Program Educational Objectives

The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology.  The following are the educational objectives for the BSME program.

1. Prepare graduates for engineering careers and advanced education.

• Graduates will be able to perform as competent entry-level engineers in a range of industries and specialty areas (including design and realization of both thermal and mechanical systems).
• Select graduates with the ability and desire will be able to perform as competent graduate students in a range of graduate programs (including engineering, business, medicine, or other related fields).

2. Graduate mechanical engineers with technical skills.

A. Demonstrate a grasp of engineering knowledge:

• Mastery of fundamentals - Mathematics and science-based knowledge (Thermal/Fluids, Dynamics, etc).
• Knowledgeable in engineering specialty topics (Materials, Manufacturing, etc).
• Proficient in learning, using, and understanding technology.
• Solid foundation for life-long learning.

B. Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to solve contemporary engineering problems:

• Solve open-ended problems.
• Formulate and articulate the problem to be gather data, determine root cause if appropriate and synthesize solutions.
• Able to differentiate between and work in situations that require evolutionary design (use of standard parts, standard processes, and engineering standards) and revolutionary ideas (innovation and creativity)

3. Graduate mechanical engineers with skills to perform in the work environment.

• Technical communication: Oral and written
• Teamwork
• Decision making: Ethical and effective in making trade-offs involving economics, performance/ operability, reliability/ life, safety and schedule.

4. Graduate mechanical engineers who are informed and aware of contemporary issues and the impact of engineering on society.

Note: These objectives were generated by constituents (Industrial advisory board and Student advisory board) in 2003 after a detailed multi-year review of existing objectives statements and numerous discussions about the characteristics of good objectives statements. The constituents attempted to make the objectives user friendly (understandable) and measurable. Their suggested statements were slightly modified by the ME faculty to make sure they were comprehensive and clearly tied to the department's mission.