Mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, development, manufacture, and operation of a wide variety of energy conversion and machine systems.
Mechanical engineers utilize their knowledge of materials, system design and control, and production methods to design complex systems such as aircraft, power plants, and combustion engines. They are also involved in developing conventional and alternate energy sources including fossil fuel, geothermal, solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear power generation systems. There are currently excellent employment opportunities for mechanical engineers in a broad spectrum of fields including energy conversion, CAD/CAM systems, robotics, manufacturing processes and biomedical applications.
The mechanical engineering curriculum provides an opportunity for the student to develop proficiency in a technical specialty within the broad field of mechanical engineering. This is accomplished by means of a minimum of 12 credits of electives emphasizing mechanical design, energy systems, manufacturing processes, materials engineering, or biomedical engineering or by selecting courses from a wide variety of approved electives. Outstanding state-of-the-art computer, instrumentation, power generation and control laboratories are available in the Mechanical Engineering Center to offer unique support to the undergraduate program.