Mechanical Engineering Major Mechanical Engineering Major Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest of all engineering disciplines, traditionally encompassing three primary subfields: energy, mechanisms and machinery, and manufacturing. Although its primary purpose could be summarized as creating and improving machines to benefit mankind, this fundamental task engages the mechanical engineer in a vast array of fascinating specialty areas. Offered by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Breadcrumb academics majors and minors mechanical engineering major academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Overview Program Enrichment Accreditation What is Mechanical Engineering? Mechanical engineering is the broadest and most diverse of the engineering fields, with applications ranging from vehicles, weapons, aircraft, energy, biomechanics, mechatronics, and more. Traditionally, mechanical engineering encompasses three primary subfields: energy, mechanisms and machinery, and manufacturing. Although its primary purpose could be summarized as creating and improving machines to benefit mankind, this fundamental task engages the mechanical engineer in a vast array of fascinating specialty areas. Mechanical engineers work in fields ranging from robotics to superconductivity, from centrifuges to artificial joints and limbs, from rocket propulsion systems to air conditioners. Almost everything sold on the market today involves mechanical engineering, from its very conception and design to its production and marketing. Mechanical engineers have an impact on so many aspects of everyday life. It deals with devices and systems for energy conversion, material transport, and control of motion and forces. Here is a sampling of topics addressed by the discipline: air, ground, and sea vehiclespower plants; control systemsmachinerymachine toolsconventional and nuclear-powered power production facilitiesbiomechanicsspace vehiclespollution controlnew energy sourcesenergy conversiontransportation systemsmilitary weapons systems These modern weapons systems are used as vehicles of instruction in many of the courses, making mechanical engineering particularly appropriate for those considering service in most branches of the Army as well as specialties such as engineers, aviation, research and development, project management, and logistics. Why study Mechanical Engineering? Mechanical engineering teaches cadets how things work, which is a significant benefit for an Army officer in an increasingly technical world. Almost everything used in the military has involved mechanical engineering at all or most stages of its design and production.Mechanical engineering teaches cadets how to think. Mechanical engineers learn how to describe, analyze, and solve problems using mathematics and systematic problem-solving techniques. Learning to think logically and to work systematically contributes to the ability to address new and difficult problems with confidence.Mechanical engineering teaches cadets how to oversee complicated and interdisciplinary projects. Because a mechanical engineering education teaches how things work and how to logically solve new problems, mechanical engineers are in very high demand as project managers.Mechanical engineering provides an opportunity for solving challenging, real-life problems for the benefit of the Army and society. Engineers are explorers and inventors. They push technological frontiers to improve the quality of life for our nation’s citizens today and for the future. The Army provides many postgraduate educational and research opportunities at top universities and research laboratories for its best engineering minds.Mechanical engineering allows cadets to keep their options open. Mechanical engineers possess excellent reasoning skills and understand their world. These qualities make mechanical engineers competitive for most graduate programs of study in engineering as well as law, business, and medicine. What will I study? Majors choose from several interdisciplinary electives in many areas within mechanical engineering. Automotive and Weapon Systems: Students gain an in-depth knowledge of automotive power and transmission systems, as well as weapon systems. Much of this material is presented in the context of Army vehicles and systems.Biomechanics: Students explore biology and human physiology to create interactions between human and mechanical systems.Power and Energy: Students learn about energy resources, alternative energy, energy storage, conversion between forms of energy, and energy performance limitations as they apply to satisfying the needs of mankind.Mechatronics: Students apply skills from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to enable real-world control of robots, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and other autonomous systems. Interested CadetsWant to learn more about this area of study? Contact Dr. Greg Freisinger, ME Program Director.To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.Contact MAEMeet the MAE faculty This major emphasizes engineering science fundamentals, creative problem solving, and hands-on engineering design to develop students' understanding of the practical applications of science essential for officers in our modern, high-technology Army.The Mechanical Engineering major includes 14 required courses and 5 optional courses.IT/CYBER RequirementCadets in this major will satisfy the IT/CYBER requirement by successfully completing:EE301 - FUNDAMENTALS OF ELEC ENGINME202 - COMPUTER AIDED DESIGNCore Engineering SequenceCadets in this major will satisfy the core engineering requirement as part of their major courses.Writing in the MajorCadets in this major satisfy the West Point Writing Program requirement by successfully completing writing requirements in the core curriculum and ME400.ME400 - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SEMINARRequired Courses CE364 - MECHANICS OF MATERIALSME201 - INTRO TO MECH ENGINEERINGME202 - COMPUTER AIDED DESIGNME301 - THERMODYNAMICSME306 - DYNAMICSME362 - FLUID MECHANICSME380 - ENGINEERING MATERIALSME400 - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SEMINARME403 - MANUFACTURING/MACHINE COMP DSNME480 - HEAT TRANSFER AND Dynamic Systems Elective (choose 1)ME486 - VIBRATION ENGINEERINGXE472 - DYNAMIC MODELING AND CONTROLGeneral Electives (choose 3 of 23)Three electives must be chosen and meet the minimum required engineering topics credits.This major offers an honors track.For More InformationView the full Mechanical Engineering major curriculum. Mechanical Engineering majors can study abroad in locations such as Germany, Singapore, Egypt, Mexico, China, Russia, and Canada. Majors have the opportunity to participate in a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic internship experience. Cadets will work alongside world-class professional engineers and researchers, gaining invaluable knowledge and insight into the facilities, methods, and procedures used to design, test, and improve Army systems. Honor Societies: Tau Beta Pi – Engineering Honor SocietyPhi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or the Center for Applied Engineering. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering at the United States Military Academy is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering and similarly named engineering programs.Current ABET Mechanical Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Student OutcomesStudent outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Cadets who qualify for graduation with a Mechanical Engineering major from USMA will demonstrate: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 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.ABET Mechanical Engineering program educational objectivesProgram educational objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.The Mechanical Engineering program seeks to prepare future Army officers for productive and rewarding careers in engineering or related professions for service to the nation.Five to seven years after graduation, cadets who majored in Mechanical Engineering will have been successful Army officers who:multiple positions of responsibility in which they:drive outcomesinform and influence othersbuild teamspersonal and professional growth through formal and informal learning opportunities, while being a role model to inspire others.experience in providing engineering expertise to the Army and the Nation to design solutions and innovate for winning in a complex world.For the current and recent enrollment and graduate statistics, click the link for “View by Major” under the section "Enrollment for Select Majors."