Mechanical and Materials Engineering ProgramsWhat is Mechanical Engineering?Mechanical engineering is a broad field that involves the application of science and mathematics to the design of mechanical systems and components. Cars are mechanical devices, and so are fans, fork lifts, wheelchairs, computer printers, dentist drills, and refrigerators. Design is an important activity practiced by Mechanical Engineers and it is the focus of our undergraduate (BSME) program. To paraphrase Henty Petroski, design is the selection of objects for an intended purpose. Everyone designs. Engineers use their knowledge of science and mathematics, their ability think creatively, and good design processes to make selections of and prescriptions for material objects or processes with the intention of achieving some useful purpose. Design is fun. Practicing design with good engineering skills is also rewarding, and beneficial to society. To learn more about the Mechanical Engineering Profession, visit the web pages of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or ASME. What is Materials Engineering?Materials engineering is also a broad field that involves applying knowledge of chemistry, physics and many aspects of Mechanical Engineering to the creation and selection of materials. Some engineering problems can be solved by the correct choice of material. Sometimes it is necessary to create new materials with specific properties, for example hardness, fracture resistance, wear resistance, or flexibility. Materials engineering also involves joining or other treatments of materials necessary to obtain a desired effect. Degrees OfferedThe Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department currently offers one undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), and four graduate degrees, Master of Mechanical Engineering (MENG), Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME), Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MSMSE), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The following links provide additional details on our courses and programs. If you have any questions please contact the MME office.
The PSU Bulletin is the official reference for all degree programs. Any information on this web site or blue sheets used for advising should be consistent with the Bulletin. In the event that any inconsistencies are discovered, the version is the Bulletin is definitive and final. |
