The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program includes the study of mechanical design, thermal-fluid systems, applied mechanics, and automation. The mechanical engineering student is prepared in all of these areas to analyze and design complex mechanical systems. Graduates can specialize in areas such as energy conversion systems, mechanisms and machines, manufacturing, materials, automation, and applied robotics through elective courses.
The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Mechanical Engineering Program Mission
The mechanical engineering program has the primary mission of providing students a high-quality undergraduate engineering education with
A curriculum that is firmly grounded in engineering fundamentals.
A faculty that provides superior teaching and mentoring both in and out of the classroom.
A faculty whose focus is undergraduate education.
Class sizes that encourage student participation.
Project experiences that build on fundamentals and develop team skills.
Facilities and equipment that are readily accessible.
An environment that is conducive to learning and free of bias, discrimination, and harassment.
The faculty is committed to offering a broad undergraduate experience that will promote professional growth and prepare students for a variety of engineering careers, graduate studies, and continuing education.
Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives
The mechanical engineering program’s educational objectives are goals for its graduates to achieve a few years after graduation. Mechanical engineering graduates will be prepared to
Practice in engineering-related fields chosen from a broad range of industries.
Recognize the need and have the ability to engage in continued learning to adapt to evolving professions and to advance professionally.
Become contributing members of society with an understanding of the inherent and unavoidable impact of the practice of engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Student Outcomes
Student outcomes are narrower statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Graduates must demonstrate the following:
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to 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.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to 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.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Mechanical Engineering Design Experience
The mechanical engineering program at California State University, Chico is a traditional balance of engineering science and design. The design sequence for mechanical engineers is a progressive one. The courses that are primarily devoted to design are:
The freshman experience (MECH 140) gives students an introduction to the engineering design process and exposure to core automation concepts and components through semester-long projects. At the junior level (MECH 340W), there is an opportunity to learn about safety, failure, reliability, codes and standards, and economic considerations, while carrying out detailed designs of mechanical components. In the final capstone experience (MECH 440AW and MECH 440B), students exercise what they learned throughout the preceding design courses in a capstone project that includes design, fabrication, and testing, as well as the more global aspects of design including product realization, economic factors, environmental issues, and societal impact. Together, these experiences prepare graduates to be successful practitioners with an awareness of the multitude of issues involved.
Fundamentals of Engineering Examination
The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is the first of two exams that the California State Board of Registration requires to be passed to be a licensed professional engineer. Prior to graduation, those majoring in mechanical engineering are encouraged to apply to the California State Board of Registration and take the exam. Passing the exam is not required for graduation.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
Enrollment in any mathematics course requires a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisite courses or their transfer equivalents.
Course Requirements for the Major: 100 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires six units of honors coursework completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:
You must take six units of Honors in the Major coursework. All six units are honors courses (marked by a suffix of H), and at least three of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each course with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division coursework or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the six units of coursework over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
Honors in the Major is not part of the Honors Program. Each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.
This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).
Take only one course in either Arts (C1) or Humanities (C2). The other is waived.
MECH 340W is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
MECH 440B is an approved major course substitution for Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (E).
MECH 332 fulfills Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (UD-B).
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Both courses must also satisfy one of the General Education requirements in order for 127 units to fulfill all requirements for the Mechanical Engineering degree.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.
The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (EO 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.
