Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Program Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the undergraduate programs in the Woodruff School are:

  1. to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning;
  2. to train students thoroughly in methods of analysis, including the mathematical and computational skills appropriate for engineers to use when solving problems;
  3. to develop the skills pertinent to the design process, including the students’ ability to formulate problems, to think creatively, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information, and to work collaboratively;
  4. to teach students to use current experimental and data analysis techniques for engineering applications; and
  5. to instill in our students an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities.

The undergraduate curriculum in mechanical engineering covers the fundamental aspects of the field, emphasizes basic principles, and educates the student in the use of these principles to reach optimal design solutions for engineering problems. Specific design subject matter and materials are also drawn from engineering activities such as biomechanical systems, as well as from the more traditional areas. Emphasis in the freshman and sophomore years is on mathematics, chemistry, physics, mechanics of materials, applied mechanics, graphic communications, and an introduction to design. The junior and senior years are devoted to thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, systems and controls, design, manufacturing, and the application of fundamentals to the diverse problems of mechanical engineering. The curriculum stresses laboratory work and design projects. Computer skills developed during the first two years are a prerequisite for junior- and senior-level courses. Satisfactory completion of the curriculum leads to the degree Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S. ME).

In addition to the Institute's academic requirements for graduation with a bachelor's degree, the following are required for a B.S. ME degree:

  1. A C or better must be earned in MATH 1501, MATH 1502, MATH 2401, and MATH 2403.
  2. The aggregate GPA of all mechanical engineering classes must be a 2.0 or higher.