School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering offers programs in Mechanical Engineering (Pullman, Bremerton, and Everett campuses), and Materials Science and Engineering (Pullman). Each program is detailed as follows.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanical engineering is concerned with (a) the use and economical conversion of energy from natural sources into other useful energy to provide power, light, heat, cooling and transportation, (b) the design and production of machines to lighten the burden of human work, (c) the creative planning, development and operation of systems for using energy, machines and resources, (d) the processing of materials into products useful to people, and (e) developing machines and algorithms for autonomous systems.  Employment opportunities for graduates exist in the areas of mechanical design, systems design, equipment development, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, algorithm development, project engineering, production management, applied research, and sales and service.

The program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The mission of the mechanical engineering program is to provide a broad education in mechanical engineering that prepares our students for being successful in professional practice and advanced studies. The educational objectives of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program are as follows: (1) Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of employers of mechanical engineers; (2) Qualified graduates will pursue advanced study if they so desire; and (3) Graduates will pursue leadership positions in their profession and/or communities.

The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes foundation courses at the third year which are fundamental to all aspects of mechanical engineering. These courses emphasize both analysis and design while accompanying laboratory courses provide opportunities for hands-on experiences. Computer applications are interwoven throughout the program. The courses in the fourth year emphasize the integration of fundamental engineering principles into various applications in mechanical engineering. Students have an opportunity to complete a sequence of electives in one of three concentrations or follow a general path taking technical electives of their choice. The concentrations include Thermo-fluids, Manufacturing, and Autonomous Systems. By completing a concentration, students will have deeper knowledge in a specific area of mechanical engineering they would like to pursue in their future careers. The undergraduate program culminates in a capstone laboratory course.

Graduates are prepared to enter the field as engineers or to continue into a graduate program. An engineering internship program is available for students to gain industrial experience during their academic careers.

Student Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the mechanical engineering undergraduate program are the following:

• Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• Ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• Ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
• Ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
• Ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The School offers courses of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org), Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy (Mechanical Engineering). The school participates in the interdisciplinary programs leading to the Master of Science in Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering Science).

 MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

The program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The mission of the materials science and engineering program is to provide excellence in education, research, and service in the field of Materials Science and Engineering through educational programs that graduate students with strong backgrounds in scientific and engineering problem-solving methods. Materials science and engineering is the application of methods and principles of the pure sciences to study engineering materials. The undergraduate program focuses on (a) the relationship of the microscopic structure, e.g. crystal structure and defects to the macroscopic properties of materials, e.g. strength; (b) experimental techniques for characterizing physical, chemical and structural properties of materials;  (c) Design and selection of appropriate materials for given engineering applications.

The specific fields of application covered by research and instruction programs can be expressed by the nominal designations of metals (metallurgy), polymers, ceramics, electronic materials, biomaterials, and composites. Due to the diversity of useful properties encountered in materials engineering, attention must be given to application and peculiarities of these specific types of materials. Where possible, however, a generalized approach toward the study of materials, their properties, their selection, and their utilization is fostered. The broad-based instructional approach prepares graduates for careers in a wide range of industrial settings, from aerospace companies to corporations specializing in the production of solid state electronics. In addition, the undergraduate curriculum prepares students for continued education at the graduate level.

The educational objectives of the undergraduate materials science and engineering program are as follows: (1) Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of employers of materials engineers; (2) Qualified graduates will pursue advanced study if they so desire; and (3) Graduates will pursue leadership positions in their profession and/or communities.

The School offers courses of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org) and the Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. The school participates in the interdisciplinary programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering Science, Materials Science and Engineering).

Student Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the materials science and engineering undergraduate program are the following:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
• An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
• Ability to apply advanced science (such as chemistry and physics) and engineering principles to materials systems.
• Integrated understanding of the scientific and engineering principles underlying the above for major elements of the field, viz. structure, properties, processing and performance related to materials systems appropriate to the field.
• Ability to apply and integrate knowledge from each of the above four elements of the field to solve materials selection and design problems.
• Ability to utilize experimental, statistical, and computational methods consistent with the goals of the program.

ADMISSION

Admission to the Mechanical Engineering program or Materials Science and Engineering program is processed by the School. The admission requirements, including requirements for transfer students, are described in the WSU catalog in the schedules of studies for each major. Details for admission can also be obtained by contacting the School directly.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering cooperates with the community colleges in Washington to minimize problems associated with transfer. Inquiries are welcome. A strong preparation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is strongly recommended prior to transfer to minimize the time required at Washington State University to complete the bachelor’s degree requirements.

GRADUATE STUDY

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited program in mechanical engineering or materials science and engineering. Students with bachelor degrees in other engineering disciplines, mathematics, and the physical sciences are routinely admitted but may be required to meet additional course requirements.