Mechanical Engineering Degree Mission and Outcomes

Mission Statement

At Stephen F. Austin State University, our mechanical engineering program embodies the core values of our department, college and institution, integrating teaching, research and service to foster a community of learning and innovation. With a focus on the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering, we strive to provide students with a rigorous yet practical education that prepares them for the challenges of the profession. Through a balanced curriculum that combines theoretical concepts with hands-on experiences, industry-aligned projects, and collaborative endeavors, we aim to instill in our graduates not only technical proficiency, but also a sense of responsibility and a commitment to positive societal impact. By nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical awareness, we endeavor to cultivate a new generation of engineers who are equipped to excel in their careers and empowered to contribute positively to the betterment of society.

Program Educational Objectives

The following program educational objectives outline the expected achievements of our mechanical engineering graduates within a few years of graduation:

1. Progress in the engineering profession or pursue graduate education in engineering or related fields, equipped with a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles and practices.
2. Commit to lifelong learning and professional development, adapting to evolving technologies and industry demands to remain competitive in the engineering field.
3. Exemplify competence, integrity and ethical responsibility in all aspects of mechanical engineering practice.

These program educational objectives serve as a framework for curriculum development and student assessment, ensuring graduates possess the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to excel in their chosen career paths.

Student Outcomes

The department has adopted the following engineering student outcomes to be assessed through the undergraduate engineering curriculum. These outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to skills, knowledge and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. All SFA mechanical engineering  graduates should have:

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.

Mechanical Engineering Enrollment by Academic Year

Mechanical Engineering Degrees Awarded by Academic Year