The department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) offers traditional ABET accredited engineering programs leading to the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. MAE also offers a traditional non-accredited engineering program leading to the B.S. degree in environmental engineering. The B.S. programs require a minimum of 196 units.
All MAE programs of study have strong components in laboratory experimentation, numerical computation and engineering design. Design is emphasized throughout the curricula by open-ended homework problems, by laboratory and computer courses which include student-initiated projects, and finally by senior design project courses which often involve teams of students working to solve engineering design problems brought in from industry. The MAE programs are designed to prepare students receiving bachelor's degrees for professional careers or for graduate education in their area of specialization. In addition, the programs can also be taken by students who intend to use their undergraduate engineering education as preparation for postgraduate professional training in nontechnical fields such as business administration, law or medicine.
DARS Degree Check
It is a good idea to have the department review your DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report periodically to be sure that you are on track for graduation. This is not done automatically until you request graduation so please request a review before then.
(Impacted status, effective Fall 2009)
B.S. Engineering Science
B.S. Environmental Engineering
B.S. Mechanical Engineering(Impacted status, effective Fall 2009)
MISSION STATEMENT
To prepare our students to be outstanding scientists and engineering leaders by emphasizing engineering fundamentals, principles of professional practices, and their integration into the design/development of advanced aeronautical and astronautical systems.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS
1. To provide our students with a strong technical education that will enable them to have successful careers as professional aerospace engineers, as educators in academia, and as members of other professions.
2. To prepare our students for rapid technological change with the core knowledge central to assuring that they are able to continuously improve their skills across a range of disciplines throughout their professional careers.
3. To prepare our students to communicate effectively and to deal knowledgeably and ethically with the impact of technology in our society and on global issues.
1. Fundamentals/Knowledge
- To provide students with a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals; in-depth knowledge of key topics in aerospace engineering including aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, orbital mechanics, aerospace structures and materials, and design and control of aerospace systems; and an awareness of the value of life-long learning.
2. Analysis
- To provide thorough training in methods of analysis and problem-solving including mathematical and computational skills and use of contemporary software and information technology tools.
3. Experiment
- To teach students the experimental and data analysis techniques required for aerospace engineering applications.
4. Design/Integration
- To teach the fundamentals of the open-ended design process, including project management, synthesis and integration of information from fundamental and interdisciplinary areas, manufacturing and incorporation of non-technical issues, and innovation and creative problem-solving in an engineering environment.
5. Professional/Communication
- To prepare students with the skills required for successful participation on teams and for leadership positions, including effective written and oral communication skills and professionalism.
6. Ethics
- To instill in our students an understanding of the role and importance of professional responsibility and engineering ethics.
7. Experience
- To provide students with the opportunity to gain a range of experiences through classroom and extramural activities on campus and through participation and internships with industry and other organizations.
Graduates of AE are expected to have:
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to aerospace engineering problems.
b. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
d. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
g. An ability to communicate effectively with written, oral, and visual means.
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
i. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
k. An ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and computing tools necessary for engineering practice.
l. Knowledge of key topics in aeronautical engineering including aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability and control.
m. Knowledge of topics in astronautical engineering including attitude determination and control, space structures, orbital mechanics, and rocket propulsion.
n. An ability to integrate knowledge of the fundamental topics in the design of an aerospace system.
Aerospace Four-year Curriculum Plan
B.S. Engineering Science Engineering
The engineering science degree was discontinued in 2012. Continuing students will remain in the program until graduation. For academic advice on this major, please see the MAE Student Affairs Office (EBU 2, first floor).
Engineering Sciences Four-year Curriculum Plan
B.S. Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering is a four-year curriculum that resembles the chemical engineering curriculum in its first two years, with fundamental engineering courses in mechanics, thermodynamics, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In the third and fourth year, the programs diverge: an environmental engineering sequence is offered, as well as further specialization in fluid mechanics, and a wide choice of technical electives, both from within MAE and other departments.
MISSION STATEMENT
The environmental engineering major focuses on conveying an understanding and awareness of the fundamental processes associated with human industrial activity that have environmental implications, and on equipping the next generation of engineers with the tools to develop technologies that enable sustainable economic growth. The following educational objectives have been established for the environmental engineering program:
1. to provide a sound introduction to the basic sciences that underlie the disciplines of environmental engineering
2. to provide a thorough training in methods of analysis, including problem formulation and the mathematical and computational skills required by environmental engineers
3. to teach students the experimental and data analysis techniques required for engineering applications
4. to teach the fundamentals of the design process, including project management, the synthesis of information from different disciplinary areas, and innovation and creative problem solving in an engineering setting
5. to prepare students in the skills required for successful participation on teams and in leadership positions, including effective written and oral communication
6. to instill in our students an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities
7. to provide students with the opportunity to gain a range of experiences through classroom and extramural activities on campus and through partnerships and internships with industry, with primary and secondary schools, and with other organizations
Environmental Engineering Four-year Curriculum Plan
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide an excellent education to the next generation of mechanical engineers as one of the nation's leading and most innovative mechanical engineering departments.
Specific Educational Goals
- To provide our students with a strong technical education that will enable them to have successful careers as professional mechanical engineers, as educators in academia, and as members of other professions.
- To prepare our students for rapid technological change with the core knowledge central to assuring that they are able to continuously improve their skills across a range of disciplines throughout their professional careers.
- To prepare our students to communicate effectively and to deal knowledgeably and ethically with the impact of technology in our society and on global issues.
Educational Objectives
- To provide a sound introduction in the basic sciences that underlie the disciplines of mechanical engineering
- To provide a thorough training in methods of analysis, including problem formulation and the mathematical and computational skills required by mechanical engineers
- To teach students the experimental and data analysis techniques required for engineering applications
- To teach the fundamentals of the design process, including project management, the synthesis of information from different disciplinary areas, and innovation and creative problem solving in an engineering setting
- To prepare students in the skills required for successful participation on teams and in leadership positions, including effective written and oral communication
- To instill in our students an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities
- To provide students with the opportunity to gain a range of experiences through campus classroom and extramural activities and through partnerships and internships with industry, with primary and secondary schools, and with other organizations.