Mechanical engineering deals with the creation of the mechanical systems and machines that serve society. Mechanical engineers are involved in researching and designing mechanical devices of all types, including engines, tools, and machines. The broad discipline allows graduates to work in nearly every area of industry.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at USU is second in the nation for research funding received for aerospace engineering. Students consistently take top spots in national engineering competitions, giving them hands-on engineering and research experience and recognition for their work as undergraduates. The department also partners with the Space Dynamics Lab (at the USU Research Foundation), an internationally recognized research institution that brings in more than $50 million per year in funding. Students also have opportunities to work at the Space Dynamics Laboratory.
The department offers a sound framework of engineering courses taught by a faculty with extensive academic and industrial experience. Coursework includes topics such as mechanics, design, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermal science, and material science. Students culminating experience in the program is a year-long capstone where they work in groups to design and build a product. These projects are often commissioned by actual clients, so their designs and creations are actually used in various real-world capacities.
The mechanical engineering degree is accredited by the EAC Accreditation Commission of ABET. The job placement rate for students graduating from USUs engineering programs is extremely high.
Concurrent Bachelors/Masters Program:
The department also offers a concurrent bachelors/masters program, which allows USU engineering students to begin taking graduate classes during their senior year as an undergraduate and to complete requirements for both the bachelor's degree and the masters degree concurrently over two years.
Emphases:
- Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missile systems, as well as supervising the manufacturing process of these products. Students focusing on aerospace engineering have the qualifications to become an aeronautical engineer or an astronautic engineer. Aeronautical engineers are those aerospace engineers who deal with airplanes, while astronautic engineers are engineers who deal specifically with spacecraft.