UW-Stout's Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering prepares you for a career involved in the design and manufacture of nearly everything from micro-scale objects to medical devices and airplanes. Mechanical engineers design new machines, research the latest technology, and work in teams with other professionals to convert ideas into real products.
Our program includes all aspects of the engineering design process, and combines logical thinking skills with creativity in a curriculum that includes:
- Mechanics
- Kinematics
- Thermal and fluid sciences
- Materials science
- Structural analysis
- Electronics
We offer a dynamic and practical polytechnic learning environment:
- State-of-the-art labs and facilities
- Hands-on experiences
- A required co-op or internship experience
- Opportunity to work closely with faculty
- Many active student professional organizations
Wisconsin’s broad base of manufacturing requires many mechanical engineers to design new machines or research the latest technology. UW-Stout's Mechanical Engineering program offers one of the most highly-sought engineering degrees by both students and employers in the region. As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, UW-Stout has been filling a distinct need for hands-on engineers, especially in the manufacturing sector.
The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering will meet requirements for accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, Inc. Coursework prepares graduates to work for a broad range of employers, but will primarily focus on the needs of Wisconsin manufacturers. The program has a strong emphasis on application of theory to practice and experimentation, and requires a cooperative work experience with an approved employer. Graduates will also have the same opportunities for advanced degree work that many UW-Stout engineering graduates have pursued.
As a student in the Mechanical Engineering program, you must have an aptitude for science and mathematics. We encourage you to take as many upper-level math and science courses in high school as possible, including mathematics through algebra and trigonometry, plus physics and chemistry. Early development of computer skills is also very helpful.
Starting Out
Industry's mechanical engineering problems are not only technical in nature. They're also social and economic. As a mechanical engineer, you must, therefore, have a broad education. The first two years of your program will include English composition, communication, and other general education offerings, as well as mathematics, physics and engineering fundamentals.
As You Progress
Science and mathematics classes form the foundation for engineering science courses, and their application to analysis, synthesis and creative design. As you work through the program, the courses will emphasize modern manufacturing techniques such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), robotics, and microprocessor control of manufacturing. You'll receive extensive laboratory experience in those and related areas, including computer-controlled manufacturing systems, statistical process control, electronic instrumentation, and materials processing and testing.
New Freshmen
- Rank in the top 40 percent of your class (or for high schools that do not rank, earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) with a minimum ACT math score of 22 (or SAT equivalent)
or - have a minimum ACT score of 22 (or SAT equivalent) with a minimum ACT math score of 22 (or SAT equivalent)
Students who do not meet one of the academic requirements above will be admitted as Pre-Engineering and may qualify for the Engineering major by completing the appropriate courses at UW-Stout.
Transfer Students
1. Both "Test A" and "Test B" below must be satisfied:
- Test A
- have a minimum ACT composite score of 22 (or SAT equivalent)
or - rank in the top 40 percent of your high school graduating class (or for high schools that do not rank, earn a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
- have a minimum ACT composite score of 22 (or SAT equivalent)
- Test B
- have a minimum ACT math score of 22
2. You have transferred either of the following Calculus courses with a grade of "B" or better (note: a grade of "B-" is not sufficient):
- MATH-153: Calculus I or MATH-156: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
3. You have transferred the following sequence of courses with an earned cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale:
- MATH-153: Calculus I or MATH-156: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH-154: Calculus II or MATH-157: Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- PHYS-291: Statics or PHYS-281: University Physics I
- CHEM-135: College Chemistry I
If you do not meet any of the academic requirements above, but do meet the requirements for general admission to the university, you will be admitted to the university as Pre-Engineering. You may qualify for the engineering major by meeting either requirement 2 or 3 once at UW-Stout.
Program Educational Objectives
The Mechanical Engineering program develops mechanical engineers who are:
- In demand by engineering employers as contributors of innovative solutions to complex problems
- Recognized for their ability to apply engineering expertise with an understanding of design and manufacturing
- Recognized for their teamwork skills, leadership, and initiative
- Committed to high ethical standards, global perspectives, and principles of social responsibility and social justice
- Continuing to develop professionally as engineers through formal and informal education
Student Learning Outcomes
The mechanical engineering program at UW-Stout will prepare graduates for successful careers in mechanical engineering related professions and other career paths. The program will prepare students to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, administrated by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Upon completing the degree program at UW-Stout, students will have attained the following outcomes as defined by the ABET-EAC accreditation requirements:
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- An ability to communicate effectively
- The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
- A knowledge of contemporary issues
- An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Entry Positions
The program will serve employers who seek an application-oriented program with an ability to closely collaborate with small to medium-sized businesses as demonstrated by the many successes of UW-Stout’s Discovery Center. As Wisconsin businesses embrace new technologies and diversify into new market spaces, mechanical engineers are needed to meet business opportunities and challenges in:
- manufacturing
- pharmaceuticals
- healthcare
- construction
- pulp and paper
- food processing
- microelectronics
- electronic and advanced materials
- polymers
- business services
- law
- environmental health and safety
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of mechanical engineers is expected to grow nine percent from 2010 to 2020.” The BeBold 2 Report indicates that manufacturing is one industry sector that is expected to see particularly high employment demand in Wisconsin in the coming years and mechanical engineers are a critical component of these job markets.
