Mechanical Engineering (MEC)

Mechanical engineering is one of the core disciplines of engineering and it encompasses a large number of subdisciplines that are at the heart of both traditional and leading edge technologies. It is a broad profession concerned with activities such as energy conversion, power generation, design, and manufacturing. The theoretical and technical bases of knowledge include the pure sciences, mathematics, and the engineering sciences, especially the mechanics of solids and fluids, thermo­dynamics, and kinematics. Mechanical engineering requires aptitude and interest in the physical sciences and the language of mathematics, and the ability to apply these to societal needs. The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,

The educational objectives of the undergraduate mechanical engineering program at Stony Brook University recognize that students have a variety of career objectives and a choice of industrial environments in which to pursue them. While the majority of our graduates are immediately employed in industry, a significant percentage pursues graduate study. Most of the students entering graduate schools continue with mechanical engineering studies. However, some go to law, business, and medical schools. The mechanical engineering curriculum provides students with a core education in mathematics and the physical sciences along with a broad sequence of courses covering thermal processes and fluid mechanics, mechanical design, solid mechanics, and the dynamic behavior and control of mechanical systems. Students also take courses that introduce them to the use of advanced computational methods for engineering design and analysis as well as data processing and analysis. A series of laboratory courses introduces them to sensors and electronics, modern instrumentation and experimental techniques used in engineering for tasks ranging from product design, evaluation, and testing to re­search. In addition, students can select electives to provide either higher level academic training in preparation for graduate school or a broader exposure to subjects related to engineering practice to enhance their preparation for a job after graduation.

Program Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the mechanical engineering program are to prepare our graduates to:

1. Establish a successful career in mechanical engineering or related fields in industry and other organizations where an engineering approach to problem solving is highly valued.

2. Contribute significantly in a multidisciplinary work environment with high ethical standards and with an understanding of the role of engineering in the economy and the environment.

3. Excel in graduate study and research, reaching advanced degrees in engineering and related disciplines.

4. Achieve success in professional development through life-long learning.

Program Outcomes

To prepare students for the above educational objectives, we have adopted the following set of program outcomes that describe what they are expected to attain when they graduate:

a. the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to mechanical engineering problems (in particular, a knowledge of chemistry and calculus-based physics with depth in at least one, an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations, and a familiarity with statistics and linear algebra);

b. the ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and interpret data;

c. the ability to work professionally in both the thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems to meet desired needs;

d. the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;

e. the ability to function as a member of multidisciplinary teams;

f.  a solid understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;

g. an ability to communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual form;


i. a recognition of the need for and the ability to engage in life-long learning;

j. a knowledge of contemporary issues; and

k. the ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and computing tools necessary for engineering practice.

More details about the program ed­uca­tional objectives and outcomes can be found at