Summary: The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering BSME curriculum consists of credit hours of course work and is multifaceted, rigorous, communications intensive and hands-on. In addition, opportunities exist to establish an area of specialization through one of the Minors to the BSME e. Project Management: Their Mechanical Engineering education is the first challenging project aspiring engineering students face, and in true engineering fashion, it is best to plan and manage it in order to maximize the benefits while minimizing costs monetary and otherwise.
Timing: The curriculum is designed for a four year program under the condition that the student approaches it as a full-time job. Students who need to work their way through college or have time commitments to other activities e. LSU Band, Athletics, a double major, etc. This is much preferable than risking a decrease in performance and Grade Point Average GPA because of overload, which may inhibit them from accessing employment opportunities.
Added Value - Practical Experience: The MIE Department faculty also strongly recommends the pursuit of industry internships and co-ops as a means of developing practical skills, exploring potential employers and earning money to defray cost of living and education expenses. Most engineering employers use their pool of interns as the primary source for filling full-time, entry-level engineering positions. Added Value - Minors: If their educational plan calls for a prolonged stay, students are also encouraged to pursue one or more areas of specialization through Minors to the BSME that are offered through the MIE Department or other programs.
These typically require at least 6 credit hours in addition to the plain BSME credit hour count. This rigorous program culminates in the year-long Capstone "Senior" Design course sequence that requires student teams to conceive, design, manufacture and test an engineered system, piece of equipment or apparatus.
Often these projects are sponsored by persons or organizations outside the University, and especially so by industry. Many of the projects are multi-disciplinary in nature and are undertaken by interdisciplinary teams.
