BS in Mechanical Engineering
Engineers find high-paying careers in a large number of industries. They find work in large corporations and small businesses. They often create businesses of their own and find work related to their interests such as outdoor, indoor, travel.
Marketable Skills
Students will gain the following marketable skills:
- Confidence: Be self-assured through appreciating your own talents, abilities, skills, and qualities.
- Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions.
- Entrepreneurship: Develop, organize, and manage ideas and opportunities turning them into new products, services, firms, or industries.
- Leadership: Step up, think, and act critically and creatively to bring others together to accomplish a common task.
- Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal.
Additionally, students will learn about mechanical design and manufacturing.
The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is designed for students who desire to enter industry or pursue advanced studies. The curriculum provides a broad range of courses in the areas of solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermal systems, design and manufacturing and dynamics and mechatronics.
Vision
The Mechanical Engineering Program strives to graduate mechanical engineers of the highest quality and to conduct state-of-the-art research.
Mission
The Mechanical Engineering Program makes a high-quality, relevant engineering education available to all residents of the El Paso binational region. The department dedicates itself to providing students a set of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will permit its graduates to succeed and thrive as engineers and leaders.
The Program strives to:
- prepare its graduates to pursue lifelong learning, serve the profession and meet intellectual, ethical and career challenges; and
- maintain a vital, state-of-the-art research enterprise to provide its students and faculty opportunities to create, interpret, apply, and disseminate knowledge.
General Upper Division Prerequisite
All students must demonstrate basic competency to take any upper-division course. An upper-division course is any MECH course in the Junior or Senior year. Competency can be demonstrated by completing the following courses at UTEP with a “C” or better.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MECH 2311 | Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci | 3 |
| MECH 2322 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| MECH 2340 | Mechanics II -Dynamics | 3 |
Fast Track
The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs. Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here.
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 128
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better.) | ||
| CE 2326 Econ for Engrs & Scientists is a designated core course. It is required for graduation even if other course is used to fulfill the core. All Mechanical Engineering majors are encouraged to take CE 2326 to fulfill the core. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| CE 2326 | Econ for Engrs & Scientists | 3 |
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | 4 |
| MATH 1508 | Precalculus (Listed if completed, but not required) | 3-5 |
| or MATH 1310 | Trigonometry and Conics | |
| or MATH 1411 | Calculus I | |
| PHYS 2320 | Introductory Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 2120 | Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering (Other Requirements) (All courses require a grade of C or better.) | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 2313 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 2326 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Science Elective | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 4 | |
| General Biology and Topics in Study of Life I C | ||
| General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1306 C | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| MATH/Science Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Matrix Algebra | ||
| Applied Analysis I | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Applied Analysis II | ||
| Survey of Modern Physics | ||
| Analytical Mechanics I | ||
| Probability and Statistics | ||
| MATH Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Matrix Algebra | ||
| Applied Analysis I | ||
| Numerical Analysis | ||
| Applied Analysis II | ||
| Probability and Statistics | ||
| Mechanical Engineering Major | ||
| Required Courses: 1 | ||
| MECH 1305 | Graphic & Design Fundamentals C | 3 |
| MECH 1321 | Mechanics I-Statics C | 3 |
| or CE 2315 | Statics | |
| MECH 2103 | Engineering Computations | 1 |
| MECH 2311 | Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci C | 3 |
| MECH 2322 | Mechanics of Materials C | 3 |
| or CE 2334 | Mechanics of Materials | |
| MECH 2331 | Matl & Manufacturing Processes C | 3 |
| MECH 2340 | Mechanics II -Dynamics C | 3 |
| MECH 2342 | Electro Mechanical Systems C | 3 |
| or ECE 2301 | Electric Circuits I | |
| MECH 3312 | Thermodynamics 3 | 3 |
| MECH 3314 | Fluid Mechanics 3 | 3 |
| MECH 3334 | Mechanical Design 3 | 3 |
| MECH 3345 | System Dynamics 3 | 3 |
| MECH 3352 | Engineering Analysis 3 | 3 |
| MECH 4315 | Heat Transfer 3 | 3 |
| MECH 4366 | Senior Design Project 2, 3 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Manufacturing Engineering Lab c | ||
| Additive Manufacturing Lab c | ||
| Metal Casting Lab c | ||
| Intelligent Manufacturing Lab | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Mechatronics Lab 3 | ||
| Thermo-fluid Lab 3 | ||
| Solid Mechanics Lab 3 | ||
| Eng. Drawings & Inspection Lab | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Finite Element Analysis 3 | ||
| Artificial Intel. in Mech. Eng | ||
| Intro to LabVIEW | ||
| Dynamic Systems Simulation 3 | ||
| Special Topics in Computation 3 | ||
| Select five of the following (minimum of one from each area): | ||
| Solid Mechanics Area | ||
| Aerospace Structures I | ||
| Aerospace Structures II | ||
| Principles of Engr Design 3 | ||
| Capstone Design Projects | ||
| Mechanical Design II | ||
| Pre-Professional Experiences | ||
| Special Topics in Mech. Engr. 3 | ||
| Thermal Fluid Area | ||
| Aerodynamics 1 | ||
| Aerodynamics II | ||
| Thermal System Design 3 | ||
| Renewable Energy | ||
| Special Topics in Therm Fluid 3 | ||
| Electro-Mechanical Area | ||
| Systems Modelling and Control | ||
| MECH Comp App Vision Robotics | ||
| Mechanical Systems Control | ||
| Elect. Instrumentation | ||
| Comm & Mech Sensor Protocols | ||
| Mechatronics 3 | ||
| Special Topics in Elect-Mech 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 128 | |
- C
Course require a grade of C or better.
