Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science Degree

Mechanical Engineering (ME) is the branch of engineering that looks at the mechanical world. Mechanical engineers can design motors, vehicles, manufacturing equipment, machinery, robotics, medical devices and prosthetics, and the materials which are used. Mechanical engineering projects such as the Space Shuttle, nuclear power plants, wind turbines, Segways, and battery design illustrate the diversity within the field of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers require strong communication skills, which complement their broad technical training. Mechanical Engineers, especially those in private practice, usually must be licensed professional engineers. 

Our program provides breadth across the discipline and a balance between theory and application. In addition, a large number of the courses provide students opportunities for hands-on learning. The program provides graduates the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the marketplace in a wide variety of fields, from manufacturing to nanotechnology to product research and design.

The educational and career objectives of the program are to provide graduates with i) a solid foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, humanities and social sciences and the fundamentals of engineering design and analysis; ii) the technical knowledge and critical thinking skills required for the professional practice of mechanical engineering, for seeking advanced degrees and to begin the professional licensure process; and iii) the development of communication skills, teamwork, lifelong learning, and understanding of professional, ethical and social responsibility within a global context, including sustainable design. SUNYIT’s engineering facilities will include a full machine shop, a rapid prototyping machine, specialized software (Pro-Engineer, Algor, MATLab), plotters, and the computers required to run the software. Using a project based learning environment, engineering skills and aptitudes are challenged from theory to practice, enabling and preparing SUNYIT ME graduates to thrive and capitalize on future research and development opportunities.

The ME program offers two options: manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering. The manufacturing engineering track focuses on preparing students to work for manufacturers. The mechanical engineering track focuses on preparing students for jobs in industry and graduate school.

Degree Requirements Overview
The requirements for the BSME program at SUNYIT are governed not only by the State Education requirements, but also those of EAC/ABET. In order to earn the BSME degree, the student’s coursework must include:

  • One year of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences (some with experimental experience) appropriate to mechanical engineering;
  • Nearly two years of engineering topics, consisting of engineering sciences, engineering design, and engineering topics appropriate to mechanical engineering;
  • A general education component that complements the technical content of the mechanical engineering curriculum and is consistent with the program and institution objectives;
  • A professional component that covers career issues and provides flexibility to choose electives that support the business side of engineering (e.g., finance and/or other business courses)

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering—128 total credits

Students shall satisfy the requirements listed below.

I. SUNY General Education Requirements (30 credits)

All SUNY students must satisfy the following requirements.

No fewer than 30 credits must be attained from the SUNY approved General Education Course List with the following provisions:

  • Mathematics (MAT 151 Calculus I recommended by program)*
  • Basic Communication (ENG 101 or equivalent)

At least five (5) out of the following eight (8) SUNY General Education categories:

  • Natural Science (CHE 110 recommended by program)*
  • Social Science 
  • American History
  • Western Civilization
  • Other World Civilization
  • Humanities
  • The Arts
  • Foreign Language

The ME Program recommends the completion of a three course sequence as follows:

  • IDS 102, IDS 103, & IDS 201 to meet Humanities, West. Civ, Other World Civ, and The Arts or you may take one course from each of these four categories. 

NOTE: You may take more than one course in a given category to complete this 30 credit hour requirement, but you must also satisfy the appropriate number of categories.

II. Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirements (32 credits) 

The New York State Education Department (SED) requires a student earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree to attain no fewer than 60 credits of combined SUNY General Education and Liberal Arts/Sciences courses. There may be overlap between courses meeting both the SUNY General Education Requirements and Liberal Arts/Sciences Requirements, but a student may receive course credits only once even if multiple requirements are satisfied by a single course. The total number of combined credit hours must be no fewer than 60 credits.

SUNYIT degree requirements:

  • Natural Sciences: one course which may be a General Education Natural Science course. 
  • For Mechanical Engineering students, the requirement is satisfied by CHE 110 with a lab.
  • Upper-Division Writing Course (COM 306)

Specific requirements for Mechanical Engineering majors:

  • MAT 151 Calculus I*
  • MAT 152 Calculus II
  • MAT 230 Differential Equations
  • MAT 253 Calculus III
  • MAT 340 Linear Algebra OR MAT 450 Partial Differential Equations
  • MAT 460 Numerical Differential Equations
  • CHE 110 Essentials of Chemistry *
  • PHY 201 Physics I calc-based
  • PHY 202 Physics II calc-based 

Liberals Arts/Sciences Electives (remainder of credits)

III. Engineering Program Coursework (66-68 credits)

  • ESC 110 Introduction to Engineering
  • ESC 120 Design Tools and Processes
  • ESC 210 Engineering Mechanics: Statics
  • ESC 220 Materials Science
  • ESC 230 Mechanics of Materials
  • ESC 240 Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics
  • ESC 350 Solid Mechanics with Lab
  • ESC 370 Experimental Methods
  • ECE 260 Electrical Circuits
  • ME 220 Kinematics and Mechanisms
  • ME 310 Design and Manufacturability
  • ME 320 Fluid Mechanics
  • ME 330 Thermodynamics I
  • ME 390 Machine Design
  • ME 410 Heat and Mass Transfer
  • ME 440 Sustainable Energy Or ME 446 Modeling of Dynamic Systems 
  • ME 480 Capstone Design Experience I
  • ME 482 Capstone Design Experience II

IV. Mechanical Engineering Electives (must take FOUR courses from list below which may include up to 8 credit hours from MAT 3xx, PHY 3xx, or BIO 3xx)

  • ME 412 Finite Element Analysis
  • ME 430 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  • ME 440 Sustainable Energy Or ME 446 Modeling of Dynamic Systems 
  • ME 450 Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems
  • ME 470 Computational Fluid Dynamics