About the Department

Program Overview

Introduction

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) offers programs of study that lead to Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Option, degrees.  Mechanical Engineering is the discipline that focuses on design of many types of machinery and equipment used in transportation, manufacturing, air and space transportation; consumer products; robots; biomedical devices; and energy conversion systems.  Mechanical engineers use thermodynamics, heat transfer, dynamics, thermal and fluid mechanics, design software, engineering materials, and the principles of mathematics and science to develop solutions to problems.  Students can achieve a level of specialization through elective courses in machine design or thermal systems.  A major goal of the program is to provide its graduates the analytical and practical skills needed to perform mechanical design in a variety of fields.   The program focuses heavily on hands-on experience in the laboratories and student projects to provide the graduates the skills and the teamwork experience, that are important to their careers. Students should consult with their advisors to select the proper courses that emphasize their area of interest.

The Department participates in an Industry sponsored Cooperative Education Program - Valley Industries Partnership for Coop Education (VIP) - that allows our students to gain industrial experience and financial benefits, while in College, by working for companies affiliated with the VIP program. The department also encourages the graduates to complete Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, the first step towards PE license.

The employers of Mechanical Engineering include machinery and equipment companies, automobile and aircraft firms, gas and electric utilities, architectural and engineering firms, and many agencies in federal, state and local governments.  The program also prepares the graduates very well for continuing their education by completing advanced degrees in engineering or management.

Department Mission

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to: 

Provide an educational program that will allow our students to meet or exceed the necessary level of academic preparedness for successful professional employment and for graduate study through curricula and instruction based upon a rigorous theoretical foundation and practical applications.