Mechanical engineering is a diverse and popular field of engineering. It involves the analysis, design, manufacturing and operation of mechanical and thermal systems. Mechanical engineers are versatile because of their ability to design and build a wide array of products and systems in many industries.
Mechanical Engineering at UT Dallas
The mechanical engineering curriculum is expressly tailored to the needs of the modern mechanical engineer, and includes elective courses in topics such as wind energy, microelectromechanical systems and nanostructure materials.
Students take 127 hours to graduate, including 42 hours from the University's core curriculum and 79 hours in the major. Lower-division courses concentrate on math, science, and introductory engineering courses; building competence in these cornerstone areas for future application in upper-division engineering courses. Upper-division coursework covers fundamental areas of mechanical engineering: dynamic systems and controls, thermal fluid systems, manufacturing and design innovation, and mechanics and materials. A two-semester, team-based capstone project, completed in the senior year, gives students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their previous coursework to a realistic engineering project which they manage from beginning to end.
Identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering problems.
Engineering education requires strong high school preparation. Pre-engineering students should take at least one semester in trigonometry and one year each in elementary algebra, intermediate and advanced algebra, plane geometry, chemistry and physics; this background makes it possible to move immediately into demanding college courses in calculus, calculus-based physics and chemistry for science majors. Students also should be able to read rapidly and with comprehension, and to write clearly and correctly.
Gaining experience in engineering practice is an important component of a well-rounded education. The Jonsson School operates a successful internship program that averages more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate student placements a year at Dallas-area companies. A dedicated staff in the Industrial Practice Programs (IPP) office is available to help students find and prepare for internship opportunities.