
• MCEN 2024: Materials Science
• MCEN 2043: Dynamics
• MCEN 2063: Mechanics of Solids
• MCEN 3012: Thermodynamics
• MCEN 3017: Circuits and Electronics for Mechanical Engineers
• MCEN 3021: Fluid Mechanics
• MCEN 3022: Heat Transfer
• MCEN 3025: Component Design
• MCEN 3030: Computational Methods
• MCEN 3032: Thermodynamics 2
• MCEN 3047: Data Analysis and Experimental Methods
• MCEN 4026: Manufacturing Processes and Systems
• MCEN 4043: System Dynamics
• MCEN 4045: Mechanical Engineering Design Project 1
• MCEN 4085: Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project 2

Prerequisites and Passing Grades

The minimum passing grade for a course that is a prerequisite or corequisite for another required course is C-. If a grade of D+ or lower is received in a course which is a prerequisite to another, the student may not register for the subsequent course until the first grade has been raised to a C- or higher.

Professional Exam

Completion of a professional exam is required for graduation. Most mechanical engineering students take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

Senior Survey

Graduating students are also required to complete the Senior Survey, administered by the College of Engineering & Applied Science, in their final semester.

Sample Four-Year Plan of Study

A sample four-year plan of study is provided, outlining the required courses and credit hours for each semester.

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• 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.
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's Degree Program(s)

The bachelor's–accelerated master's (BAM) degree program options offer currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time.

BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering

The BAM program in Mechanical Engineering requires a cumulative GPA of 3.250 or higher and completion of at least four specific courses with a grade of C or higher.

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Professional MS in Materials Science

The BAM program in Materials Science requires a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and completion of at least four specific courses with a grade of C or higher.

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Professional ME in Engineering Management

The BAM program in Engineering Management requires a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher and at least junior class standing.