Mission Statement of ME Department

      (Revised and approved 9/11/03)

The central mission of Northern Illinois University, founded in 1895, is the transmission, expansion, and application of knowledge through teaching, research, and public service. Within this framework, the mission of the Mechanical Engineering Department is to provide an up-to-date, high-quality engineering education that meets current professional engineering standards and prepares competent engineers for local and global industry; to develop and/or apply engineering knowledge to address societal needs; and to provide quality professional and public services.

Objectives of BSME Program:

The undergraduate ME program is designed to prepare students for successful careers by providing:

1. a balanced education in mechanical engineering that prepares students to apply analytical, computational, experimental and methodological tools to solve engineering problems;

2.  a strong foundation in mathematics and physical sciences;

3.  a broad and balanced general education in the humanities/arts, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies;

4.  sufficient training and development of skills for effective communication and team work;

5. a proper understanding of an engineer’s professional and ethical responsibilities in relation to engineering fields and society;

6.   recognition of the need for life-long learning.

ME Program Outcomes (ABET Outcomes):

A. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

B. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

C. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs

D. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams

E. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

F. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

G. An ability to communicate effectively

H. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context

I. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

J. Knowledge of contemporary issues

K. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Relationship of ME Program Objectives and Program Outcomes
                          ME Program Objectives

ME

                       Program Outcomes
To prepare students for successful careers by providing:

  1. a balanced education in mechanical engineering that  prepares  students to apply analytical, computational, experimental and methodological tools to solve engineering problems.

 A, B, C, E, K
  1. a strong foundation in mathematics and physical sciences
 A

  1. a broad and balanced general education in the humanities/arts, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies

 H, J
  1. sufficient training and development of skills for effective communication and team work
 D, G
  1. a proper understanding of an engineer’s professional and ethical responsibilities in relation to engineering fields and society
 F, H, J
  1. recognition of the need for life-long learning
 I
  Objectives of MSME Program

The objectives of the MSME program are:

  1. To provide a modern high-quality graduate program aimed at preparing the graduate students for advanced work in industry, research organizations, or advanced graduate work at the doctoral level.

  2. To develop faculty research at the forefront of their field and other scholarly activities in order to create an environment conducive to innovation in applied and basic areas of mechanical engineering.

  3. To develop excellence in thermal systems and in machine systems by fostering faculty/ student cooperation in closely-related theoretical and experimental investigations.

  4. To cooperate with other engineering departments of the college and the university in areas of mutual interest.
  MSME Program Outcomes  

A. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

B. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs

C. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams (including work outside of class)

D. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems and to conduct industrial research

E. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

F. An ability to communicate effectively in words and in writing

G. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

H. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice