The mission of the Mechanical Engineering program is to prepare students for
the future by providing a quality mechanical engineering education. The goals of
the Department are to provide high quality education at both the undergraduate
and graduate levels; to conduct basic research in mechanical engineering and
related areas; and, to provide service to the profession, to the State of Maine,
and the nation. The undergraduate program has been developed in order to prepare
the student for the initiation of a professional career in mechanical
engineering or for the continuation of studies in graduate school. Additional
information can be found at the mechanical engineering Web site:
http://www.umeme.maine.edu.
The objectives of the program are to prepare students for successful careers
and lifelong learning by providing a solid foundation in the principles of
mechanical engineering; to train students in the mathematical and computational
skills appropriate for engineers to use when solving problems; to help students
develop skills pertinent to the design process-ability to formulate problems, to
think creatively, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information and to
work collaboratively; and, to implant in the student an understanding of their
professional and ethical responsibilities.
Program Description
This program develops the student’s creative potential to meet the increasingly
complex needs of industry, government and education. It provides a foundation of
knowledge in mathematics, basic physical sciences, thermal sciences, dynamic
systems, material science, fluid and solid mechanics and design of systems.
Engineers must address problems which raise issues requiring awareness of
economical, ethical, political, social and legal issues as well as the technical
issues of the profession. Therefore, preparation for a career in mechanical
engineering includes an introduction to the humanities and social sciences as
well as mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals.
In consultation with an academic advisor the student plans a program based on
the following recommended curriculum. The format is a recommended program that
can be modified within the constraints of all the departmental and college
requirements and course prerequisites to satisfy scheduling needs or student
preferences.
The curriculum has ten elective courses among the 41 courses (130 credits)
required for the degree. Of the ten electives required one must be a basic
science elective; one must be an engineering science elective; two must be
mechanical engineering design electives; and, six of the electives must satisfy
the Human Values and Social Context areas of the general education requirements.
Students must also complete a course placing substantial emphasis on the
discussion of ethics. Lists of courses qualifying for these electives are
available in the Mechanical Engineering office. By careful use of this
flexibility in electives, students may pursue in some depth their particular
interests in both technical and non-technical subjects. Some mechanical
engineering electives will not be offered every year.
In addition to meeting all university academic requirements, a mechanical
engineering student must also have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all MEE courses. The
program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation
Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Cooperative “Work Experience” Program Option
The department provides students the opportunity to participate in a cooperative
education program. The program is under the direction of a mechanical
engineering co-op coordinator.
Employment Opportunities
Mechanical engineers work in industry, consulting practices, universities and
governmental agencies. Many mechanical engineers are employed by equipment
manufacturers, aerospace companies, shipbuilding firms, material processing
plants, utilities, transportation companies, petroleum companies, and a host of
other firms. Mechanical engineers work in the nuclear energy field on the design
of underwater vessels, electrical power plants equipped with reactors, pressure
piping, heat exchangers and other specialized components. Mechanical engineers
working with government agencies conduct research on solar energy, advanced
composite materials, radioactive waste removal, magnetic-levitation trains, and
components associated with the space program.
Scholarships
The department has several scholarships available on a competitive basis for
students majoring in mechanical engineering. Outstanding incoming students
should apply for college and departmental scholarships through the College of
Engineering.
The University of Maine The University of Maine
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