University of South Florida
Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E. Program
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) at the University of South Florida provides students with a comprehensive education in mechanical systems, energy conversion, materials, and manufacturing processes. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications to prepare graduates for careers in various industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.
Students in the B.S.M.E. program develop expertise in mechanical design, thermal-fluid systems, solid mechanics, and dynamic systems through a curriculum that emphasizes analytical skills, creativity, and hands-on experience.
Program Highlights:
- ABET-accredited program meets industry standards
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Optional concentrations in aerospace, energy systems, or manufacturing
- Strong industry partnerships and co-op opportunities
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
Admission Requirements
Freshman Admission
First-year students must meet USF's general admission requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Satisfactory completion of college preparatory curriculum including 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics (including pre-calculus or higher), 3 units of natural sciences, and 2 units of social sciences
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional policies may apply)
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants should have completed the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5:
- MAC 2311 Calculus I
- CHM 2045 General Chemistry I
- PHY 2048 General Physics I with Calculus
Important Note: Transfer students should consult an academic advisor early to ensure proper course sequencing. Some engineering courses may not transfer directly and may need to be evaluated by the department.
Curriculum Requirements
The B.S.M.E. degree requires a minimum of 128 semester credit hours, including:
University General Education Requirements (36-41 credits)
- English Composition (6 credits)
- Humanities (6 credits)
- Fine Arts (3 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences including laboratory (6-8 credits)
- Mathematics (9 credits)
- Diversity and Gordon Rule Communication requirements
Pre-Professional Requirements (23 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGN 1000 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EGN 3000 | Introduction to Engineering Design | 3 |
| MAC 2311 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MAP 2302 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHY 2048 | General Physics I with Calculus | 3 |
Engineering Core Requirements (20 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGM 3511 | Engineering Mechanics - Statics | 3 |
| EGM 3513 | Engineering Mechanics - Dynamics | 3 |
| EGN 3331 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| EGN 3333 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| EGN 3343 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| EGN 3433 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
| EML 3015 | Computational Analysis | 2 |
Mechanical Engineering Major Requirements (31 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EML 3100 | Thermodynamics of Mechanical Systems | 3 |
| EML 3031 | Introduction to Design of Mechanical Systems | 3 |
| EML 3500 | Mechanical Design I | 3 |
| EML 4500 | Mechanical Design II | 3 |
| EML 3105 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| EML 4600 | Heat Transfer | 3 |
| EML 4220 | Vibrations | 3 |
| EML 4315 | Feedback Control Systems | 3 |
| EML 4141 | Design of Machine Elements | 3 |
| EML 4804 | Mechanical Engineering Senior Design I | 2 |
| EML 4805 | Mechanical Engineering Senior Design II | 2 |
Laboratory Requirements (2 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EML 4301L | Machine Engineering Laboratory | 2 |
Technical Electives (9 credits)
Students must select 9 credits from upper-level mechanical engineering electives.
Approved electives include:
- EML 4230 - Finite Element Methods
- EML 4241 - Composite Materials
- EML 4316 - Modern Control Systems
- EML 4325 - Robotics and Automation
- EML 4450 - HVAC Systems Design
- EML 4475 - Internal Combustion Engines
- EML 4550 - Mechanical Behavior of Materials
- EML 4826 - Renewable Energy Systems
Course Progression
Freshman Year
- MAC 2311 - Calculus I (4)
- CHM 2045 - General Chemistry I (3)
- CHM 2045L - General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- EGN 1000 - Introduction to Engineering (2)
- ENC 1101 - Composition I (3)
- General Education elective (3)
- MAC 2312 - Calculus II (4)
- PHY 2048 - General Physics I (3)
- PHY 2048L - General Physics I Lab (1)
- EGN 2123 - Computer Tools for Engineers (2)
- ENC 1102 - Composition II (3)
- General Education elective (3)
Sophomore Year
- MAC 2313 - Calculus III (4)
- MAP 2302 - Differential Equations (3)
- PHY 2049 - General Physics II (3)
- EGM 3511 - Engineering Mechanics - Statics (3)
- EGN 3333 - Thermodynamics (3)
- EGN 3331 - Mechanics of Materials (3)
- EML 3100 - Thermodynamics of Mechanical Systems (3)
- EGN 3343 - Fluid Mechanics (3)
- EGM 3513 - Engineering Mechanics - Dynamics (3)
- General Education elective (3)
Junior Year
- EML 3031 - Introduction to Design of Mechanical Systems (3)
- EML 3015 - Computational Analysis (2)
- EML 3105 - Fluid Mechanics (3)
- EGN 3433 - Numerical Methods (3)
- General Education elective (3)
- EML 3500 - Mechanical Design I (3)
- EML 4220 - Vibrations (3)
- EML 4301L - Machine Engineering Lab (2)
- Technical Elective I (3)
- General Education elective (3)
Senior Year
- EML 4500 - Mechanical Design II (3)
- EML 4600 - Heat Transfer (3)
- EML 4315 - Feedback Control Systems (3)
- Technical Elective II (3)
- Technical Elective III (3)
- EML 4804 - Mechanical Engineering Senior Design I (2)
- EML 4805 - Mechanical Engineering Senior Design II (2)
- EML 4141 - Design of Machine Elements (3)
- Technical Elective IV (3)
- General Education elective (3)
Important Notes:
- Elective courses should be selected in consultation with an academic advisor to ensure proper sequencing and alignment with career goals.
- Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all coursework and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in major courses.
- Some course prerequisites may affect individual progression plans.
Student Opportunities
Research
Mechanical engineering students at USF have numerous opportunities to engage in research with faculty mentors. Current research areas include:
- Renewable energy systems
- Biomechanics and medical devices
- Advanced manufacturing
- Nanomaterials
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Thermal management of electronics
- Fluid dynamics
Student Organizations
Mechanical Engineering students can join several professional organizations:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society)
- Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering Honor Society)
Internships and Co-ops
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has strong relationships with industry partners, providing students with ample internship and cooperative education opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete at least one industrial experience prior to graduation.
Success Data: Over 90% of USF mechanical engineering graduates secure job offers or graduate school admission within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates is approximately $65,000.
Career Pathways
Graduates of USF's Mechanical Engineering program are well-prepared for careers in various engineering fields:
Industry Options
- Aerospace and defense
- Automotive and transportation
- Energy and power generation
- Manufacturing and robotics
- Biomedical engineering
- Environmental and HVAC systems
- Product design and development
Additional Opportunities
- Graduate studies in mechanical engineering or related fields
- Professional licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE)
- Research and development positions
- Entrepreneurship and technology commercialization
- Patent law with additional legal studies
- Engineering management with additional business education
Licensure
The curriculum prepares graduates for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. Students are encouraged to take the FE exam during their senior year.
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