Educational Objectives

These educational objectives are statements that describe the expected accomplishments and professional status of mechanical engineering graduates beyond the baccalaureate degree. The Mechanical Engineering program at The University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to graduating mechanical engineers who in 3-5 years after graduation can:

  • Practice mechanical engineering in the general stems of thermal/fluid systems, mechanical systems and design, materials, manufacturing and other emerging areas in industry and government settings.
  • Pursue advanced education, research and development, and other creative efforts in science and technology.
  • Participate as leaders in activities that support service to and economic development of the region, state, nation and world.
  • Conduct themselves in a responsible, professional and ethical manner.

Student Outcomes

The mechanical engineering faculty has defined 7 educational outcomes that students in the program are expected to achieve by the time of graduation. These outcomes are:

  • Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • Ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • Ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • Ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • Ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • Ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The mechanical engineering curriculum meets these outcomes by providing breadth and depth across a range of topics:

  • A combination of college-level mathematics and basic science courses (some with experimental work) that includes mathematics, probability and statistics, physics, and chemistry
  • Engineering courses that develop a working knowledge of graphics and computer-aided design, engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, kinematics, dynamics and control of mechanical systems, computational methods, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, materials science and engineering, mechatronics, technical communication, and engineering economics
  • Mechanical engineering project and laboratory experiences that develop competence in measurements and instrumentation, interpretation of data, reverse engineering analysis of mechanical systems, use of computational tools for engineering analysis, integration of multidisciplinary topics in design of complex systems, teamwork and project planning, and written and oral communication
  • A sequence of engineering design courses, culminating in a major capstone design experience in collaboration with an industrial sponsor, that draws on the knowledge and skills students have acquired in earlier coursework and incorporates modern engineering standards and realistic constraints
  • Core curriculum courses, including social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and visual and performing arts electives, that complement the technical content of the curriculum
  • A broad range of senior elective options that provide a career gateway to further study and lifelong learning in the practice of engineering and other professions
  • Many courses throughout the curriculum are structured to motivate the study of engineering science by challenging students with in-depth analysis of real mechanical components and systems. In these courses, students address real-world projects based on current industrial methods and practices to connect theory with practice.

The Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.