- 1
All institutional courses appearing in this area count towards the major GPA with a minimum of 2.0
- 2
Must be in the last full semester and have a 2.0 GPA or better in major.
- 3
Course requires grade of D or better
University Core Curriculum
The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.
All courses require a C or better
I. Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. | ||
| Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| Writing About Literature | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
| Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
| For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
| Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
| Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
II. American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
| Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| Intro to American Fiction | ||
| Intro to American Drama | ||
| Intro to American Poetry | ||
| Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
| Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
| Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
| Global Feminisms | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
IV. Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus 1,2 | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| 1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted. | ||
| 2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement. | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1-4 | |
| Astronomy Lab I | ||
| Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
| Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
| Introductory Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Study of Life I | ||
| Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Intro to General Chemistry | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
| Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
| Intro to Environment Science 2 | ||
| Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
| Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
| Principles of Earth Science | ||
| The Blue Planet | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Intro to Physical Geology | ||
| Intro to Historical Geol | ||
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
| Wellness Dynamics | ||
| Microorganisms and Disease | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Introductory Mechanics | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
| Total Hours | 6 | |
VI. Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Intro to Chicano Studies | ||
| Asian American Studies | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
| Action Research in Classrooms | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Leadership in Action | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
| Introduction to Dance | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
IX. Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice. | ||
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Engineering Design Experience | ||
| Applied Engineering Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan | ||
| Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
| Total Hours | 0 | |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BS Mechanical Engineering (Starting with Pre-Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING | ||
| Summer | ||
| (if needed) | ||
| Precalculus | ||
or MATH 1310 | Trigonometry and Conics | |
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I 1 | 3 |
| UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 2320 | Introductory Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 2120 | Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 1 |
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MECH 1305 | Graphic & Design Fundamentals 1 | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 1 | 3 |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 1305 | General Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHEM 1105 | Laboratory for CHEM 1305 1 | 1 |
| MECH 1321 | Mechanics I-Statics 1 | 3 |
| or CE 2315 | Statics | |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II 1 | 3 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2322 | Mechanics of Materials 1 | 3 |
| or CE 2334 | Mechanics of Materials | |
| MECH 2331 | Matl & Manufacturing Processes 1 | 3 |
| Design and Manufacturing Studio 1,8 | 1 | |
| MATH 2313 | Calculus III 1 | 3 |
| Science Elective * | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| CE 2326 | Econ for Engrs & Scientists 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2340 | Mechanics II -Dynamics 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2311 | Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2342 | Electro Mechanical Systems 1 | 3 |
| or ECE 2301 | Electric Circuits I | |
| MECH 2103 | Engineering Computations 1 | 1 |
| MATH 2326 | Differential Equations 1 | 3 |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics 1 | 3 |
| MECH 3314 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| MECH 3312 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MECH 3352 | Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| Math Elective 1,3 | 3 | |
| Laboratory Experience 2 | 1 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 1302 | Business/Profession Comm 1 | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture | 3 | |
