Program objectives
Our society values mechanical engineers for their general ability to solve complex problems and for their constant efforts to improve the living quality and standard of all people.
Undergraduate studies
in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth
University prepare the student well for challenging careers in
mechanical engineering discipline for the 21st century
. Mechanical
engineering students at VCU will first acquire a strong foundation in
physics and mathematics, followed by engineering courses that will
enable them to creatively design mechanical and thermal systems. The
undergraduate curriculum also prepares the students for further studies
(and careers) in law, business, management and medicine.
Program objectives: The mechanical engineering faculty together with its Industrial Advisory Board has developed the following set of program objectives. These are broadly stated goals pertaining to career and professional accomplishments desired of our students two, five and ten years after graduation. The following four objectives have been identified as the program’s overarching goals for successful graduate achievement that will satisfy constituents’ needs and fulfill the missions of the program, school and university. These objectives were revised in summer 2005 and approved by our Industrial Advisory Board on Sept. 12, 2005.
Objective 1. Technical knowledge
Graduates will possess a mastery of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering necessary to be productive engineers in industry or government, and/or succeed in graduate or other professional schools. This objective fulfills one of the key missions of Virginia Commonwealth University by providing individuals with a depth of knowledge in a specific field so that they may realize their full potential as informed, productive citizens with a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Our goal is that within one year of graduation, our graduates will be professionally employed or in good academic standing in a graduate or professional school. Furthermore, we expect that our graduates will be recognized as being technically competent by their employers. We also expect that graduates who choose to pursue postgraduate studies will successfully obtain the advanced degree(s) they desire.
Objective 2. Problem solving skills
Graduates will be able to formulate, analyze, and creatively solve multidisciplinary technical problems through the use of modern engineering tools, be they experimental, analytical or numerical. This objective recognizes that in order to remain competitive, companies need engineers who can creatively overcome the real technological challenges facing our state and nation, and that the ability to utilize modern engineering tools is essential to meeting these challenges. We expect that by providing our students with multidisciplinary technical problem solving skills, our graduates will be valued employees, and as a result, will earn competitive salaries and advance along their desired career path.
Objective 3. Communication skills
Graduates will be able to communicate clearly and effectively with fellow engineers, employers, and the general public. This objective recognizes that in order for individuals to be successful, they must be able to interact and share ideas with others. For engineers, this includes both technical and nontechnical audiences. We expect that developing strong communication skills will immediately benefit our graduates by enabling them to effectively discuss their qualifications with prospective employers, and thus enable them to successfully compete for the best available jobs. Furthermore, because communication skills are essential to effective leadership and management, our graduates who desire to assume leadership and management positions will begin to attain these roles within five years of graduation.
Objective 4. Professionalism
Graduates will possess the skills needed to fulfill their professional duties and responsibilities in teamwork, collegiality, ethics, technical leadership, business acumen and lifelong learning. This objective underscores the need for professional diversity and a lifelong commitment to learning emphasized in mission statements of the school and university. We expect that developing these attributes will enable our graduates to successfully advance along their desired career path. Furthermore, we expect that within ten years of graduation, our alumni will be recognized as leaders in their profession and community.