Mechanical Engineering Major

Program Coordinator/Contact
Kurt Bassett, Department Head
Department of Mechanical Engineering
CEH 216, Box 2219
605-688-5426
E-mail: kurt.bassett@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/me
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 program, the student outcomes are:

1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
7. an ability to communicate effectively
8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning
10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
The Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science 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/.

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 courses
• 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.