| MECH 3345 | System Dynamics | 3 |
| MECH 3334 | Mechanical Design | 3 |
| Science/Math Elective 4 | 3 | |
| Laboratory Experience 2 | 1 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| MECH 4315 | Heat Transfer | 3 |
| Computational Elective 6 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Solid Mechanics Area 5 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Thermal Fluid Area 5 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Electro-Mechanical 5 | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics 1 | 3 |
| MECH 4366 | Senior Design Project 7 | 3 |
| Design Elective Any Area 5 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Any Area 5 | 3 | |
| Creative Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Notes: | ||
| 1 Grade of C or better required | ||
| 2 From the department approved list of Design and Project Experience I and II courses. | ||
| 3. Selected from MATH 3323, 3335, 4326, 4329, 4336, STAT 3320. By completing 3 of these electives you may be eligible for a Mathematics minor, interested students should consult the Department of Mathematics. | ||
| 4. Approved courses are: BIOL 1306, PHYS 2325, PHYS 3351, PHYS 4348 or any course listed in NOTE 3 (not already taken). Also, as per the UTEP core curriculum requirements two of your science classes must be in the same area (either BIOL, PHYS, OR CHEM). | ||
| 5. From the department approved list of Design Electives. | ||
| 6. From the department approved list of Computational Electives. | ||
| 7. Must be in the last full semester and have a 2.0 GPA or better in major. | ||
| 8. From the department approved list of Design and Manufacturing Studio courses. | ||
| Total Hours | 128 | |
BS Mechanical Engineering (Starting with Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| MECH 1305 | Graphic & Design Fundamentals 1 | 3 |
| PHYS 2320 | Introductory Mechanics | 3 |
| PHYS 2120 | Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 1 |
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I 1 | 3 |
| UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry 1 | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 1305 & CHEM 1105 | General Chemistry and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 1 | 4 |
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 1 | 3 |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II 1 | 3 |
| MECH 1321 | Mechanics I-Statics 1 | 3 |
| or CE 2315 | Statics | |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 1 | 3 |
| SOPHOMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 1 | 3 |
| MATH 2313 | Calculus III 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2322 | Mechanics of Materials 1 | 3 |
| or CE 2334 | Mechanics of Materials | |
| MECH 2331 | Matl & Manufacturing Processes 1 | 3 |
| Design and Manufacturing Studio 1,8 | 1 | |
| Science Elective * | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| CE 2326 | Econ for Engrs & Scientists 1 | 3 |
| MATH 2326 | Differential Equations 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2103 | Engineering Computations | 1 |
| MECH 2311 | Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2340 | Mechanics II -Dynamics 1 | 3 |
| MECH 2342 | Electro Mechanical Systems 1 | 3 |
| or ECE 2301 | Electric Circuits I | |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics 1 | 3 |
| MECH 3314 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| MECH 3312 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MECH 3352 | Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| Math Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Laboratory Experience 1,2 | 1 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 1302 | Business/Profession Comm 1 | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture 1 | 3 | |
| MECH 3345 | System Dynamics | 3 |
| MECH 3334 | Mechanical Design | 3 |
| Laboratory Experience 2 | 1 | |
| Science/Math Elective 1,4 | 3 | |
| SENIOR | ||
| Fall | ||
| MECH 4315 | Heat Transfer | 3 |
| Computational Elective 6 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Solid Mechanics Area 5 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Thermal Fluid Area 5 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Electro-Mechanical 5 | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics 1 | 3 |
| Creative Arts Elective 1 | 3 | |
| MECH 4366 | Senior Design Project 7 | 3 |
| Design Elective Any Area 5 | 3 | |
| Design Elective Any Area 5 | 3 | |
| Notes: | ||
| 1 Grade of C or better required | ||
| 2 From the department approved list of Design and Project Experience I and II courses. | ||
| 3. Selected from MATH 3323, 3335, 4326, 4329, 4336, STAT 3320. By completing 3 of these electives you may be eligible for a Mathematics minor, interested students should consult the Department of Mathematics. | ||
| 4. Approved courses are: BIOL 1306, PHYS 2325, PHYS 3351, PHYS 4348 or any course listed in NOTE 3 (not already taken). Also, as per the UTEP core curriculum requirements two of your science classes must be in the same area (either BIOL, PHYS, OR CHEM). | ||
| 5. From the department approved list of Design Electives. | ||
| 6. From the department approved list of Computational Electives. | ||
| 7. Must be in the last full semester and have a 2.0 GPA or better in major. | ||
| 8. From the department approved list of Design and Manufacturing Studio courses. | ||
| Total Hours | 128 | |