COURSE CURRICULUM

The Mechanical Engineering program requires students to complete a total of 122 units, combining lower division pre-major courses, upper division major courses, and general education requirements. The curriculum is designed to gradually build a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering principles before moving into advanced mechanical engineering topics and design work. During the first two years, students complete 62 units of lower division coursework that prepares them for the more specialized upper division courses taken during the junior and senior years.In the freshman year, students study fundamental subjects such as General Chemistry for Engineering, Engineering Graphics and Computer Aided Drafting and Design, and Calculus I. They also complete general education courses to broaden their academic skills. In the second semester, students continue with Calculus II, Manufacturing Processes, and General Physics: Mechanics. These courses introduce essential scientific principles and practical manufacturing knowledge used in mechanical engineering.During the sophomore year, students expand their mathematical and engineering background by studying Engineering Materials, Calculus III, and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism. Additional coursework includes Introductory Circuit Analysis, Analytic Mechanics: Statics, Differential Equations for Science and Engineering, and Programming and Problem Solving in Engineering. These courses strengthen analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills that are necessary for advanced engineering analysis and design.The upper division portion of the program consists of 60 units and focuses on advanced mechanical engineering topics and design applications. In the junior year, students take courses such as Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics for Mechanical Engineers, and Applications of Programming in Mechanical Engineering. They also study Machinery Design I and II, Concurrent Product and Process Design, Modeling and Simulation of Mechatronics and Control Systems, and Mechanical Properties of Materials. These courses emphasize both theoretical analysis and practical engineering applications.In the senior year, the curriculum focuses on specialized mechanical engineering systems and professional design experience. Students study Heat Transfer, Thermal-Fluid Systems, and Control System Design. A two-course capstone sequence, Project Engineering I and II, allows students to work on a comprehensive engineering project that integrates the knowledge gained throughout the program. Students also select technical electives from a wide range of topics such as vibrations, robotics, vehicle dynamics, renewable energy systems, combustion engines, heating and air conditioning systems, composite materials, finite element analysis, and product design.