Mechanical Engineering

Specific educational objectives of the Mechanical Engineering Program are to produce graduates who will:

1. Have successful careers in mechanical engineering and related fields, thereby fulfilling the special purpose mission of the university in serving a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population.


2. Be capable of advancing their careers by moving into other lucrative professions and leadership positions;


3. Successfully obtain admissions to pursue graduate degrees; and


4. Understand and maintain professional ethics, and the need to safeguard the public, the environment, and the natural resources.

• The ratio of faculty to students in the department is roughly 1-to-15.

• Research endeavors are supported through the Thermal Science Research Center, Future Aerospace Science and Technology Center (FAST) on Lightweight Structural Materials and Processing, Material Testing and Characterization lab, surface coating facilities, Computational Fluid Dynamics Institute, and computer-aided design and manufacturing facilities.

• The mechanical engineering program boasts graduates who are involved in such community service activities as assisting with K-12 programs and serving on Prairie View's Industrial Advisory Council.

• The mechanical engineering department is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Degrees offered

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)

• Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.Engr.) with a concentration in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering students can receive a good education at universities throughout the nation. But in the intimate class environment of Prairie View's mechanical engineering department, students receive more.

More chances to obtain industry co-op or internship positions.

More personal guidance from their professors.

More opportunities to work on research projects.

And, ultimately, more job opportunities.

Our Program

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering branches. This field includes design, analysis and manufacturing associated both with energy and with structures and motion in mechanical and thermal power. Students in our department, then, are introduced to such areas as machinery design and construction, design and analysis of thermal systems, manufacturing, instrumentation and controls, fluid and solid mechanics, plant engineering, materials specification and evaluation, research and development and technical sales.

Undergraduate Education

A mechanical engineering education at Prairie View emphasizes an integrated curriculum that overlaps other engineering branches and the physical sciences. Students learn to grasp the global consequences of engineering endeavors and the challenges of today's ever-changing technological climate.

Our department's goal is to produce industrial, scientific and technological leaders who can identify technical problems and shape solutions that help society. Upon completing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) program, our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to either take on the challenges of the modern-day engineering field or to continue their education at the graduate-school level.

Many of our mechanical engineering graduates have seen tremendous career success. One became a vice president of Northup Grumman defense company. Another became a Phillips Petroleum plant manager. Still another is a professor at a renowned university.

Graduate Education

Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.ENGR.) degree through a program that concentrates on mechanical engineering. This program both enhances students' research capabilities and makes them more competitive in the professional practice of mechanical engineering.

Faculty

Along with an emphasis on working one-on-one with their students, faculty members in our mechanical engineering department undertake a wide range of research in their field. Many of these research projects are funded by outside companies and agencies. The mechanical engineering department supports one endowed faculty chair.

Mechanical Engineering Student Organizations

The Prairie View student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers is very active and has participated in many Region X meetings. Pi Tau Sigma National Honor Society recognizes and honors outstanding mechanical engineering students on the campus.