Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Program Coordinator: Sumith Yesudasan, Ph.D., Syracuse University

STEM Designation: This program is STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)-designated by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information, please see https://www.newhaven.edu/admissions/stem-designated-programs.php

The B.S. program in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

Mechanical engineering encompasses a diverse and ever-expanding range of disciplines, focusing on the analysis, design, and testing of machines, products, and systems that are essential to modern life. From everyday objects like doorknobs, tennis rackets, and fishing reels, to complex technologies like power plants, skyscrapers, and electric vehicles, mechanical engineers are at the forefront of innovation. Their expertise not only drives traditional industries such as aerospace, energy, materials processing, and manufacturing, but also plays a vital role in cutting-edge fields like renewable energy, robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biomedical devices. Mechanical engineers are crucial contributors to sustainable design, smart manufacturing, advanced materials, and emerging technologies in sectors like electronics and telecommunications, continually shaping the future of technology and society.

Program Mission and Educational Objectives

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering program is to graduate professionally competent and responsible students who can meet industry's current and future needs in the general area of mechanical engineering.

To achieve its mission, the Mechanical Engineering program must ensure that its graduates will be able to:

I. Practice mechanical engineering in the private or public sector.

II. Engage in self-empowerment through special training, independent inquiry, or professional certification.

III. Pursue graduate studies in engineering, business law, medicine or related fields, if they choose.

Program Outcomes

By the time they graduate, mechanical engineering students shall have an ability to:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and including environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
    

In response to the evolving knowledge demands placed on graduating engineers and feedback from program stakeholders, the Mechanical Engineering Department has adopted a multidisciplinary approach to discipline-specific education. As a result, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) curriculum includes a comprehensive sequence of ten foundational courses (EASC prefix) designed to build a strong base for specialized learning.

Mechanical engineering classes are intentionally kept small, typically with fewer than twenty students, and are taught exclusively by full-time faculty, ensuring personalized attention and direct interaction. The curriculum is further enriched with restricted and technical electives, allowing students to delve deeper into specialized areas such as fluid mechanics, energy systems, design, heat transfer, numerical analysis, aerospace sciences, and control systems.

Additionally, seasoned professionals from industry may contribute their expertise to select courses, providing students with valuable insights from real-world experience. Faculty and students also collaborate with industry on research and design projects, fostering a hands-on learning environment that bridges academia and practical application.

Academic Performance

Mechanical engineering majors who complete their first twelve credits of MECH-prefixed engineering courses with a cumulative GPA below 2.0 will have their academic performance regularly reviewed by the faculty. Students are required to maintain satisfactory progress, and any MECH-prefixed course may not be taken more than twice without the explicit approval of the program coordinator.

Current undergraduate students at the University of New Haven who wish to transfer into the mechanical engineering program are generally expected to meet the program's transfer admission standards.

Exceptional students - those with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher - are invited to join the Delta Zeta Chapter of Pi Tau Sigma, the mechanical engineering honor society. Membership offers opportunities for closer engagement with faculty, involvement in research, and participation in social and intellectual activities with leaders in the field.

Internship

The Mechanical Engineering program emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning as a critical component in preparing students for successful professional careers. To meet this objective, the program strongly encourages mechanical engineering majors to gain real-world experience in engineering-related roles prior to graduation.

Eligibility and Timing

• Students become eligible to fulfill this requirement after completing 60 credits toward their B.S.M.E. degree.
• The program recommends beginning the search for suitable opportunities early, allowing sufficient time to meet the requirement before graduation.

Practical Experience Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 300 hours in a practical experience setting directly related to mechanical engineering.
• Eligible opportunities include:
  • Part-time or full-time work
  • Summer jobs
  • Internships
  • Apprenticeships
  • Volunteer opportunities
• The experience should be in relevant settings such as:
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Consulting firms
  • Technical organizations
  • Government agencies

Documentation and Submission

• After completing the required hours, students must submit proof of their experience to the Internship Course Coordinator or Program Coordinator.
• Accepted documentation may include:
  • Signed employer letters
  • Timesheets
  • Reports or evaluations from supervisors
• Students who are unable to complete the experience may request a waiver with appropriate justification.

Assessment

• The internship requirement is assessed on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.
• While it does not carry academic credit, fulfilling this requirement is mandatory for graduation and serves as an invaluable foundation for professional development and career readiness.

Encouragement and Support

The program strongly advises students to leverage this opportunity to enhance their technical skills, build professional networks, and explore potential career paths in mechanical engineering. The experience gained will serve as a steppingstone toward a successful transition from academia to industry.