Prescott Campus

Mechanical Engineering

  • OVERVIEW
  • ADVANTAGES
  • REQUIREMENTS
  • CAREERS
  • FACULTY

Overview

Mechanical engineering is the essential component of industries that rely on imagination, ingenuity and skill to implement their ideas. This is a very broad and continuously evolving field which focuses on the design of machines and mechanical systems - from miniature machines like Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) to incredible large and complex systems such as the Space Shuttle launch vehicle. The Mechanical Engineering program delivers thorough grounding in engineering fundamentals along with study of robotics, controls, machine design, and numerical modeling with curriculum tracks in robotics or propulsion. One area of focus includes uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs), planetary rovers and autonomous space vehicles; a second area is the design of propulsion systems including jet engines.

In this degree area the program requirements give students at Embry-Riddle Prescott the advantage of numerous hands-on lab and design experiences. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Modeling (CAM) software offer experience with industry-level solid modeling, finite elements, and computational fluid dynamics. Students use their knowledge, test analyses, and work in a team environment using modern equipment and the most relevant current tools and techniques of engineering analysis, design, and production.

Advantages

  • Our graduates are better prepared to enter the workforce after training that mirrors the real-life experiences and processes of industry engineers in a team setting.
  • The Senior Design Project is an experience that demonstrates to employers the ability to work with realistic constraints and practical considerations.
  • State-of-the-art lab facilities for coursework and special projects include a rapid prototyping lab, wind tunnel, manufacturing lab, composite lab, materials lab, machine shop, electronics labs, robotics lab, and propulsion lab.
  • Mechanical engineering students have opportunities for co-ops and internships with companies who consistently look to our campus for future employees: Boeing, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Cessna, Sikorsky, Rolls Royce and many others.

Requirements

Degree Requirements
Freshman Year
CourseTitleCredits
 Lower-Level Humanities -OR-
3
 Social Sciences
3
CEC 220Digital Circuit Design
3
CEC 222Digital Circuit Laboratory
1
COM 122English Composition and Literature
3
COM 219Speech
3
EGR 101Introduction to Engineering
2
EGR 115Introduction to Computing for Engineers
3
HU 14XLower-Level Humanities
3
MA 241Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
4
MA 242Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
4
PS 150Physics I for Engineers3
UNIV 101College Success

(1)+

Total Credits 
32
Sophomore Year
CourseTitleCredits
COM 221Technical Report Writing3
EGR 200Computer Aided Conceptual Design of Aerospace Systems3
ES 201Statics3
ES 202Solid Mechanics3
ES 204Dynamics3
ES 206Fluid Mechanics3
MA 243Calculus and Analytic Geometry III4
MA 345Differential Equations and Matrix Methods4
PS 160Physics II for Engineers3
PS 220Physics III Laboratory1
PS 250Physics II for Engineers3
Total Credits33
Junior Year
CourseTitleCredits
AE 408Turbines and Rocket Engines3
AE 430Control System Analysis and Design3
ME 430LControl System Laboratory1
ME 304Introduction to Machine Design3
ME 305Machine Design Laboratory1
ES 305Thermodynamics3
ES 320Engineering Material Science2
ES 321Engineering Material Science Laboratory1
ES 335Electrical Engineering I2
ES 336Electrical Engineering I Lab1
HU/SSLower-Level Elective3
ME 302Introduction to Robotics3
ME 415Modeling and Numerical Simulations of Energy and Environmental Systems3
PS 105General Chemistry I4
Total Credits33
Senior Year
CourseTitleCredits
EE CourseFor students taking the EE Capstone3
EC 225Engineering Economics3
ES 403Heat Transfer3
HU 330Values and Ethics3
MA 412Probability and Statistics3
ME 400Vibration and Acoustics3
ME 403Thermal Power Systems3
ME 406Robotics II -OR-3
ME 417Advanced Propulsion3
 Technical Elective2
 Preliminary Design4/3
 Detail Design4/3
Total Credits31
Total Degree Credits129
 
 

Careers

Aviation, aerospace, automotive, medical and manufacturing industries are just a few of the options that await graduates of this diverse major. Potential career opportunities include:

  • Government Agencies
  • Chemicals & Allied Products
  • Propulsion
  • Food & Beverage Processing
  • Biotechnology
  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology

Faculty

Mark Sensmeier Dr. Mark Sensmeier

Chair

Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Sensmeier’s areas of expertise are aerospace structures, composite materials and optimization.