Mechanical Engineering

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, and manufacture engines, machines, and other mechanical devices for the benefit of society. They work on power-producing machines such as automobile and jet engines. They also develop power-using machines such as air-conditioners, robots, machine tools, and manufacturing equipment.  Mechanical engineers are also at the forefront of newly developed technologies such as bioengineering, nanoengineering, environmental engineering, and renewable energy.  Our Mechanical Engineering curriculum includes study in the following areas:

• Thermal Sciences, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer with applications in the efficient conversion of energy that allows the development of commercial power plants, environmentally friendly lawn mower engines, and cryogenic medical devices used to treat cancer.
• Mechanics and Materials, including the analysis of machine elements, materials, and dynamics to improve products such as artificial knees, automobile suspensions, and space vehicles.
• Design and Manufacturing, including application of manufacturing processes and integration of engineering fundamentals from the thermal science, mechanics and materials areas in analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and machinery.  

The Mechanical Engineering Program prepares program graduates to work for small or large companies in most industries throughout Southern California, the United States, and internationally. Graduates may work in most industries, including aerospace, automotive, bioengineering, environmental, product design and manufacturing industries.  The Program also prepares graduates for a career in government, to enter graduate school in an area related to Mechanical Engineering, as well as to pursue a professional degree, for example in business, law, or medicine. 

The Educational Objectives of the USD Mechanical Engineering Program are to develop graduates who are able to:

• Apply their mechanical engineering and broad academic backgrounds in their professional and personal endeavors
• Adapt to evolving job responsibilities
• Communicate effectively
• Collaborate and provide leadership in a team environment.