Welcome to Mechanical Engineering

Mission

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, is to provide a broad-based education that will enable graduates to enter practice in the mechanical engineering profession, serving the needs of the State of Minnesota and the Nation.

ABOUT US

Minnesota State University, Mankato has heavily invested in its engineering programs over the last decade. This investment has enhanced the quality of engineering programs offered here. In fact, US News & World Report magazine ranks our engineering programs among the best in the country among non-PhD granting institutions. We are proud of our position but we are not resting. We continue making improvements in all aspects of engineering education at Minnesota State University, Mankato. These efforts are reflected in our well-known state-of-the-art labs, small class sizes, individual faculty-student interaction, majority of all students passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in their first attempt, excellent job placement, and success stories of our graduates.

The Mechanical Engineering Profession

Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on power-producing machines such as electricity-producing generators, internal combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, and jet and rocket engines. They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, robots used in manufacturing, machine tools, materials handling systems, and industrial production equipment. In addition, mechanical engineers design tools used by other engineers in their work.

Mechanical engineers work in many industries and their work varies by industry and function. Some specialties include applied mechanics, computer-aided design and manufacturing, energy systems, pressure vessels and piping, and heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. Mechanical engineering is the broadest engineering discipline, extending across many interdependent specialties. Mechanical engineers may work in production operations, maintenance, or technical sales; many are administrators or managers.

Mechanical Engineering Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are a set of criteria that, when met, demonstrate that graduates of the mechanical engineering program are prepared to attain the program educational objectives.

Students graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from Minnesota State University - Mankato will have the following abilities, knowledge, and understanding.

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to 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. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to 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. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Continuous Improvement

The mechanical engineering program at Minnesota State Mankato is committed to continuous improvement in the curriculum, achievement of student outcomes, and attainment of program educational objectives. We value the opinions of our constituents - the program alumni, their employers and graduate studies advisors, the members of the Industrial Advisory Board, and the current students of the program.

Mechanical Enginering Program Objectives

The program educational objectives are fully compatible with the mission of Minnesota State University, Mankato and the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. Program objectives are monitored by the constituents (mechanical engineering profession through the program's Industrial Advisory Board, employers, alumni, and students of the program).

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato will be expected to:

• Meet or exceed the expectations of employers of mechanical engineers.
• Pursue their education with short courses, licensure programs, and/or post-graduate studies.
• Pursue leadership positions in their profession and/or communities.

Student Data