The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) with a major in Mechanical Engineering Technology. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET.
The MET program provides students with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering technology through a balanced curriculum that integrates mathematics, science, engineering technology, laboratory experience, and design. Students develop practical knowledge and technical skills in areas such as computer-aided design, strength of materials, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, automation and controls, and mechanical system applications. Hands-on learning is emphasized throughout the curriculum to prepare students for solving real-world engineering and technical problems.
The curriculum requires the completion of 121 credit hours and includes foundational coursework in mathematics and science, general education, and discipline-specific engineering technology courses. Students begin with a common first-year experience shared across engineering technology programs, allowing them to build core technical knowledge while exploring different disciplines within the college. As students progress through the program, coursework becomes increasingly application-focused and emphasizes engineering analysis, system design, communication, and teamwork.
A key component of the program is the two-semester senior project, which provides students with an opportunity to integrate knowledge gained throughout the curriculum to design, analyze, or improve a practical engineering system or process. This experience strengthens problem-solving, project management, and technical communication skills that are essential for professional practice.
Students in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program complete 9 credit hours of approved senior technical electives, allowing them to tailor their studies to their technical interests and career goals. While the program does not offer formal concentrations, elective courses are organized into several technical focus areas to guide course selection:
- Manufacturing Systems
- Marine Systems
- Mechanical Systems Design
- Mechatronics Systems
- Nuclear Systems
These focus areas support preparation for careers in industries such as manufacturing, shipbuilding and marine operations, mechanical system design, automation and robotics, energy production, HVAC systems, and technical operations and maintenance.
Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program are prepared for a wide range of technical and engineering support positions in industry, government, and the private sector. The curriculum also provides the academic preparation necessary for graduates to pursue professional development opportunities, including eligibility to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program is to sustain a high quality undergraduate program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree. It is a significant component of the University's commitment to science, engineering and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region. Through the University's distance learning program, the mechanical engineering technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate level studies. Simultaneously, the program supports the general education components that yield a well-rounded graduate who is aware of societal needs and issues.
The objective of the mechanical engineering technology program is to prepare graduates to establish themselves as successful professionals in mechanical systems or related areas during the first few years of their careers by having demonstrated their ability to:
- Identify and solve increasingly complex technical problems, both theoretically and practically, as raised by continually evolving technologies and industry needs and practices.
- Make educated, responsible, and ethical decisions in response to the needs of the profession and society, with these decisions solidly grounded in science and engineering fundamentals.
- Work effectively as member or leader of technical teams and clearly communicate ideas leading to successful team outcomes
The mechanical engineering technology program has adopted, in agreement with its constituents, the following five student outcomes that each student should attain upon graduation:
- An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline
- An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline
- An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature
- An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes
- An ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams
Message from the Program Director
The BS degree BSET program in Mechanical Engineering Technology offers a high quality degree program that meets national standards of excellence. It is a significant component of the University's commitment to science, engineering and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region. Through the University's Distance Learning program, the Mechanical Engineering Technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate level studies. Simultaneously, the program supports the general education components that yield a well-rounded graduate who is aware of societal needs and issues.
