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Undergraduate Academic Counseling
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What can I do with a major in....?

Engineering

The mechanical and electrical engineering curricula combine the study of basic sciences, general engineering, design and mechanical or electrical engineering with the study of the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on applied engineering. Our mission states: "We provide a practical, values-based learning experience that produces well-rounded, innovative engineers and technology leaders who have the technical skills, passion and courage to make a difference."

Students graduating with a major in either mechanical or electrical engineering will meet the program objectives and outcomes designed to exceed the requirements of the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board. These are a comprehensive set of criteria designed to provide graduates with the technical, ethical, attitudinal and communications skills required to be a productive contributor to society and to aggressively seek life-long learning experiences. These program objectives and outcomes are designed to provide the graduate with a foundation for clear thinking and expression in a balanced liberal arts educational program. Graduates will demonstrate competence in a variety of skills that enhance their ability to solve problems in diverse ways to meet the needs of the global community. Graduates will also develop teamwork and communication skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the design process and engineering systems.

Required Courses for the Electrical Engineering Major

Required Courses for the Mechanical Engineering Major

Transferable Skills
BSME and BSEE Program Educational Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Competence to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking required for innovative engineering performance
Identify, formulate, and solve novel electrical engineering problems

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking required for innovative engineering performance
Liberal Arts Problem Solving and Design
Communicate effectively in written and oral presentations

Understanding and execute ethical behaviors in all professional activities

Understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context

M motivation and ability to engage in lifelong learning

Knowledge of contemporary issues
The ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems, even in the presence of incomplete knowledge bases

The ability to design a component, system, or process to meet desired needs

The ability to function in various productive roles in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
Experimentation, Computation and Analysis
Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze, synthesize, and interpret data

Use computational tools with an awareness of their shortcomings

Apply knowledge of engineering, science, and mathematics

Apply advanced mathematics, multivariate calculus, differential equations, linear algebra and statistics

Competence to use techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Career Opportunities

Engineering & Engineering Management Graduate Studies in Engineering
Design engineer
Systems engineer
Manufacturing engineer
Engineering researcher
Process engineer
Engineering management
Manufacturing management
Sales engineer

Mechanical
Electrical
Artificial intelligence
Bioengineering
Aerospace
Civil
Other engineering fields

Graduate Studies in Related Fields 
Law
Medicine
Business
 

Graduate and Professional Schools

University of St. Thomas Graduate Engineering Programs

On Campus Sources for More Information

Engineering Department Academic Counseling Office
O'Shaughnessy Science Hall, Room 101
651.962.5750
O'Shaughnessy Education Center, Room 119
651.962.6300
Career Development Center
Murray Herrick Hall, Room 350
651.962.6761

Internet Sources for More Information on Mechanical Engineering Careers

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Mechanical Engineering Jobs

U.S. Department of Labor- Mechanical Engineers

Society of Women Engineers

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Society of Automotive Engineers

Thoughts on a Mechanical Engineering Major from Current and Past Students

Chris Liedman

Class of '00

I grew up in a small town where the family business was a bowling alley. Thus my background was strong in math, mechanical and electrical systems. I always like taking things apart and attempting (with less success than intended) to reassemble them. Engineering was a logical choice for me. I
was fortunate enough to win a UST Math/Science Scholarship and decided to attend UST. My original intent was to spend 2-3 years at UST and then move on to the U of M for an engineering degree. I came to UST for its reputation in the sciences, I stayed at UST for the engineering department. After my sophomore year and getting to know the engineering faculty, I had no desire to leave UST engineering. The faculty's strong industrial background and focus on applications makes UST engineering a very attractive package.

What can I do with a UST BSME? Well, the short answer is "Anything I want." The engineering department gave me the background in mechanical systems, materials and electrical systems that I needed to be successful in a multitude of industries. Currently, I (and another UST BSME 2000) work for
Siemens in their building automation division. We design HVAC control systems and use our mechanical and electrical backgrounds every day.

 Kyle Peterson

Class of '98

I graduated from The University of St. Thomas in 1998 with a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering. I am now employed as a Patent Attorney with the Minneapolis law firm of Merchant & Gould. My engineering degree has been an invaluable tool in helping me understand my client's technologies so I can
help them build sound and comprehensive Intellectual Property portfolios.

The professors at St. Thomas were excellent, and genuinely want to see their students succeed. They do a great job of integrating the practical side of engineering with the theoretical side. I believe St. Thomas graduates have
a distinct advantage because they come from an academic environment that combines the benefits of a liberal arts education with an engineering education. In today's business environment, it is increasingly important that engineers are able to effectively communicate complex concepts verbally and in writing.

 

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Last updated:  September 30, 2008

Undergraduate Academic Counseling
119 O'Shaughnessy Educational Center
2115 Summit Avenue Mail#4016 St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
Phone: (651) 962-6300   (800) 328-6819 ext. 26300
Fax: (651) 962-5965

Comments, questions, or feedback can be directed to gkwilbur@stthomas.edu

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