Why Mechanical Engineering?
"Scientists dream about doing great things. Engineers do them".
--James A. Michener
Mechanical engineers design and develop everything you think of as a machine--from supersonic fighter jets to bicycles to toasters. And they influence the design of other products as well--shoes, light bulbs and even doors.
Many mechanical engineers specialize in areas such as manufacturing, robotics, automotive/transportation and air conditioning. Others cross over into other disciplines, working on everything from artificial organs to the expanding field of nanotechnology. Increasingly, mechanical engineers are needed in the environmental and biomedical fields. And some use their mechanical engineering degree as preparation for the practice of medicine and law.
The mechanical engineer may design a component, a machine, a system or a process. Mechanical engineers will analyze their design using the principles of motion, energy and force to ensure the product functions safely, efficiently and reliably, and can be manufactured at a competitive cost. Mechanical engineers work in the automotive, aerospace, chemical, computer, communication, paper and power-generation industries. Virtually every product or service in modern life has probably been touched in some way by a mechanical engineer.
Why Mechanical Engineering at Ole Miss?
Small Class Size
Engineering students at Ole Miss benefit from a student-to-teacher ratio that is lower that many of the large engineering programs. The low student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1 allows for close interaction between students and faculty.
A Great College Town
Oxford, Miss., home of Ole Miss, has been recognized by USA Today as one of America's premier college towns. The downtown Square is home to numerous independently owned restaurants, art galleries and a bookstore The New Yorker said was as good as any in New York City. Live music can be heard throughout the week in numerous venues. Add in Southeastern Conference Sports and nearby recreation areas including Sardis Lake and you've got the ultimate college experience.
Well-Rounded Engineers
Engineering students at Ole Miss gain strengths in more than just engineering. The university's strong foundation in liberal arts touches all students, and those in engineering are no exception. The engineering curriculum includes courses in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts and ethics.
Excellent Faculty
The Ole Miss mechanical engineering faculty are leaders in research, but teaching is also a high priority. Department faculty have won numerous national and university teaching awards.
Quality Students
Bright, ambitious students make for a stimulating learning environment, and the mechanical engineering department at UM is home to many high-achievers. Students in the department regularly receive top academic awards and scholarships during their undergraduate studies at UM. Mechanical engineering graduates often are accepted to some of the nation's top graduate programs.
Computer-Aided Design
State-of-the-art personal computers, mainframe computers and a supercomputer are readily available and routinely used as engineering tools throughout the curriculum. The program has quality teaching laboratories in structures and dynamics, materials science, energy and fluids.
Fully Accredited
The mechanical engineering program at The University of Mississippi is fully accredited by the A?????? B??????? E??????? T???????.
Goals and Objectives
- Provide students with an education that will prepare them to be successful mechanical engineers
- Conduct basic and applied research to enhance the academic experience for undergraduate and graduate students and to enhance the reputation of the department and the School of Engineering
- Serve industry, the engineering community, and the state of Mississippi, the nation and the world
Educational Objectives for Undergraduates
The following objectives were established by the mechanical engineering faculty, Advisory Board and student:
- Develop a clear understanding of the scientific principles and engineering applications of mathematics, chemistry, physics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials science, thermal sciences and the basic core
- Take courses across a broad curriculum that includes the humanities, social sciences, fine arts and ethics
- Develop effective communication skills, both verbal and written
- Achieve competence with a variety of computer systems/software; utilize the computer as an engineering tool
- Become familiar with up-to-date diagnostic engineering laboratory instrumentation and measurement techniques
- Master the principles of engineering design
- Learn to think analytically and creatively
- Prepare for the lifelong learning process that yields a successful career
Major Areas of Undergraduate Study
Foundational Courses:
- Calculus (with Elementary Differential Equations)
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering Analysis
- English, Social Sciences
- Humanities/Fine Arts
Basic Engineering Courses:
- Graphics
- Mechanics
- Materials
- Thermodynamics
- Electric
- Circuit Theory
- Fluid Mechanics
- Computer Science
- Systems
- Introduction to Design
Mechanical Engineering Professional Courses:
- Gas Dynamics
- Turbo-machinery
- Applied Fluid Mechanics
- Kinematic
- Synthesis
- Dynamics of Machinery
- Heat Transfer
- Senior Design
- Projects
- Structures and Dynamics Lab
- Energy and Fluids Lab
- Materials Science Lab
- and selected technical electives such as
- vibrations
- composites
- experimental methods
- and concurrent engineering
Let Us Prepare You For A Meaningful Career
- The University of Mississippi, School of Engineering,
- Engineering Admissions Office
- (662) 915-7007 or (800) 563-5780
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- (662) 915-7219 Phone/Fax