Mechanical Engineering BS

Total Units Required: 127

Students at a table work on a project building a bike handlebar.

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:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. 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.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. 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.