2014-2015

Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This degree produces the thinkers and designers who are concerned with controlling the principles of motion, energy, and force through mechanical solutions. The program emphasizes solid mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid sciences, and energy systems. A solid core of other engineering, math, and computer science coursework ensures well-rounded graduates.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). (ABET / EAC).

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2018

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 58-59 units of engineering requirements
  • At least 46 units of mechanical engineering requirements

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • For this major the liberal studies prefix is ME
  • Elective courses (including 22 units of liberal studies requirements) to reach an overall total of at least 126 units

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 126
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 362
Additional Fees/Program Fees Required
University Honors Program Optional
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available
Student Learning Outcomes

Mechanical engineering is a diverse and broad discipline of engineering that applies the principles of mathematics, physics, and science for the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.  It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.  This exciting engineering field requires a solid understanding of core concepts including solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials science, and structural analysis to name a few. Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided engineering and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, automobiles, space vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotic devices, wind turbines, medical devices, and much more.
 
In general, mechanical engineers are concerned with controlling the principles of motion, energy, and force through mechanical solutions.  Through our ABET-accredited mechanical engineering curriculum at NAU, you will learn how to:

  • Apply principles of engineering, basic science, and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations) to solve mechanical engineering problems
  • Model, analyze, design, and realize physical systems, components or processes, and
  • Be prepared to work professionally in either thermal or mechanical systems

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, or are simply interested in a minor, you will be able to enter or advance in the mechanical engineering profession confidently as a result of our rigorous curriculum.  By the time you graduate in our ABET-accredited undergraduate program, you will have achieved the following student learning outcomes:
  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
  7. An ability to communicate effectively.
  8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to, engage in life-long learning.
  10. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Major Requirements

  • Take the following 104 - 105 units:

    Engineering Requirements (58-59 units)


  • Mechanical Engineering Requirements (46 units)

    Take the following 28 units, which provide an overview of the two branches of mechanical engineering - solid mechanics and thermal and fluid sciences - and give you background for further specialization:*Prerequisities to Engineering coursework that must be completed with grades of "C" or better. In addition, ENG 105 must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

    For mechanical engineering depth, you select coursework from either the courses listed here or from other 300, 400, or 500-level mechanical engineering courses with approval from your advisor and department. Generally these courses have the ME prefix; the only exceptions allowed are the listed EE and CENE courses due to their significant ME content. You can also use ME 500-level courses as depth electives, as a qualified senior with departmental approval.  We encourage you to gain expertise in one of the two primary branches of mechanical engineering, by means of the following groupings (9 units):

  • To gain breadth in fields related to mechanical engineering, you also select upper-division (300-400 level) courses in engineering, natural sciences, business, or mathematics. No more than one lower division course (100-200 level) can be used as a breadth elective. You must get approval from your advisor and department for these courses. (9 units)

  • Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program 

    This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
     

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 126 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)

Additional Information

  • All prerequisites for your engineering courses must be completed with grades of "C" or better.  Also note that you can’t have more than two grades of "D" in your engineering and computer science courses and these grades cannot be in any classes that are prerequisites to engineering courses.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

  • PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION

  • Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $500 per year in students' Junior and Senior years has been approved for this program.