2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog

Mechanical Engineering, B.S.


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Mechanical engineering is a broad program of study that prepares students for careers in design, development, building, and testing mechanical and thermal systems, sensors, and devices. It is one of the most versatile engineering degrees and can encompass a focus across a wide range of topics. At Cal Poly Humboldt this includes extensive hands-on learning in laboratory classes with strong science and math theory applied to a broad range of mechanical engineering applications. Grounded in beautiful Humboldt County California, the program has a strong emphasis on sustainability and project-based learning throughout the curriculum. This program will be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).  

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major includes a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course.

General Education Modifications for Engineering Majors


The Cal Poly Humboldt engineering programs: Energy Systems Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Software Engineering programs have approval for the following GE requirements to be fulfilled by completion of all major coursework.

Lower Division  A3: Critical Thinking (3 Units), D: Social Science (3 Units), GE Area E: Lifelong Learning (3 Units); and Upper Division GE Area B: Math & Science (3 Units). In addition, the Cal Poly Humboldt engineering programs have approval for courses fulfilling requirements in American Institutions (6 Units) to count as fulfilling Lower Division GE (6 Units). It is recommended that Engineering majors choose NAS 200 to satisfy both GE area F and the U.S. History American Institutions requirements. 

Students who change out of these engineering majors are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar or the Academic & Career Advising Center regarding completion of GE requirements.

The following degree requirements must be fulfilled in addition to those listed below for the major:

  • Lower Division GE  Area A2: English Language Communication and Area C: Arts and Humanities (9 Units); 
  • American Institutions: U.S. and California State Government / GE Area D (3 Units) and U.S. History / Lower Division GE Area F / DCG: Domestic with NAS 200 (3 Units)
  • Upper Division GE Area C: Arts and Humanities (3 Units) and Area D: Social Sciences (3 Units)
  • Diversity and Common Ground (0-3 Units)

Requirements for the Major (96 Units)


A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses in the major. Grades of D+, D, F, WU, and NC count as failed attempts. Required courses in the major may not be repeated more than one time. If a student has two failed attempts in a required course, the student will not be able to graduate with a Mechanical Engineering degree.

Major Elective Program (12 Units)


With advice and approval of a Mechanical Engineering faculty advisor or the department chair, select one life science elective course and three senior engineering design courses from the following lists to form a coherent elective program.

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