Undergraduate Studies

So You Want to be a

Mechanical Engineer?

The scope of mechanical engineering includes all aspects of the mechanics of equipment and processes used in this rapidly developing technical era. Mechanical engineers play a major role in the national space program, in energy utilization and conservation, in the transportation and automotive fields, and in the fields of automation, in manufacturing and biomechanical systems, fluid machinery, production and processing machinery including the petroleum and chemical fields, and consumer goods and appliances.

Mechanical engineers have responsibility for research, design, development, testing, control, and manufacture in these diverse fields. Many mechanical engineering graduates assume positions of management, while others prefer a career along technical lines.

Because a mechanical engineer might work in any one of these fields, the academic program has been planned to offer a challenging and basic education. It is designed to provide a knowledge of the basic physical sciences, and to encourage the development of ingenuity for the purpose of creating well-engineered solutions to technological problems.

A basic science program in physics, chemistry, and mathematics; an engineering science program in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, solid mechanics, dynamics, materials, and electronics integrated with laboratory experiences in measurement; and studies in design and manufacturing will prepare the student equally well for any of the fields of application.

The program includes a number of technical and non-technical electives that permit the student to undertake further studies in an area of particular interest. There are a number of dual-degree programs available with other departments in the College of Engineering. Students may also pursue a joint degree in the College of LS&A, School of Music, or Art and Design. Students interested in any of these programs should contact the Mechanical Engineering Academic Services Office.

Students who do well in their undergraduate program are encouraged to consider graduate work and may take some of their electives in preparation for graduate study.

Information and assistance regarding fellowships and assistantships for graduate study may be obtained in the Academic Services Office of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

For a personal discussion of what our programs are all about, contact one of our peer advisors or another member of our Academic Services Office.