Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Contact Information

Dr. Pierre Larochelle
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Civil Mechanical 133
(605) 394-2477
E-mail: Pierre.Larochelle@sdsmt.edu

ME Flowchart  

Faculty

Professors Abata, Larochelle, and Muci-Kuchler; Associate Professors Ash, Shabazi, and Widener; Assistant Professors Bruno, Degen, Fekrmandi, Huang, Lessani, and Romkes; Professors Emeritus Buck, Chiang, Dolan, Gnirk, Kjerengtroen, Krause, Langerman, and Pendleton; Instructors Knudson and Lalley.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering (ME) is a very broad field that provides opportunities for interesting and challenging work in every phase of modern technology. The curriculum in the mechanical engineering department is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering and science within the major areas of mechanical engineering: thermal science, mechanics, and robotics and controls. Beyond this basic foundation, the curriculum also develops:

1. The various aspects of engineering design including design theory and teamwork;
2. An effective integration of computer technology;
3. Communication skills and effective presentations; and
4. Improved understanding of engineering theory through practical laboratory experience.

In the senior year, students select from course electives that best reflect their interests and career objectives. Students may select courses from one or more of the following general areas:

1. Manufacturing, e.g., control, design, development, and manufacture of diverse equipment and processes;
2. Thermal Science/Energy, e.g., design of power systems and heating/air conditioning systems.
3. Mechanical Systems/Design, e.g., design of machines, structures, and systems.

The bachelor of science program in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, 415 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201; Phone +1.410.347.7700.

Vision

Our vision is to become one of the leading undergraduate mechanical engineering programs in the nation by offering a premier engineering design curriculum and by providing our graduates with a superior educational experience through teaching and learning, research and development, and service and responsibility. Most immediately, our goal is to be recognized as the mechanical engineering program-of-choice within South Dakota and among our peer groups of specialized science and engineering schools across the nation.

Mission

The mission of the mechanical engineering program is to prepare our graduates for leadership roles in the mechanical engineering profession by:

• Offering a quality education to foster a distinctive curriculum accentuating design and project-based learning;
• Committing to individual development while emphasizing the values of teamwork in a culturally diverse, multidisciplinary environment; and
• Encouraging undergraduate and graduate research to nurture creative solutions to complex engineering problems.

Objectives

Building upon the department’s tradition of excellence requires continual development of active partnerships among the faculty, the students, and our constituents. In keeping with this tradition, the mechanical engineering program produces graduates who are able to perform at a level that meets or exceeds industry expectations. ME students will be able to achieve the objectives listed below within a few years of graduation through attainment of the outcomes listed below at the time of graduation.

OBJECTIVE 1: Lead and/or manage effective engineering design analyses

Outcomes

• Apply skills in engineering, science, and mathematics
• Practice effective analysis
• Conduct data analyses and analyses verification

OBJECTIVE 2: Lead and/or manage effective engineering design teams

Outcomes

• Apply effective engineering design skills
• Demonstrate teaming proficiency
• Participate in research and professional development

Students may participate in the Cooperative Education Internship Program. In some instances, credits earned during the co-op may be applied toward department elective requirements. The mechanical engineering department does not offer a minor.