Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Otterbein
The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Otterbein University is an ABET-accredited program built on the core principles of engineering science, including stress analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. These foundational concepts are applied throughout the curriculum to the design and development of mechanical systems, machines, and consumer products.
From the very first courses, students engage with the engineering design process, learning how to create solutions that meet or exceed real-world performance specifications. Each stage of study reinforces the importance of innovation, precision, and critical thinking in design.
Mechanical engineers of the future must do more than solve technical problems. They need to understand how their work affects people and the world around them. That’s why our program also emphasizes cultural awareness, economic understanding, and ethical responsibility.
By combining rigorous mechanical analysis with a strong focus on design and a foundation in the liberal arts, our graduates gain the well-rounded skills needed to create effective, responsible, and forward-thinking engineering solutions. They leave Otterbein ready to design mechanical systems that perform with excellence and make a positive impact on society.
Mechanical Engineering Courses by term:
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Year 1 | PHYS 1500 (Physics I) – 5hrs MATH 1700 (Calculus I) – 4hrs ENGR 1000 (Engr Funds I) (WI) – 3hrs ENGR 1001 (Engr Funds I lab) – 1hrs FYS (Freshman Year Seminar) – 3hrs Total: 16 hours |
PHYS 1600 (Physics II) – 5hrs MATH 1800 (Calculus II) – 4hrs ENGR 1010 (Engr Funds II) – 3hrs ENGR 1011 (Engr Funds II lab) – 1hrs INST 1500 (Integrative Studies) (WI) – 3hrs Total: 16 hours |
| Year 2 | MATH 2700 (Multivariable Calculus) – 4hrs ENGR 2000 (Statics/Mech of Matls) – 4hrs CHEM 1700 (Engr Chemistry) – 3hrs CHEM 1710 (Engr Chemistry lab) – 1hrs INST (Integrative Studies) – 3hrs Total: 15 hours |
MATH 2500 (Linear Algebra) – 3hrs ENGR 2100 (Dynamics) – 3hrs MENG 2000 (Thermodynamics) – 3hrs MENG 2001 (Thermodynamics lab) – 1hrs Free Elective – 3hrs INST (Integrative Studies) – 3hrs Total: 16 hours |
| Year 3 | MATH 3100 (Ordinary Diff Eqns) – 3hrs ENGR 3100 (Production Processes) – 3hrs ENGR 3101 (Production Processes lab) – 1hrs MENG 3000 (Machine Design I) – 3hrs ENGR 3500 (Statistics and QC) – 3hrs INST (Integrative Studies) – 3hrs Total: 16 hours |
MENG 3010 (Electrical System II) – 3hrs MENG 3011 (Electrical Systems II lab) – 1hrs MENG 3100 (Machine Design II) – 3hrs ENGR 3200 (Materials Engineering) – 3hrs LFW (Lifestyle Fitness and Wellness) – 1hrs INST (Integrative Studies) – 3hrs Total: 14 hours |
| Year 4 | MENG 4100 (Fluid Dynamics) – 3hrs ENGR 4100 (Automated Systems) – 3hrs ENGR 4101 (Automated Systems Lab) – 1hrs INST (Integrative Studies) – 3hrs INST (Integrative Studies) – 3hrs Total: 13 hours |
MENG 4000 (Heat Transfer) – 3hrs MENG 4001 (Thermal Sciences Lab) – 1hrs MENG 4800 (Senior Capstone Design Project) (WI) – 3hrs ENGR Electives (4 Hrs. Total) – 4hrs SYE (Senior Year Experience) – 3hrs Total: 14 hours |
| Total Hours = 120 | ||
Overall Requirements:
- Total Math & Science – 32 credits (26.7%)
- Total major – 85 credits (does not include MATH 1700)
- Total Gen Ed – 35 credits (includes MATH 1700, FYS, SYE, LFW, INST (x7) and free elective)
4 Credits of Engineering Electives Can be Satisfied By:
- ENGR 4999s based on faculty areas of interest/research (Spring; 2 Credit Hours each)
- ENGR 3050 (Numerical Analysis, Fall, 3 Credit Hours)
- Any Systems Engineering (ENGR) course, level 3000 or higher not required in the ME major
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| 1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. | Knowledgeable, Engaged |
| 2. 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. | Engaged, Responsible |
| 3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences. | Multi-Literate |
| 4. 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. | Responsible |
| 5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives. | Engaged, Responsible |
| 6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions. | Knowledgeable, Engaged |
| 7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. | Inquisitive |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
Apply
Now!