Program Objectives – MECE – Minnesota State University, Mankato

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Program at MSU will be prepared:

with a strong technical foundation to practice mechanical engineering, or to pursue graduate studies;
to become registered professional engineers;
to communicate technical information effectively with the public, their peers, customers, and employers;
with an understanding of the need for life-long learning and of the importance from community and professional involvement;
with an awareness of cultural, societal, and professional issues.

The program mission and 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 constituencies (mechanical engineering profession through the program's Industrial Advisory Board and employers, alumni, students, and faculty of the program).

Other important features of the Mechanical Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato include the following:

students are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in their senior year – a precursor to professional registration.
students are encouraged to work in engineering-related areas for exposure to industrial practice. Internships are strongly recommended.
senior students must participate in a design experience working in a team similar to development teams in industry and government for a full academic year. Industrial sponsored projects are offered when available.

The Mechanical Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato strives to produce sound engineering professionals who possess a well-balanced analytical and experimental background. Course work includes mathematics and basic sciences, communications (including graphic design and technical writing), humanities & social sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering design. Technical elective courses enable students to choose an area of interest for more in–depth study. Other electives, such as geography, history, philosophy, sociology and psychology courses, broaden the student's perception of the interpersonal, multicultural and environmental aspects of the world in which they will design solutions to technical problems.

The program culminates with a senior design project. Students work in small design teams to apply acquired knowledge. They initiate ideas (innovation), determine the design parameters and develop potential solutions (analysis), and complete a full design process – including successful manufacture and testing (modeling and experimentation). The majority of senior projects are done with industrial companies as sponsors. A number of projects have resulted in the filing and issue of patents. Examples of project titles include: Electric Propulsion System for a Pontoon Boat, Universal Mechanical Controller for a Skid Steer Loader Vehicle, Interchangeable Tool Platform for an Earth Moving Vehicle, and a Meat Packing Machine.

The department strongly encourages all students to obtain professional registration. Seniors are required to take the Engineering Fundamentals examination, which is administered by the state of Minnesota as a first step in a professional license. Nearly, all graduates from MSU's Mechanical Engineering Program who have taken this examination have passed it on their first attempt.