CIP Code: 141901
Program Description
The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering offers undergraduate programs in mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering. The Bachelor of Science program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Mechanical engineering is a modern, creative discipline encompassing a wide variety of technical activities. The field is changing rapidly with the progress of the computer era, but the key element that links all of the activities within mechanical engineering is design. The design function is now largely computer-based and involves modeling, simulation, analysis, and synthesis.
Historically, mechanical engineering includes two principal stems. One stem concerns heat, fluids, and energy. Engineers who study combustion in a turbine engine or aircraft lift and drag are practicing in this area. The other stem concerns force and motion in mechanical systems. Problems here include determining robot trajectories, analyzing vibrations to minimize noise, or predicting the stresses in a rotating disc.
The curriculum includes advanced coursework in mechanics, thermal sciences, aerospace, fluids, materials, electronics, mechanical systems, and design.
These programs cover traditional engineering fundamentals and develop the skills for modern engineering analysis and design. Laboratory and computer experience are integrated throughout the curriculum. Most required courses are offered in both day and evening sections at least once a year.
Program Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Program Admission Requirements
All College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) major programs require that students meet the following requirements for program admission:
- Completion of 24 or more semester hours of college-level work
- 2.25 cumulative GPA at Wright State and in all academic work
- Grade of C or higher in: ENG 1100 (or any Wright State Core first-year writing course)
Admission requirements specific to the Mechanical Engineering major:
Grade of C or higher in:
- CHM 1210/1210L
- EGR 1010 or MTH 2300
- ME 1020
- ME 1040
- PHY 2400/2400L
Minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA in non-elective courses explicitly listed in the program of study.
Program Learning Objectives
Students enrolled in this program will learn to:
- identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a result of their learning experience, graduates of this program can:
- actively engage in the practice of mechanical engineering or in a related field
- address vital engineering needs in local, national, and international arenas
- recognize for their ethical standards and professional contributions in the workplace and to society at large
- dedicate to life-long learning, as demonstrated by the attainment of professional licensure, advanced degrees, certificates, or other continuing education activities
Combined Undergraduate and Graduate Program
This program offers three combined-degree programs with master’s degree choices in Aerospace Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Renewable and Clean Energy. A combined-degree program provides an opportunity for an undergraduate student to begin working toward a master’s degree in their senior year. This allows students to complete the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less combined time than it would take to complete them sequentially.
Students enrolled in a combined-degree program may “double count” a maximum of nine credit hours of graduate-level courses to satisfy both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree requirements. Students must earn at least 141 unique credit hours (any credits that “double-count” toward both degrees are counted only once toward the total number of unique hours) in the combined-degree program.
To participate in a combined-degree program, students must apply through the College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies and meet all admission qualifications. Learn more about combined programs in Policy 5330.
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Program Requirements