Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E.

The mission of the bachelor of science in mechanical engineering program is to deliver a laboratory-intensive, undergraduate mechanical engineering education that provides students with the tools and skills to excel in the engineering profession, as they pursue lifelong learning and make positive contributions to society. The student learning experience offers unique opportunities for study abroad, undergraduate research, and electives outside of mechanical engineering to develop an enhanced global perspective.

Mechanical engineering program educational objectives:
B.S.M.E. graduates will
1. Solve mechanical engineering problems by applying contemporary engineering tools to propose and implement effective solutions.
2. Design, develop, implement and improve thermal and mechanical systems.
3. Contribute as informed, ethical, and responsible members of the engineering profession and society as a whole.
4. Continue lifelong professional development throughout their career.
5. Collaborate and communicate effectively with others as a member or leader of an engineering or multidisciplinary team in an international setting.

The B.S.M.E. program integrates topics from chemistry, physics, advanced mathematics and statistics, and core engineering science to prepare graduates to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems, from design, development, manufacture, and use of products involving mechanical and thermal elements.

The program emphasizes the production engineering approach to mechanical and thermal systems design and development. Upper division courses provide students with a strong understanding of mechanical and thermal systems, and the skills to design, develop, and implement these systems. The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, Inc.

Mechanical engineering graduates are qualified for employment in a wide variety of industries including design, manufacturing, materials, aerospace, transportation, natural resources, and energy. Graduates may pursue assignments in design, development, manufacturing, operations, project engineering, or sales, and frequently move into engineering management. They are also well qualified to continue with graduate education.

Students in the B.S.M.E. program have the opportunity to put their design and entrepreneurial skills to use in ASME design competitions, projects sponsored by regional companies, and research projects in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

Honors Requirements: To graduate with department honors, a student must have a 3.40 GPA, be an active member of Tau Beta Pi or a professional engineering society (ASME, ASSE, IIE, or MSPE), and be nominated by a department faculty member.

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.
   2.8 for students transferring from outside the University.

Admission to the upper division B.S.M.E. program is competitive and based on performance in lower division courses and space availability. A minimum overall GPA of 2.50 is required. A C- or better is required in all program courses. In addition, the student must successfully complete (with grades of C- or above) 75 percent of all courses attempted. Transfer students from outside the University of Minnesota system must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.80 and all transfer credits must be a C or better. An application may be submitted when the student has completed at least 70 percent of the following core course list: CHEM 1151, COMP 1120, ENGR 2015, ENGR 2110, IE 1225 or ENGR 1210, MATH 1296, MATH 1297, MATH 3280, PHYS 2011 and (one course from the following: CS 1121, CS 1131, CS 1511, CS 2121).

Application for admission to the upper division must be filed with the department in spring semester of the sophomore year.

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

General Requirements

Program Requirements

Requirements for the B.S.M.E. include:

¿ Liberal education requirements

¿ Advanced writing requirement: COMP 3130 - Advanced Writing: Engineering or COMP 3150 - Advanced Writing: Science or COMP 3180 Honors: Advanced Writing (3 cr)

¿ Completion of at least 30 degree credits at UMD. At least 20 of the last 30 degree credits taken immediately before graduation must be taken at UMD.

¿ Successful completion (with grades of C- or better or S) of all required courses and 75 percent of all work attempted.

¿ Major requirements: a minimum GPA of 2.50 in all courses taken in the major, including required courses in related fields.

¿ Admission to upper division by submitting an application and APAS form. Students who fail to file these forms by the time they have completed 75 credits may not be permitted to register.

Maintenance Standards: Undergraduate students majoring in mechanical engineering must maintain a 2.50 GPA overall. One semester with a GPA under 2.00 results in being placed on academic probation in the program. Two semesters with a GPA under 2.00 results in academic dismissal from the B.S.M.E. program, even if the cumulative GPA is above 2.50. If the suspension occurs to an upper division student, that student loses their status as a B.S.M.E. candidate and will have to reapply to the upper division after they have demonstrated academic improvement and consulted with their academic adviser and the department head. This policy is in addition to the academic progress policies of CSE and the University of Minnesota.