Mechanical Engineering B.S.

Mission Statement

The Mechanical Engineering Department is committed to producing graduates who are sought after by employers and graduate schools in the region, state, and nation. In both the undergraduate and graduate programs the department stresses the development of strong professional knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills. The faculty seeks to create and disseminate new knowledge in engineering and engineering education, and to be a source of expertise for industry and government, while maintaining a balance between education, research, and service.

Program Educational Objectives

Educational objectives of the mechanical engineering program are the knowledge, skills, and experiences that enable graduates to:

1. formulate and solve complex practical and theoretical engineering problems, while at the same time understanding business objectives and appreciating the social, economic, and ethical issues encountered in a modern global society
2. think critically and creatively, work effectively on interdisciplinary teams and communicate clearly in both technical and non-technical forums
3. be professionally employed, serving the rapidly changing technological needs of industry or governmental organizations regionally in East Texas or throughout the state and nation
4. continue to grow professionally through activities such as pursuing formal graduate study, research, or continuing education; achieving professional licensure; and participating in technical societies.

Student Outcomes

Mechanical Engineering students at the time of graduation are expected to:

1. be able to apply science, mathematics, and modern engineering tools and techniques to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
2. be able to design thermal/fluid, mechanical, and electro-mechanical components or systems, individually or on interdisciplinary teams, and effectively communicate those designs in both technical and non-technical forums
3. be able to collect, analyze, and interpret data from prescribed and self-designed experimental procedures and formally communicate the results
4. be able to apply a broad-based educational experience to understand the interaction of engineering solutions with contemporary business, economic, and social issues
5. recognize that ethical behavior and continuous acquisition of knowledge are fundamental attributes of successful mechanical engineering professionals
6. pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination.

Graduation Requirements

Upon a student's admission to the Mechanical Engineering major, an engineering faculty member will serve as the student’s academic advisor to work with the student in planning a program to complete degree requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor throughout the semester and are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for the next semester.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, the student must:

1. earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses used to meet degree requirements,
2. complete the general baccalaureate degree requirements for the university,
3. complete the Mechanical Engineering curriculum requirements specified in the following sections,
4. pass the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering examination. A student may petition for a waiver of this graduation requirement if other criteria are satisfied in lieu of this requirement. The student should consult with his or her academic advisor in this regard.

Detailed information about the FE exam content, exam schedule, registration for the exam, and review sessions is available at www.ncees.org.