Mechanical Engineering BS/BA

Mechanical Engineering (ME) is a profession that applies the principles of mathematics, science and engineering for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers research, develop, design and manufacture engines, machines, and other mechanical devices for the benefit of society. They work on power-producing machines such as automobile and jet engines. They also develop power-using machines such as air-conditioners, robots, machine tools and manufacturing equipment. Mechanical engineers are at the forefront of newly developed technologies such as bioengineering, nanoengineering, environmental engineering and renewable energy.

Our mechanical engineering curriculum includes study in the following areas:

• Thermal sciences, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer with applications in the efficient conversion of energy that allows the development of commercial power plants, environmentally friendly lawn mower engines, and cryogenic medical devices used to treat cancer.

• Mechanics and materials, including the analysis of machine elements, materials and dynamics to improve products such as artificial knees, automobile suspensions and space vehicles.

• Design and manufacturing, including application of manufacturing processes and integration of engineering fundamentals from the thermal science, mechanics and materials areas in analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and machinery.

The USD mechanical engineering curriculum is broad-based, hands-on and design-oriented. We emphasize a student-centered education in small classes with a liberal arts foundation. The mechanical engineering program prepares program graduates to work for small or large companies in most industries throughout Southern California, the United States and internationally. Graduates may work in most industries, including aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, environmental, product design and manufacturing industries. The program also prepares graduates for a career in government, to enter graduate school in an area related to mechanical engineering, as well as to pursue a professional degree, for example in business, law or medicine. Students are qualified to take the fundamentals of engineering exam as the first step toward professional registration.

Students majoring in mechanical engineering are expected to advance the integrity, honor and dignity of their chosen profession. As part of these professional obligations, all ME majors are encouraged to maintain student membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objectives represent graduates’ performance 3 to 5 years after completing the BS/BA degree. USD’s mechanical engineering program seeks to develop graduates who can:

• further integrate their broad academic background in mechanical engineering and the liberal arts in their professional and personal endeavors

• adapt to evolving job responsibilities

• continue to enhance technical competence

• advance their ability for professional practice, particularly in team environments as productive contributors and leaders.

To achieve these objectives, the ME program has been designed to ensure that graduates have achieved the following outcomes including an ability to:

• identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics

• apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors

• communicate effectively with a range of audiences

• recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts

• function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives

• develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

• acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board

The Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board was established in 2005 with members representing current students, alumni, as well as, higher education and local industries. The board, composed of representatives from companies such as Solar Turbines, Nordson, Hewlett-Packard and Dexcom and others contributes to the on-going development of the mechanical engineering program, and provides mentorship and internship opportunities to our students.