Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a broad field that contains many areas. Students are offered a wide variety of topics that touch on as many of these areas as possible in a balanced four-year program. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice, and to provide a foundation for lifelong learning as well as professional growth.

The course of study begins with a strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering sciences, and culminates in a series of synthesis and design courses. These require the student to apply material learned in foundation courses to practical design problems in various areas. Traditional classroom instruction is supplemented with laboratory experiences in four areas. The laboratory courses are designed to develop the student’s knowledge base with a hands-on learning experience.

The program educational objectives express expectations of the program graduates' abilities within the first few years after successfully completing this comprehensive curriculum. (1) Graduates in professional practice perform the duties of a Mechanical Engineer consistent with the expectations of employers. (2) Graduates pursue advanced studies or engage in other life-long learning activities.

The diversity encountered in the profession requires the successful Mechanical Engineer to have technical and non-technical skills. Courses in the humanities and social sciences enhance non-technical skills, and explore the engineer’s relationship with, and responsibility to, society. Students learn that as professionals, they identify with other engineers, and that the welfare of the public is of prime concern. These non-technical courses allow the student to interact and communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals. One important supplement to this study is a series of lectures on engineering ethics and professionalism.

This well-rounded curriculum equips typical Mechanical Engineering graduates of the University of Memphis with the skills and perspectives required for success in a variety of professional roles. These include ability to conduct project design work, to manage projects, to interface successfully with the public, to continue their education, to conduct themselves with a professional demeanor, with propriety, and with a comportment that will make them an asset to the profession.

ADMISSION: Admission to the university will allow a student to be in a pre-mechanical engineering major. Movement into the major requires: 1) a cumulative GPA of 2.25 for all university level courses completed, 2) a grade of at least a "C" for each of the following 5 courses (or equivalents), and 3) a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 for these 5 courses. 

MATH 1910 Calculus I
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I
PHYS 2110 Science/Engineering Physics I
MECH 1307 Mechanical Engineering Computing I
MECH 1309 Mechanical Engineering Computing

Pre-mechanical engineering majors may not register for MECH courses at or above the 3000-level. Exceptions to these criteria are at the discretion of the department chair.

GRADUATION: To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, the student must satisfy University and College requirements, and obtain a minimum 2.0 grade point average on all work completed, and obtain a minimum grade of "C" in all engineering, mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses used to satisfy degree requirements.

Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)

A. University General Education Program (36 hours)

See Graduation from the University for University General Education Program requirements. Note the following requirements are specified for this program: Communication: ENGL 3603 instead of COMM 2381; Mathematics: MATH 1910 (students who have not had MATH 1730 or its equivalent must take it before enrolling MATH 1910). Social/Behavioral Sciences: ECON 2110 must be taken in addition to 3 hours from the other specified choices; Natural Science: PHYS 2110/2111, 2120/2121.American Heritage: waived for B.S.M.E. students who have completed one unit of American history in high school.

B. College and Degree Requirements (26 hours)

Mathematics (11 hours): MATH 1920, 2110, and 3120.

Natural Science (8 hours): CHEM 1110/1111; and one of the following: CHEM 1120/1121, BIOL 1110/1111.

Collateral Courses (7 hours): CIVL 2131: EECE 2281 (1), 2283.

C. The Major (66 - 67 hours)

1. Completion of MECH 1307, 1309, 2332, 3311, 3312, 3320, 3321, 3322, 3323, 3325 (1), 3331, 3335 (1), 3341, 4300 (1), 4311, 4312, 4314 (4), 4322, 4323 (4), 4335, (1);

2. 12-13 hours of electives approved by the advisor. Students who declare a concentration must take the courses as designated in the following concentrations:

a. Biomedical Systems: MECH 4350 (4), and one course approved by an advisor from the following: MECH 4326, 4365, 4391.

b. Energy Systems: MECH 4314 (4) and two courses approved by an advisor from the following: MECH 4305, 4309, 4313, 4315, 4331, 4333, 4337, 4369, 4391.

c. Mechanical Systems: MECH 4323 (4) and two courses approved by an advisor from the following: MECH 4320, 4324, 4325, 4330, 4340, 4344, 4345, 4346, 4360, 4371, 4383, 4384, 4391.

Typical 4-Year Mechanical Engineering Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 128

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

HONORS PROGRAM: The Honors in Mechanical Engineering Program provides an exceptional educational opportunity for highly motivated students to develop their talents, interests, and abilities within a curriculum designed to encourage independence and creativity.
Admission to the Honors Program: Incoming freshmen who score a minimum of  26 on the ACT or its equivalent are invited to participate. Transfer students or students previously enrolled at The University of Memphis are eligible for the program if they have an overall grade point average of 3.00 and a grade point average of 3.25 for course work within the Herff College of Engineering. The departmental honors committee admits eligible students to the program upon approval of the Application for Admission to the Mechanical Engineering Honors Program. Students with academic records that fall short of these requirements may apply for provisional acceptance.
Retention in the Honors Program: Participants must maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 and a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for course work within the college to continue in the program. The departmental honors committee may grant participants failing to meet this requirement a one semester probationary period before they are dismissed from the program.
To qualify for “With Honors in Mechanical Engineering”, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 18 semester hours from the following: 1) MECH 4395 and MECH 4396, and 2) 12 credits of mechanical engineering honors courses. Honors sections of both lower and upper division mechanical engineering courses are offered regularly and are included in the Class Schedule. Mechanical engineering honors courses will also count toward the University Honors Program requirements. To  enroll in mechanical engineering honors sections, student must request departmental approval. A minimum grade of “B” is required in each honors course for it to count toward fulfilling the honors course requirement, but regular credit for the course will be earned if the grade is lower than a “B”.
THESIS: A participant must select a major advisor during the first semester senior year and enroll in MECH 4395. Successful completion of this course requires acceptance of a thesis proposal by the departmental honors committee. During the second semester of the senior year a participant must enroll in MECH 4396. Successful completion of this course requires acceptance of a thesis by the departmental honors committee.
DESIGNATION OF “WITH HONORS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING”: Students successfully completing the prescribed course work will have earned the designation of “With Honors in Mechanical Engineering.” This designation will be recognized at the commencement ceremony and it will appear on the transcript and diploma.