ME Program Areas
One of the advantages of being a mechanical engineer is the breadth of employment opportunities that are available upon graduation. The curriculum of this department provides the student many options in preparing for his/her career. In an attempt to give the student some guidelines in this area, the department offers the student eight informal options. These options are thermal systems, mechanical systems, materials, astronautics, management, premedical, math, and physics. Some options may require the student to take more than the 124 hours in the standard curriculum.
# Thermal Systems. Students interested in areas such as power generation, fluid mechanics, heating and cooling, engines and propulsion, air conditioning, pumps, turbines, and fans should consider this option. Many opportunities exist throughout all industries in the country for students electing this option.
# Mechanical Systems. Mechanical engineering designers are responsible for the design of machines that produce useful work. The courses available in this option support the needs of an individual interested in designing machines or mechanisms for industry.
# Materials. The materials option is designed to give students more exposure to development and selection of engineering materials. Topics in this area include surfaces, finishes, material properties, and tribology.
# Astronautics. The astronautics option in mechanical engineering provides students an opportunity to concentrate on engineering and scientific issues associated with spacecraft and space exploration.
# Management. Most mechanical engineers will start in an entry-level engineering position and then move into a management position or an advanced engineering position later in their careers. Students interested in management should consider this option. With prior approval students can apply approved business courses required for a business minor to technical-science elective requirements in the BSME curriculum.
# Premedical. Students who are considering medical school after graduation are encouraged to look into the premedical option. With prior approval students can apply biology and chemistry courses required for medical school preparation to technical-science elective requirements in the BSME curriculum.
# Math or Physics. Many students have an interest in studying math or physics at a higher level. For these students the technical-science electives can be used to take courses that can be applied to a minor in either math or physics.
