Mechanical Engineering

About the Department

Dr. The Nguyen, Department Chair
Engineering East Building, Room 154B
559.278.1675
engineering.fresnostate.edu/mechanical/

Mechanical engineering is the use of basic science in the design and manufacture of components and systems. This requires the application of physical and mechanical principles in the development of machines, energy conversion systems, materials, and equipment for measurement and control. Knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry lies at the core of this field. Application of this knowledge uses engineering technology – a disciplined way of thinking, modeling, and testing that enables development of new systems despite incomplete information and uncertainty.

The undergraduate and graduate programs in mechanical engineering provide basics and advanced studies in design, advanced materials, alternative energy and sustainable systems, thermo-fluids, engineering mechanics, mechatronics and controls. All areas include statics, dynamics, materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and experimental methods. Application areas in design include mechanics of materials, applied mechanics, structural and manufacturing aspects of producing equipment, and vibrations. Application areas in thermal and fluid mechanics focus on energy conversion and include combustion, heat engines, refrigeration, and fluid flow.

Students should consult with their advisers to select the proper courses that emphasize their areas of interest.

Attainment of Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Professional Engineering (PE) licensure are strongly recommended as first steps in professional lifelong learning.

Mission

Our mission is to provide a broad-based, practice-oriented Mechanical Engineering education that enables graduates to become technically-proficient, professional leaders through innovative, entrepreneurial, multi-interdisciplinary engagement in the community and lifelong learning.

Program Educational Objectives 

The alumni (within three to five years after graduation) of the Mechanical Engineering program at California State University, Fresno will:

1. Be engaged in a professional career or graduate studies using knowledge and skills obtained in their ME education;
2. Become leaders and effective communicators actively involved in their community for the betterment of society.

Student Outcomes-BSME

Upon the successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at California State University, Fresno, students will have achieved the following:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Interesting Classes You Might Take

• Fundamentals of Machine Design
• Fluid Mechanics
• Elements of Systems Design
• Energy Systems Design

What You Can Learn

• Design of conventional and alternative energy conversion systems
• How to design, build, and test prototype engineering systems
• Theory and practice in air conditioning including psychrometrics, load estimating, heating and cooling systems, and fluid design and controls

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering.

Co-op Program

The department participates in a cooperative education program (Valley Industry Partnership (VIP) for cooperative education) which allows the student to gain industrial experience and financial benefits through projects with local companies.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical Engineering is the discipline that focuses on design of many types of machinery and equipment used in transportation, manufacturing, air and space transportation; consumer products; robots; biomedical devices; and energy conversion systems. Mechanical engineers use thermodynamics, heat transfer, dynamics, thermal and fluid mechanics, design software, engineering materials, and the principles of mathematics and science to develop solutions to problems. Students can achieve a level of specialization through elective courses in machine design or thermal systems. A major goal of the program is to provide its graduates the analytical and practical skills needed to perform mechanical design in a variety of fields.

What You Can Earn

• Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Median Salary: $77,900 (in Fresno region)
• Mechanical Engineer II Median Salary: $94,900 (in Fresno region) 

Source: HR Reported data from salary.com as of Spring 2024

What You Can Do

Postgraduate study in:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Biomedical
• Manufacturing
• Mechatronics
• Transportation

Programs

• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.

• Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Option, M.S.