Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

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 1B: Critical Thinking (3 Units), Lower Division 4: Social Sciences (3 Units); and Upper Division GE Area 2/5: Mathematics or Sciences (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 6 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 1A: Written Communication, Area 3A: Arts, and Area 3B: Humanities (9 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. and California State Government / Lower Division GE Area 4 (3 Units) and U.S. History / Lower Division GE Area 6 / DCG: Domestic with NAS 200 (3 Units)
Upper Division GE Area 3: Arts or Humanities (3 Units) and Upper Division Area 4: Social Sciences (3 Units)
Diversity and Common Ground (0-3 Units)

Major Academic Plan, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

Program MAPs represent recommended or possible pathways toward degree completion in four years (or two years for transfer students). Please see an advisor and use the DARS planner to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

Mechanical Engineering, B.S. MAP

Mechanical Engineering, B.S. Transfer MAP

Requirements for the Major (93 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.

Lower Division (41 Units)

CHEM 109 - General Chemistry I Units: 5
ENGR 115 - Introduction to Engineering Units: 3
ENGR 123 - Engineering Fabrication Units: 1
ENGR 205 - Introduction to Design Units: 3
ENGR 210 - Solid Mechanics: Statics Units: 3
ENGR 225 - Computational Methods for Engineering I Units: 3
ENGR 226 - Computational Methods for Engineering II Units: 3
MATH 109 - Calculus I Units: 4 ^[1]
MATH 110 - Calculus II Units: 4
MATH 210 - Calculus III Units: 4
PHYX 109 - General Physics A: Mechanics Units: 4
PHYX 211 - General Physics C: Electricity, Magnetism Units: 4
^[1]The MATH 109B & MATH 109C Calculus series may be taken in place of MATH 109.

Upper Division (43 Units)

PHYX 315 - Introduction to Electronics and Electronic Instrumentation Units: 3
ENGR 313 - Systems Analysis Units: 3
ENGR 317 - Dynamic Systems and Vibrations Units: 4
ENGR 326 - Computational Methods for Engineering III Units: 3
ENGR 330 - Mechanics and Science of Materials Units: 3
ENGR 331 - Thermodynamics and Energy Systems I Units: 3
ENGR 333 - Fluid Mechanics Units: 4
ENGR 417 - Heat and Mass Transport Processes Units: 4
ENGR 340 - Manufacturing I Units: 4
ENGR 464 - Measurements, Instrumentation, and Control Units: 4
ENGR 365 - Machine Design Units: 3
ENGR 492B - Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design I Units: 2
ENGR 492CW - Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design II Units: 3

Major Elective Requirements (9 Units)

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

Mechanical Engineering Electives

Complete a total of three courses. At least one course must be from List A.

Mechanical Engineering Elective List A
ENGR 421 - Advanced Numerical Methods for Engineers I Units: 3
ENGR 433 - Advanced Manufacturing Processes Units: 3
ENGR 462 - Mechatronics Units: 3
ENGR 468 - Materials Processes Units: 3
ENGR 471 - Thermodynamics and Energy Systems II Units: 3
Mechanical Engineering Elective List B
CS 444 - Robotics Units: 4
ENGR 418 - Applied Hydraulics Units: 3
ENGR 434 - Air Quality Management Units: 3
ENGR 473 - Building Energy Analysis Units: 3
ENGR 475 - Renewable Energy Power Systems Units: 3
ENGR 478 - Electricity Grids and Distributed Renewable Energy Units: 3
ENGR 481 - Selected Topics with Engineering Design Units: 3
ENGR 498 - Directed Design Project Units: 1-3 (Required Units: 3)

Mechanical Engineering Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will:

Apply engineering analysis and design to solve problems related to mechanical, electromechanical, manufacturing, or thermal systems, incorporating social and environmental factors.
Practice their professions with the highest standard of care, demonstrating respect for social, ethical, cultural, environmental, economic, and regulatory concerns.
Continue their professional development by advancing their knowledge and skill base through obtaining engineering licensure and other certifications, completing postgraduate study, and/or other appropriate means…continually advancing their knowledge and skill base.
Demonstrate leadership in the profession as well as in diverse and interdisciplinary team settings, drawing out the best in their co-workers and effectively communicating and collaborating with a range of constituents and the public.