Mechanical Engineering
What Is Mechanical Engineering About?
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with mechanical systems and how they can be used to control and convert energy for the benefit of humankind. A marriage of art and science, it includes the design, production and use of devices and systems that generate, transfer and use thermal and mechanical energy.
Practically speaking, mechanical engineers design and develop everything you think of as a machine, that is mechanical or that produces power, making them responsible for much of the world in which we live. The profession of mechanical engineering encompasses everything from home appliances, robots, power tools, bicycles and computer hard drives to air conditioning systems, car engines, planes, turbines for jets and nuclear reactors.
Working in such a broad field as a mechanical engineer, you can look forward to a highly rewarding, dynamic career.
Mechanical Engineering at FAU
The mission of the Mechanical Engineering program at Florida Atlantic is to provide undergraduate students with the fundamental background necessary for a career in mechanical engineering and encourage them to continue with education through to postgraduate studies.
For graduate students, the department strives to provide the in-depth background necessary for advanced work in mechanical engineering, including doctoral-level work.
All students are prepared to conduct basic and applied research and to provide service to the engineering profession and the community.
The Mechanical Engineering program at FAU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Mechanical Engineering Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
Whether you’re just starting out pursuing a bachelor’s degree, or you’re interested in advanced studies, special projects and research, Florida Atlantic University’s ME program offers a number of entry points and pathways to success.
The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University offers programs leading to the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
- Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Mechanical Engineering (thesis and non-thesis options)
- Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Business
- Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Engineering Management
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with major in Mechanical Engineering.
To encourage undergraduates to pursue a graduate education, the department also offers:
- A combined B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering to M.S. in Artificial Intelligence degree program
- And combined B.S.M.E. to M.S. degree programs that permit a student to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree within five years.
- Two combined degree programs, B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Ocean or Mechanical Engineering, are offered in partnership with the Wilkes Honors College.
Explore Degree Programs in Mechanical Engineering
Find the right mechanical engineering academic fit for your career objectives.
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
Florida Atlantic University’s Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum has a continuous improvement plan which details goals for the university and outcomes for students.
Within three to five years of graduation, graduates are expected to exhibit the following professional characteristics:
- Career Contribution and Advancement: Through their ability to solve engineering problems, meaningful design and hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills and training in teamwork and communication, graduates will make significant contributions to their chosen field and advance professionally in mechanical engineering or allied disciplines.
- Professionalism: Graduates will act with both professional and social responsibility in their career field, including a commitment to protect both occupational and public health and safety, and apply ethical standards related to the practice of engineering.
- Lifelong Learning: Graduates will understand that their undergraduate education was just the beginning of their training and will continue to develop their knowledge and skills through progress toward or completion of graduate education and/or any of the following: professional development through short courses or seminars, professional certification and participation in professional societies.
The program will meet the above objectives by establishing the following student educational outcomes. These outcomes will be assessed using various evaluation procedures discussed in section 8 in the Continuous Improvement Plan. At the time of graduation, the students will attain the following:
- An ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics.
- An ability to 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.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to 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.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
For Bachelor’s Degrees
The program of study leading to a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering reflects the breadth of the profession. Students complete coursework in the mechanical, thermal and material sciences. Because of the tremendous impact mechanical engineers have on society, the curriculum also requires students to pursue studies in the social sciences and the humanities.
See all Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree requirements and details
For Master’s Degrees
The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering offers two options for a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME): a thesis option that requires a minimum of 24 credits of coursework and a thesis (6 additional credits), and a non-thesis option that requires a minimum of 30* credits of coursework (no thesis).
See all Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree requirements and details
For Doctoral Degrees
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Mechanical Engineering requires completion of comprehensive training and recognizes the candidate's ability to independently and efficiently pursue research in mechanical engineering.
The requirements for the degree include the performance of original research, the preparation of a dissertation describing this research and systematic advanced studies in engineering and the underlying sciences.
See all Mechanical Engineering doctoral degree details and regulations
Explore the Latest Research in Mechanical Engineering
See the latest developments by faculty, staff, students and researchers in the field of mechanical engineering
