Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

The mechanical engineering major offers a broad exposure to engineering theory and practice enabling graduates to design, build, and improve systems that power the modern world. The program emphasizes hands-on applications and problem-solving skills preparing learners for professional licensure and graduate studies. The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission) of ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Graduates of the program are prepared to:

excel as engineers in technologically-intensive environments;
succeed in post-baccalaureate and graduate studies;
transfer their acquired skills to a variety of contexts and endeavors; and
contribute to society as broadly educated, articulate, and ethical professionals and citizens.

In order to graduate, students must fulfill the core requirements of the degree program for a total of 127.5 credits as described in the Program Requirements. A requirement of the major may not be used to satisfy an elective of the major.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits required for the major: 115.5. For graduation, mechanical engineering majors must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0 and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in engineering courses.

Permission from the student’s faculty advisor is required before taking any engineering course outside the University to satisfy a requirement of the major. Permission from the student’s University advisor is required before taking any non-engineering course outside the University to satisfy a requirement of the major. Non-degree seeking students need department permission to enroll in mechanical engineering classes. Course requirements are as follows (concurrent Core Curriculum requirements are noted in parentheses for reference).

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Mechanical Engineering major: 115.5.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: D-.

Engineering Requirements

Computer Programming (3-4 credits)

EGN 160 - Introduction to Programming: Python Credits: 3
or
COS 150 - The C Programming Language Credits: 3
or
COS 160 - Structured Problem Solving Credits: 4
Or any other Introduction to Programming course with 3 or more credits approved by the Department

Basic Science (14.5 credits)

CHY 113 - Principles of Chemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 114 - Laboratory Techniques I Credits: 1.5
PHY 121 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 114 - Introductory Physics Laboratory I Credits: 1
PHY 123 - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 116 - Introductory Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1

Technical Electives (12 credits)

Completion of four (4) engineering courses with three or more credits each at the junior or senior level (300-level or higher EGN, ELE, IDE or MEE) that are not otherwise required in the program and track. Courses outside of the engineering department may be used with department permission.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: ITP 210
Quantitative Reasoning: MAT 152
Creative Expression: THE 170
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration: CHY 113 /CHY 114
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: EGN 304
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning: EGN 401
Capstone: EGN 401 & EGN 402

Honors in the Major: Engineering

The engineering department offers Honors in the Major distinctions to graduating students based on the following criteria:

The student achieves a GPA in the major of 3.5 or higher.
The student demonstrates excellence in research and/or service through at least one of the following activities in any category:
- The student undertakes an interdisciplinary capstone project supervised by an engineering faculty member and a faculty member external to the Department.
- Complete service experiences (peer tutoring, academic assistantship, mentoring, K-12 outreach, hold an officer position, or similar).
- Satisfactorily complete undergraduate research experience in engineering (UROP), peer-reviewed journal submission, or similar.
- Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.