Academic Catalog

2025-2026

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Engineering Technology with a Major in Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSET)

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Nathan Luetke, Program Director

The MET program offers courses at the senior level specializing in mechanical systems design, mechatronics systems, marine systems, manufacturing systems, and nuclear systems. Students in this program take common courses in areas such as computer-aided drafting, statics, strength of materials, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and automation and controls. The program culminates in a senior project that integrates coursework with a practical project assignment in the student's area of interest. Graduates should be qualified for application positions in mechanical product design, development and manufacturing, mechanical system operation and maintenance, field operations, and various other technical functions.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program is to sustain a high-quality undergraduate program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree. It is a significant component of the University's commitment to science, engineering, and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region. Through ODUGlobal, the mechanical engineering technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate level studies. Simultaneously, the program supports the general education components that yield a well-rounded graduate who is aware of societal needs and issues.

Program Educational Objectives

The objective of the mechanical engineering technology program is to prepare graduates to establish themselves as successful professionals in mechanical systems or related areas during the first few years of their careers by having demonstrated their ability to:

  1. Identify and solve increasingly complex technical problems, both theoretically and practically, as raised by continually evolving technologies and industry needs and practices.
  2. Make educated, responsible, and ethical decisions in response to the needs of the profession and society, with these decisions solidly grounded in science and engineering fundamentals.
  3. Work effectively as member or leader of technical teams and clearly communicate ideas leading to successful team outcomes.

Student Outcomes

After deliberations by its constituents, the mechanical engineering technology program has adopted five student outcomes for the Bachelor of Science program in mechanical engineering technology. These outcomes are listed below:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
  2. an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
  3. an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
  4. an ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
  5. an ability to function effectively as a member, as well as, a leader on technical teams.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Criteria. 

The curriculum prepares MET graduates with the knowledge, techniques, skills, and use of modern equipment in mechanical engineering technology. Baccalaureate degree graduates build on the strengths of associate degree programs by gaining proficiency in the analysis, applied design, development, implementation, or oversight of more advanced mechanical components, systems, or processes. The following curricular topics are covered:

  1. Application of principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing;
  2. Use of computer-aided drafting and design software;
  3. Perform selection, set-up, and calibration of measurement tools/instrumentation;
  4. Elements of differential and integral calculus;
  5. Manufacturing processes;
  6. Material science and selection;
  7. Solid mechanics (such as statics, dynamics, strength of materials, etc.);
  8. Mechanical system design;
  9. Thermal sciences (such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, etc.);
  10. Electrical circuits (AC and DC) and electronic controls;
  11. Application of industry codes, specifications, and standards; and
  12. Technical communications are typically used in the preparation of engineering proposals, reports, and specifications.

The capstone experience, ideally multidisciplinary, must be project-based and include formal design, implementation, and test processes.