Mechanical Engineering Technology Objectives:

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program will prepare graduates with knowledge, problem solving ability, and hands-on skills to enter careers in the design, installation, manufacturing, testing, evaluation, technical sales, or maintenance of mechanical systems. Level and scope of career preparation will depend on the degree level and specific program orientation. Graduates of associate degree programs typically have strengths in specifying, installing, fabricating, testing, documenting, operating, selling, or maintaining basic mechanical systems, whereas baccalaureate degree graduates typically have strengths in the analysis, applied design, development, implementation, or oversight of more advanced mechanical systems and processes.

Mechanical Engineering Technology Outcomes:

An engineering technology program must demonstrate that graduates have:

1. an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of their disciplines,
2. an ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering and technology,
3. an ability to conduct, analyze and interpret experiments and apply experimental results to improve processes,
4. an ability to apply creativity in the design of systems, components or processes appropriate to program objectives,
5. an ability to function effectively on teams,
6. an ability to identify, analyze and solve technical problems,
7. an ability to communicate effectively,
8. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning,
9. an ability to understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities,
10. a respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues, and
11. a commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.

Each program must demonstrate that the technical and scientific areas of expertise developed by graduates are appropriate to the technical orientation and goals of that program.

Associate degree programs must demonstrate that graduates can apply the following principles to the specification, installation, fabrication, test, operation, maintenance, sales, maintenance, or documentation of basic mechanical systems:

1. Technical expertise in a minimum of three subject areas chosen from - engineering materials, applied mechanics, applied fluid sciences, applied thermal sciences, and fundamentals of electricity.
2. Technical expertise in manufacturing processes, mechanical design, and computer-aided engineering graphics with added technical depth in at least one of these areas.
3. Expertise in applied physics having an emphasis in applied mechanics plus inorganic chemistry, or, if program objectives do not require chemistry, added technical topics in physics appropriate to the program objectives.

Baccalaureate degree programs must demonstrate that graduates can apply the following concepts to the analysis, development, implementation, or oversight of mechanical systems and processes:

1. Technical expertise in engineering materials, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid power or fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and either electrical power or electronics.
2. Technical expertise having added technical depth in a minimum of three subject areas chosen from: manufacturing processes, mechanical design, computer-aided engineering graphics, engineering materials, solid mechanics, fluids, thermal sciences, electro-mechanical devices and controls, and industrial operations.
3. Expertise in applied physics having an emphasis in applied mechanics, plus added technical topics in physics and inorganic chemistry principles appropriate to the program objectives.