About Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is the design and manufacturing of machine products —everything from tiny devices like microchips to vast systems like spacecrafts. The best mechanical engineers will be able to visualize and understand how a product will be used; the environmental stresses it will be subjected to; and the reasons people will be convinced to purchase it.
Mechanical engineers analyze their work using the principles of motion, energy, and force — ensuring that designs function safely, efficiently, and reliably, all at a competitive cost.
The bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology gives students a broad education in the areas of mechanical design, mechanics, stress analysis, thermosciences, and manufacturing.
Degree Information
Mechanical engineering technology (MET) graduates are in high demand and are employed by manufacturing companies, consulting firms, government agencies, testing laboratories, and other enterprises that require people with strong mechanically oriented backgrounds.
Mechanical engineering is required for virtually everything that is made, making it one of the broadest and most diverse engineering disciplines. As a mechanical engineer, you may work on:
- Automotives
- Aircraft and spacecraft
- Biotechnology-like implants and prosthetic devices
- Computers and electronics
- Energy conversion devices like wind turbines
- Environmental control devices like air conditioners
- Automation and robotics
- Manufacturing machinery
The list of mechanical engineering careers is almost endless. Suffice it to say that no matter what interests you —cars, planes, trains, or computers —there is a Mechanical Engineering Technology application for it. Disciplines within mechanical engineering include but are not limited to:
- Acoustics
- Aerospace
- Automation
- Automotive
- Energy
- Ergonomics
- Human Health
- Industrial Design
- Manufacturing and Additive Manufacturing
- Mechanics
- Nanotechnology
- Production Planning
- Robotics
- Structural Analysis
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (student chapter)
National Association of Black Engineers (student chapter): With more than 31,000 members with 250 active collegiate chapters, NSBE offers academic support including professional development, leadership training, resume building, and gateways to career opportunities.
Epsilon Pi Tau (National Honor Society for Technology students)
Math Club: Math Club takes the topics learned in the classroom and applies them to the real world. The club meets weekly through the semester and members engage in everything from games to in-depth talks from professors, guest speakers, and students.
SAE Mini Baja Competition: This is one of the most unique and exciting extracurricular activities open to electronic technology and mechanical engineering majors. The goal of the competition is to design, build, and race off-road vehicles that can withstand the harshest elements and roughest terrain allows students to design, build and race off-road vehicles
Building Your Future
Do you enjoy solving problems for everyday life challenges, both big and small? Do you have an analytical mind — a mind that enjoys mathematics, puzzles, and the complexities of interlocking parts? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for our Mechanical Engineering Technology Program.
“You can print things that are very difficult to manufacture, things you wouldn’t be able to make or manufacture by hand.”
- James Mayrose
Former Chair, Engineering Technology Department
Professional Accreditation
Our program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET).
Small class size
Typical classes in the major have between 12 and 24 students which mean you get individualized attention.
High Job Placement
Typically, 100% of MET graduates will find industry employment within one year. Students with the highest grade point averages usually have multiple job offers before graduating.
Minor Options
MET majors have three complementary minors to choose from, if they wish:
- Quality
- Safety
- Energy Systems
“You have two options when you are a mechanical engineering major—Mini Baja or a corporate project. This is much more fun.”
“If you can think it and design it, it can be printed (3D).”
“You get a big appreciation for project management."
