BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology

Mechanical engineering technology involves understanding how products and machinery work and how to design, make or use them. From water wheels and steam engines to high-performance automobiles, air-conditioned environments and jet aircraft, mechanical engineering technology has changed society for the better.

As a mechanical engineering technology student, you will study the foundations of mechanics, materials and energy. You will learn technical skills such as drafting, CAD, how to use computers, how to test materials and how to make parts. You will learn to apply these principles and skills to the various fields of mechanical engineering technology--such as product and machine design, power generation, utilities and manufacturing--through laboratories and design projects. Full-time students gain valuable industrial experience through the required cooperative education program.

The BS in mechanical engineering technology is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 1 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, telephone 410-347-7700.

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Program Educational Objectives

Graduates from the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program will demonstrate:

a. A professional work ethic, a commitment to lifelong learning, quality and continuous improvement through the clear ability to assume increasing levels of technical and/or management responsibility.
b. Participation and leadership while working on teams involved in the analysis, design, development, implementation, or oversight of mechanical and/or manufacturing systems and processes.
c. An ability to design new and improved products, systems and processes that are appropriate for their use.
d. Effective communication with all levels of the organization.

Program Outcomes

Graduates from the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program will demonstrate:

A The ability to apply technical expertise from the following areas to the analysis, design, development, implementation, or oversight of mechanical systems and processes:

A1 Manufacturing processes
A2 Engineering materials
A3 Statics
A4 Strength of materials
A5 Dynamics
A6 Fluid mechanics
A7 Thermodynamics
A8 Computer aided engineering tools
A9 Mechanical design
A10 Electric, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Circuits

B The ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
C The ability to formulate, conduct, analyze and interpret experiments and apply experimental results to improve designs and processes.
D The ability to apply creativity to the design of mechanical systems, components and processes.
E The ability to function effectively on teams.
F The ability to identify, analyze and solve technical problems.
G Effective communication.
H Recognition of the need for, and the ability to, engage in lifelong learning.
I Knowledge of the ethical and social responsibilities of professionals working in the mechanical engineering technology field.
J Respect for diversity and knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues.
K Commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
L Competence in the use of the computer as a problem solving and communications tool.
M The ability to apply project management techniques to the completion of laboratory and project assignments.
N Knowledge of and the ability to apply codes and regulations, and produce proper documentation to comply with them.
O Meaningful work experience in the mechanical engineering technology field.

Curriculum
In the early quarters, students develop their skills in the fundamentals of mechanics, mathematics, materials technology and computer-aided design. In later quarters, courses focus both on mechanical design and applied thermofluid engineering. Individuals may specialize by taking technical electives in such areas as product design, air conditioning, thermal power, plastics processing and manufacturing.

A substantial amount of laboratory work is required, including the preparation of quality reports. Use of the computer is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

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Transfer admission
Transfer students enter this program at the third-year level, having received an appropriate associate degree in mechanical technology, design-drafting technology, air conditioning technology, engineering science or an acceptable equivalent. It is expected that these associate degree programs will have provided the student with background in the following:

Mathematics through Introductory Calculus
Physics
Computer Aided Design and Drafting
Manufacturing Processes
Statics and Elementary Strength of Materials
Computer Skills (word processing, data analysis, presentation graphics)
Metallurgy
Electric Circuits
Statistics
Mechanical Design

Elective concentrations in mechanical engineering technology
In the last three quarters of students' programs, they may elect to take a concentration in one of the following areas: product design; heat, power and HVAC; or plastics processing.

Custom sequences can be developed with departmental approval.

Evening program
The upper division of this program may be taken on a part-time basis during evening hours by those who are employed full time and desire to receive a baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering technology. The typical evening student requires approximately 13 quarters to complete the upper-division course requirements. Students also may elect certain courses from the manufacturing engineering technology and electrical engineering technology programs with department approvals.

Note: Some electives are offered only every other year. Please check with an adviser when planning your program technical electives.

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Mechanical technology, associate program
This part-time evening program is designed to prepare technicians for employment in the mechanical design and manufacturing fields. Since it is identical to the lower division of the day school BS degree program, with the exception of
Freshman and Sophomore Seminar, it prepares graduates for continuing their studies toward a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology. The program begins with courses in mathematics, physics, mechanical drafting, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing processes. The advanced
portion of the technical program covers topics in mechanics, hydraulics, materials and machine design. Courses in composition, communication, social science and humanities round out the program.

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Typical course sequence

* See liberal arts requirements
† See policy on physical education

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Upper-division evening program, typical course sequence

* See liberal arts requirements

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AAS degree, evening program typical course sequence

* See liberal arts requirements

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