The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to provide educational experiences which give students a sound basis for professional practice and a career of lifelong learning. Each departmental program has specific objectives but the common goal is to learn fundamental principles of mechanical engineering and to master engineering methods to solve challenging problems and to communicate these solutions to the technical and non-technical community. The department strives to offer undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students programs which are recognized as distinctive in their combination of technical quality, diverse areas of technology and attention to the individual. In addition to its traditional strengths in applied mechanics, automation and control, materials processing, system design, and thermal-fluid-sciences, many departmental teaching and research activities are focused in the emerging area of Thermal Manufacturing. The faculty is dedicated to accomplishing this mission through the integration of teaching and research.

The undergraduate curricula are focused on learning and applying scientific principles and engineering methods to the solution of society's technological challenges. The educational programs combine a strong base in engineering science fundamentals (mechanics, materials, thermal-fluid sciences, and control), experimental methods and design experiences. Technical electives allow students to customize their programs. Taken as a whole, the curricula provide an intellectual foundation on which to build successful careers of professional practice and life-long learning as well as to pursue graduate engineering or other professional education.

The required courses coupled with electives in humanities and social sciences, mathematics and science, mechanical and other branches of engineering, design, and free electives allow an individualized program for every undergraduate student in the Department. The Department prides itself on the programmatic flexibility offered in the undergraduate curricula. Through careful selection of electives, in consultation with a faculty advisor, students may pursue a variety of different career objectives. Many undergraduates enhance their academic program by pursuing dual degrees or double majors in a variety of technical and non-technical disciplines. Also, many students include minors in their programs of study.

All Mechanical Engineering undergraduates pursue the first year course of study common to all students in the College of Engineering. Fundamentals of engineering science, analysis, and design are emphasized in the second and third years of the baccalaureate programs. Experimental methods and laboratory experiences are integral parts of the curriculum which help students understand the importance of measurement and testing in solving engineering problems. Several courses are project oriented in which students are exposed to related applications and hands-on work.

The fourth year programs emphasize design, technical depth and projects. The greatest flexibility is available in the senior year when students are giving serious consideration to future career directions. The design experience is multi-faceted and is integrated throughout the curriculum. It is structured to engage students in open-ended problems for which engineering principles can be used for the achievement of specific objectives through synthesis and by including social, economical, environmental and legal aspects of the problems. The design experience includes a required individual or small group design project which is performed during the senior year.

Undergraduate students are encouraged to become involved in independent study and research, under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. Opportunities to pursue these projects are available not only available through independent study courses but also as part of the College of Engineering's Internship Program. Through these experiences students enrich their educational experience by pursuing subjects outside of the formal course offerings. Students who wish to conduct an independent project beyond a single semester and who wish to receive BSME credit for this continued work are expected to write an undergraduate thesis which serves as a permanent record of this noteworthy accomplishment.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.