Related Majors Comparison for Mechanical Engineering

Explore how the mechanical engineering bachelor's degree compares with three related degrees in the College of Engineering, offering insight into curriculum similarities, shared foundational courses, flexible electives, and distinct core requirements.

Compare Four Related Degrees

In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across undergraduate majors. Your second and third years have distinctive course requirements and electives. Your second and third years have distinctive course requirements and electives.

Here we can compare four related majors through select second and third year courses.

Mechanical Engineering

ME 2110 - Statics

Force systems in two and three dimensions. Includes composition and resolution of forces and force systems, principles of equilibrium applied to various bodies, simple structures, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia. Vector algebra used where appropriate. Prerequisite of MA2160 with a grade of C or better is required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160

ME 2150 - Mechanics of Materials

Introduction to mechanical behavior of materials, including stress/strain at a point, principle stresses and strains, stress-strain relationships, determination of stresses and deformations in situations involving axial loading, torsional loading of circular cross sections, and flexural loading of straight members. Also covers stresses due to combined loading and buckling of columns.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2110 or ME 2110

ME 3400 - Machine Design and Analysis

In this course, students apply concepts from previous classes to design and analyze mechanical systems using solid elements, bolted joints, welds, springs, spinning shafts, bearings, and gears. Students use case studies to develop relationships between design and performance.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MSE 2100 and (ENG 2120 or MEEM 2150 or ME 2150) and (MEEM 2700 or ME 2700)

ME 3750 - Dynamic Systems

This course deals with the modeling, analysis and control of mixed physics systems. It covers differential equation generation for mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems, their simulation, and methods for analyzing their performance operating in both open and closed loop.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): (MEEM 2700 or ME 2700) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

Electrical Engineering

EE 2174 - Digital Logic and Lab

Introduces analysis, design, and application of digital logic. Includes Boolean algebra, binary numbers, logic gates, combinational and sequential logic, storage elements and hardware-description-language based synthesis.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CS 1121 or CS 1131 or CS 1111

EE 3140 - Electromagnetics

Covers basic principles of engineering electromagnetics with an emphasis on Maxwell's equations.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 and MA 3160 and (EE 2110 or EE 2112)

EE 3901 - Design Fundamentals

The design process; includes team design activities and studies project management, ethics, and professionalism.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 2112 or (EE 2180 and EE 3010) and UN 1015

Materials Science and Engineering

MSE 2110 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering II

Course is designed to address core competencies in the materials discipline. Topics include crystallography, structure description and quantification, crystal imperfections, phase diagrams, microstructure, and an introduction to the use of computing tools and software in materials science and engineering.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (MSE 2100 or BE 2800) and (ENG 1100 or ENG 1101 or ENG 1101T)

MSE 3100 - Materials Processing I

Classical chemical thermodynamics is applied to single and multicomponent materials systems. Topics include heat and mass balance, enthalpy, entropy, free energy, chemical reactions and equilibria, mass action, solution thermodynamics, and phase diagram.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (MY 2100 or MSE 2100 or BE 2800) and MA 2160

MSE 3120 - Materials Characterization I

Fundamentals of microstructural and chemical characterization of materials. Examines the physical principles controlling the various basic characterization techniques. Topics include crystallography, optics, optical and electron microscopy, and diffraction. Laboratory focuses on proper operational principles of characterization equipment, which includes optical and other microscopy methods and various diffraction techniques.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MSE 2110(C)

MSE 3140 - Design of Microstructure

Relates thermodynamic and kinetic principles to phase transformations and microstructural evolution. Topics include nucleation, solidification, precipitation, recrystallization, and grain growth. Applications of these concepts (e.g., heat treatment, casting, deformation processing, powder processing, etc.) are presented to provide a bridge between phase transformation theory and industrial/laboratory practice.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MSE 2110 and MSE 3100 and MSE 3120 or (MSE 3121(C) and MSE 3122(C))

MSE 3160 - Electronic, Magnetic, Optical, and Thermal Properties of Materials

An introduction to electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties of materials and their use in engineering applications. Topics include descriptions of the constitutive behavior that describes material response, and common techniques used for the fabrication of electronic, optical, and magnetic devices.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200

Mechanical Engineering Technology

MET 2153 - Machine Tool Fundamentals and Applications

A study of basic machining processes: including setup and operation of lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders and saws. Students are exposed to fundamental machining processes, nomenclature and machine operation with an overall focus on safety and quality control.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering Tech
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 2400(C) or ENG 1102

MET 2130 - Applied Dynamics

Particle and rigid plane body kinematics and kinetics covers inertia force, work-energy-power and impulse-momentum methods. Emphasizes development of student skills in problem definition and problem solving.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (ENG 2120 or MET 2110 or MEEM 2110 or ME 2110) and MA 2160

MET 3242 - Machine Design I

An introduction to mechanical design for technology students. The coursework applies principles of statics, dynamics and mechanics of materials to the design of simple mechanical components and systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160 and (MET 2150 or MEEM 2150 or ME 2150) and (MET 2130(C) or MEEM 2700(C) or ME 2700(C))

MET 3500 - Manufacturing Processes

Focuses on practical aspects of design and manufacturing. Covers fundamentals of manufacturing processes and includes a weekly lab to provide hands-on experience with manufacturing issues that influence component design.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): MSE 2100 and MET 2153

MET 3700 - Applied Thermodynamics

Engineering thermodynamics principles including work, heat and temperature, pure substances, closed and open systems, first and second laws of thermodynamics, and power and refrigeration cycles.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 3400

Review Typical Four-year Outlines for Course Sequences

Advisors create typical four-year outlines to help you understand course requirements, electives, pre-requisites, and credit loads.

Typical Four-year Outlines

These depend on the year you enroll, or your audit year. Students can take courses in the summer, if needed.

Common First Year

Engineering majors have a common first year program.

Finding the right major means navigating a landscape of options. In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across majors. This allows you to complete many course requirements and still be on track if you should decide to change majors. In engineering, the first year may look like this:

Year 1 Fall

CH 1150 - University Chemistry I

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

ENG 1101 - Engineering Analysis and Problem Solving

An introduction to the engineering profession and to its various disciplines. Focuses on developing problem-solving skills, computational skills, and communication skills. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I

An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680

PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I

Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)

UN 1015 - Composition

Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Year 1 Spring

ENG 1102 - Engineering Modeling and Design

Continuation of ENG1101. Introduction to the engineering design process with an emphasis on graphics and documentation. Focuses on engineering problem solving in the context of the design process.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (ENG 1101 or ENG 1101T or (ENG 1001 and ENG 1100))

MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

MA 2320 - Elementary Linear Algebra

An introduction to linear algebra and how it can be used. Topics include systems of equations, vectors, matrices, orthogonality, subspaces, and the eigenvalue problem.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mathematics, Software Engineering, Computer Science
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121

MSE 2100 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering

Introduction to the structure, processing, properties, and performance of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, glasses, ceramics, and composites. Topics include material selection in design, material processing in manufacturing, and structural material failure mechanisms.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or CH 1122 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151) or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics

A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

UN 1025 - Global Issues

Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

In this sample plan, there is only one major-related course required during the first two semesters, MSE 2100.

Design and Research Capstone

You will have the design and research experience as a senior.

Engineering students and those in the sciences will participate in a research or design project for their capstone or senior year. Engineering students can choose Senior Design or Enterprise for their capstone initiative. A student may find a research project at any time in their undergraduate career.

ME Senior Design Option

ME 4901 - Senior Capstone Design I

Students work in teams on "open-ended" engineering capstone design projects - most with industrial sponsors - developing original and creative solutions to real engineering problems.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): (MEEM 3400 or ME 3400) and EE 3010(C) and (MEEM 3600(C) or ME 3601(C)) and (MEEM 3901 or ME 3901) and (MEEM 3201 or ME 3201) and (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and (MEEM 3911 or ME 3911) and (MA 3710(C) or MA 2710(C) or MA 2720(C)) or (MA 3710 or MA 2710 or MA 2720) and ((MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and AE 4550(C) and AE 4560(C))

ME 4911 - Senior Capstone Design II

Design projects started in MEEM4901 are completed and evaluated using computer-aided engineering methods, physical models, and/or prototypes as appropriate.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3010 and (MEEM 3201 or ME 3201) and (MEEM 3600 or ME 3601) and (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and (MEEM 4901 or ME 4901) or (AE 3560 and AE 4550 and (MEEM 4901 or ME 4901))

ME Enterprise Option

ENT 4950 - Enterprise Project Work V Capstone

Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems, taking constraints into account and applying relevant standards. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives, planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading technical teams to accomplish project goals. Must be project ready as defined by major.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geospatial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engrg, Robotics Engineering, Software Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Network & System Admn, Electrical Eng Tech, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Surveying Engineering, Information Technology; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): (BE 3350 and BE 3700 and BE 3800 and BE 4900 and ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) or (CEE 3620 or CEE 3810) or CM 4855(C) or (CS 3712 or CS 4711 or CS 4760) or (ENT 3960 and EE 3131) or (EE 3280 and EE 3261(C)) and EE 3910 and (EE 3174(C) or EE 3171(C) or EE 3173(C)) or (GE 3890 and GE 3880) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) and (MA 3710(C) or MA 2710(C) or MA 2720 or MA 3715) and (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and (MEEM 3201 or ME 3201) and (MEEM 3901 or ME 3901) and (MEEM 3911 or ME 3911) and EE 3010(C) and (MEEM 3400 or ME 3400) and (MEEM 3600 or ME 3601(C)) or MSE 3190 or (CMG 3250 and CMG 4120(C) and CMG 4210 and CMG 3200) or (EET 3281 and EET 4253(C)) or SAT 3812(C) or SU 4100(C) or ENG 3505(C) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) or (MET 4200 and MET 3500(C) and MET 3451(C)) or MET 4210

ENT 4960 - Enterprise Project Work VI Capstone

Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems, taking constraints into account and applying relevant standards. Fourth-year students gain experience defining project objectives, planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading technical teams to accomplish project goals.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): ENT 4950 and (BE 4900 or CEE 3620 or CEE 3810 or CM 4855 or CS 3712 or CS 4711 or CS 4760 or (EE 3174 or EE 3171 or EE 3173) or GE 3890 or GE 3880 or MSE 4141(C) or CMG 4210 or (EET 4253 and EET 3281) or (MET 4460 and MET 4210) or (SAT 4541 and SAT 3812) or SU 4100 or ENG 3830(C) or (ENG 3505 and ENG 4505) or (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and (MEEM 3201 or ME 3201) or (EE 3280 and EE 3261))