Mechanical Engineering, BS

Department of Engineering Accelerated BS/MS Program

Admissions Contact

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions
(860) 832-2278
admissions@ccsu.edu

Academic Contact

Luz Amaya
Associate Professor
Engineering
Associate Fellow
School of Engineering, Science, & Technology
Applied Innovation Hub
315
860.832.1818
l.amaya@ccsu.edu

Downloadable Version

Mechanical Engineering, BS

Central to Designing Powerful Machines.

Central's Bachelor of Science program in Mechanical Engineering equips its graduates with a comprehensive education, fostering a well-rounded skill set encompassing analytical and experimental proficiencies. This program effectively prepares students to cultivate specialized expertise and gain the requisite experience to embark on a career in diverse industry roles or pursue advanced studies.

The program has been thoughtfully structured with two distinct areas of concentration under the broader mechanical engineering degree. Students can choose between a manufacturing or aerospace focus by selecting specific elective courses. The manufacturing concentration leverages the School of Engineering Science and Technology's established strength in this domain, while the aerospace concentration aligns with the state and regional industry requirements. This concentration feature empowers students to tailor their educational path to meet individual aspirations and adapt to the evolving demands of potential employers in both the state and the region.

The Mechanical Engineering program integrates personal mastery of core subjects such as fluid mechanics, thermal engineering, mechanical systems, and solid mechanics with collaborative, solution-driven approaches to open-ended design challenges, hands-on practical experiences, and experimental techniques. Students develop the skills needed to transform concepts into tangible products.

One defining element of the undergraduate experience in mechanical engineering at Central is the design program, an integral component of the curriculum that combines fundamental instruction in design with practical involvement in design-build-test projects. A sequence of two design-intensive courses culminates in a capstone course.

 Another distinctive feature of the program is the mandatory 400-hour practical training course. This field training, conducted under the supervision of qualified engineering practitioners, allows students to apply the knowledge acquired in prior coursework to real-world applications. This experience enhances their professional and interpersonal skills, preparing them for employment in their chosen fields upon graduation.

A third special feature of the program is the option for a 5-year accelerated BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, which enables students to earn both degrees in 149 credits instead of the traditional 158, resulting in time and cost savings.

Program Features

  • A flexible program designed to cater to individual goals, interests, and the dynamic industry landscape.
  • Graduates are well-regarded practicing engineers in the field.
  • A third special feature of the program is the option for a 5-year accelerated BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, which enables students to earn both degrees in 149 credits instead of the traditional 158, resulting in time and cost savings.
  • Access to cutting-edge labs and advanced technologies.
  • The option to pursue the program on a full- or part-time basis.
  • An opportunity for a 5-year accelerated BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, providing significant time and cost savings.
  • Internship and career development opportunities.
  • Availability of financial aid and scholarships.
ABET

The Mechanical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the mechanical engineering program is to deliver and maintain a high-quality, state-of-the-art education in mechanical engineering, enabling students to acquire the specialized knowledge and experience necessary to practice as professional mechanical engineers or to pursue advanced analytical studies. The program welcomes aspiring engineering students by offering fundamental core and advanced engineering courses, facilitating their exploration of the field.

Vision Statement

An accredited program in mechanical engineering will serve the state and region by providing a quality engineering education that enables students to achieve excellence in their field of study.

Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives

  1. The Mechanical Engineering program seeks to prepare graduates who, after the first few years of their career, have:
  2. Established themselves as valued practicing mechanical engineers working primarily in the region.
  3. Become supportive members of the community and active professionally, seeking continuous improvement of skills and professional growth.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the skills, knowledge and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. The Engineering Department seeks to graduate mechanical engineers who, upon graduation:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The best part of the Engineering Department were teachers that offered real world experience and examples in their lectures as it made the degree seem more valuable and real.

Current Student

Did You Know?

All mechanical engineering students take a required 400- hour practical training course. This field training, under the supervision of qualified engineering practitioners, provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge acquired in prior coursework to real- life applications. As a result of this engagement with industry, a large percentage of students remain in the surrounding communities to work for local industries after graduation.

Employment in mechanical engineering is expected to grow faster than average, and the number of annual openings will offer very good job opportunities.