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Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Education in the United States

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Conference

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Location

Virtual On line

Publication Date

June 22, 2020

Start Date

June 22, 2020

End Date

June 26, 2021

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Technical Session: Curriculum and Education

Tagged Division

Mechanical Engineering

Page Count

28

DOI

10.18260/1-2--34964

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/34964

Download Count

587

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Paper Authors

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Chean Chin Ngo California State University, Fullerton

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Chean Chin Ngo is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at California State University Fullerton, and he is currently the Department Chair for Mechanical Engineering. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, all from The University of Oklahoma. He taught at the University of North Dakota before joining Cal State Fullerton.

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Sang June Oh California State University, Fullerton

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Sang June Oh is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at California State University Fullerton, and he is currently the Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, all from Columbia University. His previous academic experience includes postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University before joining Cal State Fullerton.

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Abstract

The first part of the paper provides an overview of the current state of higher education in mechanical engineering-related undergraduate degree programs in the United States by examining the number, types, and availability of these programs in different states in the United States. The second part of the paper provides a summary of the examination of the curricular structure and requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering (BSME) degree programs in the United States. For ease of comparison, only sample curricula from 201 public universities on semester systems are considered. A total number of 125 BSME degree programs are selected for the present study. In particular, the total number of units requirement as well as the curricular component of the degree requirements in mathematics and science, major core requirements, technical electives, and general education are examined. This paper also addresses how each BSME program designs and implements its curriculum to prepare students in either mechanical or thermal systems. This paper is also intended to discuss how each program incorporates first-year experience, hands-on laboratory experience, and capstone design experience in the curriculum. In summary, a map of higher education in mechanical engineering-related programs is provided in the first part of this paper, while the latter part will be helpful for educators to learn of the current mechanical engineering curriculum trends in the United States.

Ngo, C. C., & Oh, S. J. (2020, June), Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Education in the United States Paper presented at 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual On line . 10.18260/1-2--34964

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