Mechanical Engineering (MEGR) BS

Mechanical Engineering is an ideal education for professional entrance into industry, for development of one's own company, or for a variety of opportunities in educational institutions and government agencies. A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering may precede the study of law, business or medicine, and frequently graduate engineering studies. Because the undergraduate training is broad, as well as comprehensive, a mechanical engineer is in demand in practically every type of manufacturing, research and government organization. They may be employed in the automotive, aerospace, electrical, chemical, glass, ceramics, solar, petroleum, plastics, or metal-processing industries. The work may involve one or several of the following: design and testing of equipment and systems, supervision of production, sales engineering, plant engineering, research and development, and administration. Some mechanical engineers work in areas not usually considered to require engineering expertise. For example, biomechanical engineers work with physicians to investigate the mechanics of the body and to design instruments and devices for medical purposes. Other mechanical engineers work closely with trainers and athletes, to design sports equipment. Certainly, the professional mechanical engineer has influenced most products and systems we deal with on a regular basis in our lives. Some examples of mechanical engineering applications include:

• Applied Mechanics. Engineers apply mechanics principles to the study, design, and development of systems and components that transmit specified motion, forces, and power that withstand the stresses, strain, fatigue, shock, and vibration within the system itself.
• Controls. With the advent of the microprocessor, online data processing and control are incorporated into a variety of manufacturing and processing systems.
• Design. Design engineers combine a working knowledge of materials and components with the complexities and economics of assembling these components into products and systems.
• Energy, Engines and Power Plants. Engineers work with reciprocating and rotating engines utilizing gas combustion or steam pressure to generate power that is transmitted through shaft motion. Engineers make use of solar, wind, geothermal, nuclear, and fossil-fuel sources to generate power.
• Fluids. Utilizing the various properties of fluids such as density, viscosity, and compressibility, engineers develop applications with these fluids for new hydraulic control or power transmission devices.
• Lubrication. Engineers try to inhibit the wear on moving parts by choosing or developing a lubricating method that minimizes friction and energy dissipation.
• Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC). HVAC engineers must understand heat transfer, thermodynamics, and control theory to develop energy-efficient systems that control temperature and air quality.
• Materials. Mechanical engineers select, develop, and apply materials for bearings, brakes, clutches, gears, chains, screws, bolts, lubrication, insulation, heat transfer, and so on.
• Pressure Vessels and Piping. Containment structures for solids, liquids and gases are developed to withstand temperatures and pressures, which may vary dynamically.
• Transportation and Aerospace. Engineers in this specialty are engaged in the production or study of the motion of automobiles, trains, ships, planes, missiles, satellites, and rockets. Among their many responsibilities, they may develop improved gasoline or diesel engines, improve automobile power train transmission characteristics, modify the configuration of aircraft structures, or improve solid propellant rocket engines.

The BS program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Mechanical and similarly named Engineering Programs. 

MEGR Program Objectives 

The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering program are as follows:

A few years after graduation,

1. Our graduates will be working in a wide range of industries as mechanical engineers who solve fundamental problems, and effectively communicate their work.
2. Some of our graduates will be working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, and move into positions of increased technical skill requirements and managerial responsibilities.
3. Some of our graduates will be pursuing or will have completed advanced degrees in science and engineering, MBA programs, or law school.
4. Some of our graduates will be active participants in their profession, including society activities, scholarly publications, and student mentoring.