The department has a goal of producing well-educated mechanical engineers, who will be successfully employed at the regional and national levels, or who will continue on with graduate studies. In particular the department's goal is to supply the greater New Orleans area, the state of Louisiana, and the region with competent mechanical engineers, while addressing the special needs of the oil (onshore and offshore), petrochemical/process, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. In support of the urban mission of the University, the undergraduate program has particular emphasis on serving non-traditional as well as traditional students.

The department of mechanical engineering will fully employ emerging technologies in the classroom and research settings, will establish bilateral relationships with industry, and will foster personal discovery.

The department will continue its commitment to scholarship and research and the development of graduate programs.

The UNO mechanical engineering curriculum will be accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The department will establish planning and processes that will allow it to continuously improve its ability to accomplish its mission and meet the needs of its constituencies.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1. Produce graduates with a proficiency in the general areas of mechanical engineering consistent with Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) criteria and the skills necessary for successful professional development.
2. Provide educational opportunities to support the needs of regional industries.
3. Support the urban mission of the University, with particular emphasis on serving qualified non-traditional students in the Greater New Orleans area.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

All graduates of the mechanical engineering program are expected to have:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.
3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
4. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
7. An ability to communicate effectively.
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context.
9. A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in lifelong learning.
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
12. An ability to apply probability and statistics, and advanced mathematics, including multi-variable calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.
13. An ability to apply thermal/fluids concepts to mechanical engineering practice.
14. An ability to apply solid mechanics concepts to mechanical engineering practice.