Academics

Finite element computer model used to optimize the design of a light truck floorpan.

The M.E. Department offers four degree programs: bachelor of science (B.Sc.), master of engineering (M.Eng.), master of science (M.Sc.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), all in mechanical engineering. The department also offers a masters-level certificate program in conjunction with Speed School’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering. The B.Sc. and M.Eng. programs are individually accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The department is nationally known for its practice-oriented integrated B.Sc./M.Eng. program. UofL ME is the only U.S. mechanical engineering department with programs accredited at both the ABET's baccalaureate level and the masters level. The integrated B.Sc. and M.Eng. programs have their roots in a period last century when the consensus view among engineering educators was that five years of university training were required to equip engineers for professional practice. No mechanical engineering department in the nation has been accredited longer than UofL M.E. Our department is a charter member of the first group of American engineering programs reviewed and accredited in 1936. The exclusivity of the integrated B.Sc./M.Eng. programs is further increased by the inclusion of three mandatory semester-long cooperative internships. Students completing the five year curriculum graduate with two separately accredited degrees, a full year of professional experience, and the distinction of having graduated from the nationally and internationally renowned J.B. Speed School of Engineering.

Supporting the department’s academic programs are undergraduate and graduate-level courses covering every aspect of mechanical engineering technology. The faculty work diligently to add new courses in response to new developments in technology and the changing needs of employers.