Mechanical Engineering B.M.E.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to offering undergraduate and graduate education of the highest quality in mechanical and industrial engineering, to conducting significant basic and applied research in selected areas, and to providing professional service to the appropriate constituencies of a major land grant university.

Mechanical engineering is involved in most technological activities of society and dominates many, including automotive, transportation and materials handling, environmental and pollution control systems, refrigeration and cryogenics, power systems design, automation, system dynamics and control, computer-aided design and manufacturing, and machinery/consumer products production. A mechanical engineer may be engaged in design, development, research, testing, manufacturing, administration, marketing, consulting, or education.

Admission Requirements

A GPA above 2.00 is preferred for the following:
   2.5 for students already admitted to the degree-granting college.
   2.5 for students transferring from another University of Minnesota college.
   3.0 for students transferring from outside the University.

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the   Office of Admissions Web site.

General Requirements

Program Requirements

Program Sub-plans

A sub-plan is not required for this program.

This is an honors sub-plan.

For cum laude, students must complete a thesis and one honors experience and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50. To graduate magna cum laude, students must complete a thesis and two honors experiences and have a cumulative GPA of 3.66. For summa cum laude, students must complete a thesis and three honors experiences and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75. Consult an academic adviser for a list of possible honors experiences or to petition the department to approve an honors experience not listed.

ME EIP program (engineering intern program or co-op program) is available during the last two years of study. Upper division status and a satisfactory GPA are required for admission. The co-op program provides applied engineering training in selected established industries during semesters of supervised assignments that alternate with semesters of University studies.

Students in the ME EIP program (engineering intern program or Co-op program) register for three industrial assignment courses. ME 3041 (2 credits), ME 4042 (2 credits), and ME 4043W (4 credits) for a total of 8 credits. These courses are used in place of two technical electives.

Students register for industrial assignments as they would for regular classes. Requirements for the course include writing a summary of an article in a technical journal, attending a workshop (ME 3041, ME 4043), submitting a report draft, and writing a final report. The course grade is based on writing; work performance cannot be considered in assigning a grade. The last industrial assignment, ME 4043, is oriented toward solving a design problem and fulfills a 4-credit intensive writing course requirement. Cooperation from company personnel is required in accomplishing most reports, particularly the ME 4043 reports.

The IE option gives students an understanding of managerial and human factor issues involved in designing products and running manufacturing, logistics, and service operations. Students also learn additional skills for analysis, optimization, and simulation of large-scale systems such as factories, logistical systems, and organizational networks.

Students who select the IE option complete the same set of required courses as other mechanical engineering students, but their technical electives are selected from the industrial engineering course options and in consultation with a faculty adviser.

The Engineering Intern Program (EIP or co-op program) for industrial engineering students is offered through an industrial engineering option. Students complete the same set of required courses as other mechanical engineering students, but their technical electives must be selected from an approved list and in consultation with a faculty adviser. Students selecting the option may also apply to the co-op program.

Technical electives should be taken in the IE department. Students should also take the neccessary course in conjunction with their internship/co-op program.