Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most diverse of the engineering disciplines and affects all aspects of our lives. It involves the application of science and technology essential to industry, government, environment, and society. Mechanical engineers design, analyze, build, test, and control mechanical devices and systems. They are involved in the design and development of automobiles, airplanes, satellites, robots, power plants, machine tools, material handling systems, medical devices and instrumentation, communications equipment, semiconductor devices, heating and air-conditioning systems, consumer products, and alternative energy systems. Mechanical engineers contribute on interdisciplinary teams to work in emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing processes, mechatronics, nanotechnology and green engineering technology. Mechanical engineering is generally recognized as the engineering discipline that offers the broadest choice of technical career directions. The Mechanical Engineering curriculum provides a thorough background in thermal and mechanical systems and mechanical design. By selecting an appropriate group of technical and design electives, a student can concentrate in either thermal and fluid science or mechanical design. Thermal and fluid science electives include courses related to energy conversion, aerodynamics, introduction to flight, and turbomachinery design. Mechanical design electives include courses in stress analysis and computer-aided design, material selection, and metrology. Students can choose to study either the broad areas of thermal-fluid sciences or mechanical design or select from two options: 1) Green Engineering Sequence with courses in renewable energy, alternative energy systems, and green engineering; and 2) Mechatronics Engineering Concentration that is a blend of mechanical and electrical engineering. Career Opportunities Mechanical engineers are employed in all types of industry and government. They work in research, product development, product design, manufacturing, consulting, and sales. Our graduates are employed at Allston Power, UTC Aerospace Systems, Disney, FloDesign, Goodrich, Northrup Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, United Technologies Research Center, General Dynamics, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Otis, Carrier, Hasbro-Bradley, General Motors, NASA, Electric Boat, Andersen Consulting, General Electric, Smith and Wesson, American Saw, Northeast Utilities, Rolls Royce, Areva, Gerber Scientific Research, Spalding Sports Worldwide, Sikorsky, Westinghouse, BAE systems, and many others. Mechanical Engineering graduates have also become physicians and patent attorneys. Mechanical engineers occupy executive positions in many large corporations and others have gone on to become entrepreneurs and founded their own companies. Educational Objectives The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering program are to produce graduates whose careers and professional behavior are marked consistently by: Technical competency in solving engineering problems, consistent with the ethics of the profession, and serving the needs of local, national, and multinational communities and enterprises with concern for social, economic, and environmental constraints; Advancement in their professional careers, including increased technical or managerial responsibility, and the attainment of promotions and leadership positions; Successful management of engineering projects of varying scope; Effective technical and non-technical communication and teamwork; and A commitment to continuing professional education