Student Guidebook 2013 (PDF) - College of Engineering - The ...

Career Information
What can I do with this engineering major?
Mechanical Engineering
http://www.engr.utk.edu/mabe/
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the
application of the laws of solid and
fluid mechanics and the thermal sciences to the analysis,
design and/or manufacturing of systems and products.
Mechanical engineers play a key role in national, state
and local economies by bringing their expertise to the
development of power generation systems (such as steam
turbines, jet engines and internal combustion engines) that
provide mechanical power to all segments of society. They
also bring essential expertise to manufacturing processes,
efficient production methods and automation vital to the
well being of the national economy. Their expertise and
involvement in the analysis, design and development of
new products and materials for new devices and systems
produce economic activity and provide employment
opportunities which sustain high standards of living.
The mechanical engineering program at UT offers
fundamental education in the engineering sciences and
engineering design. The engineering science component
educates students in the fundamental principles of
engineering, while the engineering design component
emphasizes design methodology, enhances creative
skills and develops student ability to solve open-ended
problems of the type common to industry.
The undergraduate experience is broad-based and
includes, in the first two years, general education in
mathematics, sciences and preliminary design courses that
are common with curricula in other engineering programs.
The discipline of a rigorous technical program along with
education in the humanities and social sciences provides
a good foundation for a rich and rewarding career in a
dynamic marketplace.
The objectives of the mechanical engineering degree
program are:
developing their skills in problem formulation, problem
solving, analysis, computation, synthesis, teamwork and
effective communication
mechanical and thermal systems and the application of
these principles in the design process
of lifelong learning, individual professionalism and
ethical practice
major universities
Career Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering
Because of the broad-based education received in
mechanical engineering, mechanical engineers play a
vital role in a wide variety of industries (e.g., aerospace,
automotive, electronics, power utilities, chemical,
petroleum, textile, manufacturing); federal agencies (e.g.,
NASA, DOE, DOD, FAA); and consulting firms and national
laboratories (e.g., ORNL, SANDIA). In these different
sectors, mechanical engineers are involved in analysis
and design of systems and products; manufacturing,
automation and control of production and processes;
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; and
research. Mechanical engineers are also found at every
level of management.
Mechanical engineers have been and will continue to be in
great demand in all of the areas listed above.
22