Mechanical Engineering

Teodora Rutar Shuman, PhD, Chair
Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/scieng/mechanical/

Mechanical Engineering is among the broadest and most versatile of the engineering professions. Mechanical engineering encompasses many diverse activities and fields of interest, including renewable energy, medical devices, micro electro-mechanical systems, machine design, solid mechanics, materials, environmentally conscious energy systems, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, combustion, control systems, mechatronics, manufacturing, or a combination of these fields as is often the case in the development of complex projects. Mechanical engineers can pursue careers in design, testing, manufacturing, research and development, sales, management, and consulting.

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to provide educational opportunities for students seeking to enter the mechanical engineering profession, so that they can achieve competence in the field while recognizing their social responsibilities. The program provides a strong foundation in the areas of mathematics, basic sciences, engineering theory and practice, and the humanities and social sciences. It encourages further self-development and life-long intellectual achievement. The program seeks to build student skills in written and oral communication, socially, economically and environmentally responsible decision making, and professionalism.

Program Educational Objectives

In keeping with the Seattle University Mission, the objective of the mechanical engineering program is to prepare graduates to:

Professional: Attain a position solving real-world problems using mechanical engineering skills and principles developed while studying at Seattle University
Personal: Participate in ongoing personal and professional growth by actively seeking additional skills and experiences, for example engaging in continuing education and/or pursuing advanced degrees
Societal: Contribute to society through involvement in professional organizations, developing mentorship relationships, taking on leadership roles, and other service activities.

Student Outcomes

At the time of graduation, students from our mechanical engineering program are expected to have:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering,
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
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,
an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams,
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility,
an ability to communicate effectively,
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning,
a knowledge of contemporary issues, and
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Departmental Requirements

In addition to the prerequisites, departmental permission is required for entry into 4000-level design sequence. Permission is achieved by successfully completing required 1000, 2000, and 3000 level CEEGR, ECEGR, CHEM, MEGR, MATH, and PHYS courses with a grade point average of at least 2.50. Before completing the design sequence (MEGR 4870 /MEGR 4880 /MEGR 4890 ) students must take a Comprehensive Exam (for details, refer to the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook). Both the cumulative grade point average and the major grade point average must be at least 2.50 for graduation. Taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination is required for the degree. The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET http://www.abet.org.