Program Distribution Requirements for the Mechanical Engineering Major
The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 7), students wishing to receive the ABET-accredited degree designated “Mechanical Engineering” must satisfy certain additional distribution requirements. These requirements apply to 10 units of study in the areas of mathematics, basic science, and engineering science and design as follows:
Mathematics and Basic Science (Minimum 11/3 Units)
Mathematics (Minimum 6/3 Units)
Chemistry (Minimum 1/3 Units) and Physics (Minimum 2/3 Units) *OR* Physics (Minimum 1/3 Units) and Chemistry (Minimum 2/3 Units)
Additional Mathematics and/or Basic Science (Minimum 2/3 Units)
Mechanical Engineering Science and Design (Minimum 19/3 Units)
Programming (Minimum 1/3 Unit)
Must include 1/3 unit in programming.
Electrical Engineering (Minimum 1/3 Unit)
Must include 1/3 unit in electrical engineering (ECE 2010 or any ECE course other than ECE 1799).
Materials Science (Minimum 1/3 Unit)
Must include 1/3 unit in materials science.
Mechanical Engineering Experimentation (Minimum 1/3 Unit)
Must include 1/3 unit in mechanical engineering experimentation.
Mechanical Engineering Electives (Minimum 4/3 Unit)
Elective courses from engineering disciplines may be selected at the 2000 or higher level. They may also include ES and ME courses at the 1000 level. 2/3 Unit of elective credits must be selected from ME 2000 or ME 3000 level courses or ES 3011 Control Engineering 1 or ES 3323 Advanced Computer Aided Design.
Two Stems of Coherent Course and/or Project Offerings:
Mechanical Systems (Minimum 4/3 Units)
A minimum of 4/3 unit of work in mechanical systems that includes the topics of statics, stress analysis, and dynamics, plus 1/3 unit at or above the 4000 level that integrates mechanical design.
Thermofluid Systems (Minimum 4/3 Units)
Must include a minimum of 4/3 unit of work in thermofluid systems that includes the topics of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, plus 1/3 unit at or above the 4000 level that integrates thermofluid design. ES 3001 may be replaced by CH 3510 or PH Thermodynamics. If CH or PH is used to cover thermodynamics, this course counts as a science; another engineering elective is then required.
Major Qualifying Project (Minimum 3/3 Unit)
Each Mechanical Engineering student must complete a Major Qualifying Project.
Enhanced Programs
Bachelor/Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering
Outstanding students are encouraged to combine a master’s degree with their undergraduate WPI studies. Details are found in the WPI Graduate Program section of this catalog, and interested students should initiate discussions with their advisor early in their junior year.
Cooperative Education Program
The WPI Cooperative Education Program provides an opportunity to integrate “real-world” experience into an educational program.
