Overview

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

The traditional Mechanical Engineering program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a broad intellectual foundation in the field of mechanical engineering. It develops the relevant engineering fundamentals, provides several experiences in their application, and introduces the important methods and techniques of engineering practice.

Students are urged to contact the ME Undergraduate Office as soon as they have decided to enter mechanical engineering so that a faculty advisor may be assigned. Students, together with their faculty advisors, plan a program that best utilizes the departmental electives and the 48 units of unrestricted electives available in the Course 2 degree program. This program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Objectives

The educational objectives of the program leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering are that within a few years of graduation, a majority of our graduates will have completed or be progressing through top graduate programs; advancing in leadership tracks in industry, non-profit organizations, or the public sector; or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. In these roles they will:

• Apply a deep working knowledge of technical fundamentals in areas related to mechanical, electromechanical, and thermal systems to address needs of the customer and society.

• Develop innovative technologies and find solutions to engineering problems.

• Communicate effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams.

• Be sensitive to professional and societal contexts and committed to ethical action.

• Lead in the conception, design, and implementation of new products, processes, services, and systems.