Mechanical Engineering Program

The Mechanical Engineering program at UCI delivers an educational program of study that prepares its graduates to become intellectual leaders in industry, government, and academia. Graduates of our programs are grounded in scientific, mathematical, and technical knowledge through coursework that keeps pace with current relevant technologies; they have developed the ability to analyze, synthesize, and design engineering systems through their immersion in the problem-based activities of this research university; and, by means of general education courses, they have enhanced their ability to communicate and have acquired an understanding and appreciation for other areas of human intellectual achievement.


Undergraduate Major in Mechanical Engineering

Program Educational Objectives: graduates of the program will have the professional and scientific education that allows them to be successful as career engineers and in the most demanding graduate programs. Specifically, a few years after the program they will be able to:

  1. function in professional environments in industry, government, and academia applying and building upon engineering science knowledge, problem-solving skills, and communication skills;
  2. function as members of teams and in leadership roles applying ethical standards including the ASME code of ethics within and beyond traditional Mechanical Engineering disciplines; and
  3. remain current with technology and contemporary scientific and societal issues, and consequently improve skills and knowledge through a lifelong process of learning.

The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering curriculum includes a foundation of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Engineering courses in fundamental areas constitute much of the remaining curriculum. A few technical electives allow the undergraduate student to specialize somewhat or to pursue broader understanding. A senior capstone design experience culminates the curriculum.

Mechanical Engineering Student Outcomes:

  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.

The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.