Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.


The training of the mechanical engineer is the broadest among the several fields of engineering. The mechanical engineer uses the techniques of mathematics combined with a specialized knowledge of the thermal and energy sciences, solid and fluid mechanics, and the properties of materials. This information is supplemented by an understanding of manufacturing processes, the design and control of systems, and the economics of the technological community.

Our graduates will be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and mechanical engineering to the solution of problems, particularly in the areas of thermodynamics and energy systems; heat transfer; fluid mechanics; mechanical systems and controls; mechanical design; finite element methods and computer-aided graphics; manufacturing; instrumentation; and experimental method.

Consistent with the Vision and Mission statements of the University of Kentucky and the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, the undergraduate program in mechanical engineering will prepare our graduates for successful practice or academic pursuits in mechanical engineering. We expect our graduates to attain the following Program Educational Objectives:

  1. Our graduates will be employed in mechanical engineering or a variety of related fields as professionals, or attend graduate and professional schools in their career paths.
  2. Our graduates will continue their education and professional growth by supporting or participating in professional societies, licensure programs, short courses, or other professional development activities.

Degree Requirements


Each student must complete the following:

UK Core Requirements


See the UK Core section of this Catalog for the complete UK Core requirements.   The courses listed below are (a) recommended by the college, or (b) required courses that also fulfill UK Core areas. Students should work closely with their advisor to complete the UK Core requirements.

I. Intellectual Inquiry in Arts and Creativity


II. Intellectual Inquiry in the Humanities


III. Intellectual Inquiry in the Social Sciences


IV. Intellectual Inquiry in the Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences


V. Composition and Communication I


VI. Composition and Communication II


VII. Quantitative Foundations


VIII. Statistical Inferential Reasoning


Choose one course from approved list. Recommended:

IX. Community, Culture and Citizenship in the USA


X. Global Dynamics


Subtotal: UK Core hours: 33


Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR)


Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement hours (GCCR): 3


Subtotal: Premajor hours: 43


Subtotal: Major hours: 51


Subtotal: Guided Electives: 3-4


Electives


  • Math Elective Credit(s): 3***
  • Technical Electives Credit(s): 9

Subtotal: Elective hours: 12


Total Hours: 127


Curriculum


§ Transfer students will take  EGR 215 - INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF ENGINEERING FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS , in place of EGR 101  and EGR 103 .

Δ Students must complete both EGR 101  and EGR 103  to fulfill the UK Core Arts and Creativity requirement. Transfer students may satisfy the UK Core Arts and Creativity requirement by taking EGR 215 .

*To be selected from UK Core courses in consultation with the academic advisor.

**Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course.

***Mathematics Elective - choose one course from approved list.

†Technical Electives - choose 9 hours from approved list.

Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Senior Year


Second Semester


Subtotal: Mathematics Elective: 3


Technical Electives


Choose 9 hours from the following:*

*A minimum of 6 credit hours (two courses) must have an ME prefix or be cross-listed as an ME course. A maximum of 3 credit hours (one course) may be chosen from technical electives with prefixes other than ME. Exceptions only with the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Non-ME Technical Electives