2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 25, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Mechanical Engineering Major


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates

Program Contact/Coordinator
Kurt Bassett, Department Head
Department of Mechanical Engineering
South Dakota State University
CEH 216 Box 2219
Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-5426
E-mail: kurt.bassett@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/me/index.cfm
Click here for additional information. 

Program Information
Mechanical engineers design devices and systems that efficiently employ the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of society. Mechanical Engineering is an applied science profession based on mathematics, physics and chemistry. Expertise and sound judgment in application of the sciences are gained through a combination of study and practice.

Mechanical engineers have a remarkable range of career options from which to choose. Work is found in design and development of a wide range of machines and systems, in manufacturing and automation, in energy and power production, and in various related fields of research, management or business.

Program Educational Objectives
The Mechanical Engineering program provides a learning environment that prepares graduates to achieve the following career and professional accomplishments:

  • Achieve positions of increasing responsibility or leadership with employers, professional organizations, or civic organizations in recognition of professional competence and the ability to function in team environments.
  • Complete licensure, certification, short courses, workshops or advanced degrees in technical or professional subject areas as they adapt to contemporary engineering practice and the global business environment.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Mechanical Engineering major, graduates will have:

  • an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering including multi-variable calculus, differential equations, statistics, and linear algebra
  • an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  • an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
  • an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  • an ability to communicate effectively
  • the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and social context
  • a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues
  • an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
The Mechanical Engineering program at SDSU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Upon reaching the final semester of the curriculum, Mechanical Engineering students are eligible and required to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. This nationally administered exam is the first step in the process of becoming licensed to practice as a Professional Engineer. Each state sets its own standards for licensing. In South Dakota, after successfully completing a B.S. degree from an accredited program and passing the FE Exam, four years of engineering experience under a licensed engineer are required to be eligible to sit for the Principles and Practices of Engineering Exam. Successfully passing this exam is the final step in becoming licensed as a Professional Engineer. Information can be found at http://www.ncees.org/.

Additional Academic Requirements

  • a combined average of “C” or better in the mechanical engineering courses
  • a combined average of “C” or better in the mathematics courses
  • a minimum grade of “C” in each of the following courses: MATH 123, MATH 125, PHYS 211, ME 311, ME 312 and all EM designated course
  • Students who fail to earn a C or better in any of these courses, will be required to take them in each subsequent semester until the requirement is met.

Course Delivery Format
Mechanical engineering is an occupation requiring both study and practice. Instruction occurs through a combination of traditional classroom methods, laboratory exercises using contemporary engineering technologies, and design project experiences.

Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Major: 130 Credits


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements*: 33


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


Major Requirements: 77


Technical Electives: 15


The 15 credits of technical electives may be chosen from the following list. At least two courses must be in design, identified by a (D). At least three of the electives must have the ME prefix. Courses not listed may qualify as technical electives with departmental approval.

Total Required Credits: 130


Curriculum Notes:


* In general, The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits. The Mechanical Engineering program has been granted an exception to this requirement.

** South Dakota State University has an 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates