Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
The primary mission of the Mechanical Engineering Department is to prepare graduates to function effectively as mechanical engineers in a wide spectrum of industries. The Department’s further mission is to engage in research and scholarly activity that contributes to basic and applied discovery to enhance student learning while being of benefit to the state, region, and nation.
The Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of North Dakota is committed to graduating mechanical engineers who, 3-5 years after graduation:
1. Apply mechanical engineering principles in the areas of mechanical design, thermal systems, or manufacturing and materials in the public or private sectors;
2. Practice mechanical engineering across a broad range of job functions or pursue advanced degrees;
3. Complete engineering projects alone or as part of a team, exhibiting the appropriate teamwork, leadership and communication skills;
4. Understand the broader implications of their engineering efforts on local, national and global society and apply the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct;
5. Maintain relevant knowledge of contemporary engineering and professional issues and an understanding of modern engineering tools through regular participation in professional development activities.
Continuous assessment of student learning in accordance with specific program outcomes, including input from program constituents such as students, alumni, employers and industry advisory groups, provides opportunity to measure success in meeting the mission of the department. Beginning with the freshman year, teamwork, problem solving, and design exercises are interwoven throughout the curriculum, culminating in a two-semester capstone design project during the senior year. Several courses include laboratories which develop experimental, teamwork, and communication skills. Technical papers required by selected courses develop knowledge of contemporary issues as well as communication skills. State-of-the-art computer software is used extensively throughout the curriculum. Within our bachelor’s degree we offer an option known as the “aerospace concentration.” This option adds five credits to the degree but results in the student earning a private pilot’s license as well as tailoring the engineering degree towards the aerospace industry. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for a professional license by taking the national fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam prior to graduation. Students who excel academically are also well qualified to pursue graduate work in mechanical engineering or a related field.
The department offers combined Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)/Master of Science (with a major in Mechanical Engineering) and BSME/Master of Engineering degrees. For more detailed information, see Mechanical Engineering in the Graduate Section and Combined Degree Program under the School of Engineering and Mines section.
The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In addition to the normal transfer credit requirements, students in Mechanical Engineering must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours of 300-level or higher coursework in Mechanical Engineering at UND, including ME 418, ME 483, ME 487 and ME 488 Engineering Design sequence.
Required – 129 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above, and 60 of which must be from a 4-year institution) including:
I. Essential Studies Requirements (see University ES listing).
II. The Following Curriculum:
