Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers the ABET accredited Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program of study at Washington State University Vancouver campus.
Mechanical Engineering provides an excellent education for today's technological world. Mechanical engineers design, build, test, and operate all kinds of mechanical, thermal and biological devices. They are the backbone of the engineering profession and work in every industry - from transportation, communications, and electronics to bioengineering, commerce, and manufacturing - in business, government, and universities.
Mechanical engineers work with motion, energy, force and are involved with manufacturing the products they design. Mechanical engineers develop robotic systems, design products, computer control systems for machinery, commercial jets, instruments for medicine, high-performance sporting equipment, and supervise manufacturing operations.
Mechanical engineering deals with diverse engineering problems. The undergraduate curriculum covers the fundamental aspects of the field, emphasizes basic principles, and their use in solving engineering problems. The upper division course of study focuses on design, manufacturing process, robotics, computer-aided-engineering, thermal and fluid systems, mechanics of materials, micro and nano electronic device design and manufacturing, and machine integration and control. The curriculum incorporates hands-on experiences through laboratory work and design projects. The program provides flexibility to students in customizing their study through three option areas:
- Micro/Nano Technology,
- Design and Manufacturing, and
- Mechatronics
The micro/nano technology option provides education in micro device fabrication, nano-science and its impact on design of the next generation engineering systems. The design and manufacturing option emphasizes Computer Aided Engineering and Manufacturing, micro-machining and rapid prototyping through industry-based projects. The mechatronics option concentrates on design of mechanical systems with electronic and computer controls, automation and robotics.
The program was established and designed to prepare students to satisfy the needs of local and regional industry. The curriculum also prepares students for continued education at the graduate level.