Mechanical Engineering is a creative discipline that draws upon a number of basic sciences to design devices and products that benefit society. Mechanical Engineering studies the formulation, design, development, and control of systems and components involving solid mechanics, dynamics and controls, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, manufacturing and the conversion of energy into useful work.
The curriculum is based on a strong foundation of fundamental courses in the pure sciences, engineering and professional courses. The curriculum also provides a background in the design, development, and application of both complete systems and individual system components in many different fields. This background is strengthened and integrated through application in a sequence of broad engineering design and laboratory courses. Additionally, professional technical report writing is emphasized in several courses. Computers are used extensively throughout the curriculum, with emphasis on interactive computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. The department also has a significant amount of equipment for experimental investigations and has access to the university computer systems, both digital and analog. Ample opportunities are provided for professional development of students through participation in engineering society chapter activities, regional and national design contests, and visits to design exhibitions. The Cooperative/Internship program is also available to qualified students.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering welcomes transfer students from Illinois community colleges. Students find it easy to continue their studies at NIU if they plan well. Therefore, following the guidelines in this brochure while completing an Associate's Degree is highly recommended[1]. The classes listed below should assist you in obtaining an Associate in Science Degree from Elgin Community College. However, students should always work closely with their community college advisor. Please contact the Counseling Center at Elgin Community College for more help in planning your academic career.
| Courses at ECC | Equivalent courses at NIU | |
| CHM 142 | General Chemistry I | CHEM 210+212 |
| MTH 123 | Computer Science for Engineers | CSCI 240 |
| EGR 101 | General Engineering Drawing | MEE 270 (dept will adjust credit, inquire at orientation) |
| EGR 152 | Statics | MEE 210 |
| EGR 252 | Dynamics | MEE 211 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | ENGL 103 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | ENGL 104 |
| MTH 133 | Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I | MATH 229 |
| MTH 134 | Calculus w/Analytic Geometry II | MATH 230 |
| MTH 201 | Calculus w/Analytic Geometry III | MATH 232 |
| PHY 111 | Engineering Physics | PHYS 253 |
| PHY 112 | Engineering Physics | PHYS 273 |
| SPH 101 | Fundamentals of Speech | COMS 100 |
| [1]Northern Illinois University permits students to transfer up to a maximum of 66 semester hours of community college credit. Only A.A and A.S. degrees satisfy NIU's general education requirements. | ||
General Education Requirements
NIU's College of Engineering and Engineering Technology no longer requires sequences in Social Sciences and Humanities. Therefore, students only need to satisfy NIU's general education requirements. When choosing general education/core competency courses please consult with your ECC advisor, verify general education requirements in the NIU Undergraduate Catalog, and check the Community College Articulation Tables for transferability.
Remaining classes to be taken at NIU's College of Engineering and Engineering Technology to earn a major in Mechanical Engineering.
| ELE 210+210U | Engineering Circuit Analysis + Lab |
| ISYE 220 | Engineering Economy |
| MATH 336 | Ordinary Differential Equations |
| ISYE 335 OR STAT 350 |
Statistics for Engineering Introduction to Probability and Statistics |
| MEE 212 | Strength of Materials |
| MEE 220 | Mechanism Design |
| MEE 321 | Mechanical Vibrations I |
| MEE 322 OR ELE 380 |
Dynamic Systems & Control I Control Systems I |
| MEE 330 | Materials Science |
| MEE 331 | Manufacturing Processes |
| MEE 340 | Fluid Mechanics |
| MEE 350 | Engineering Thermodynamics |
| MEE 352 | Heat Transfer |
| MEE 380 OR MEE 381 |
Computational Methods in Engineering Design |
| Computational Methods and Programming in Engineering Design | |
| MEE 390 | Experimental Methods in Mechanical Engineering I |
| MEE 430 | Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing |
| MEE 452 | Design of Thermal Systems |
| MEE 470 | Design of Machine Elements |
| MEE 481 | Engineering Design Seminar |
| MEE 482 | Senior Mechanical Engineering Design Project |
| MEE 494 | Mechanical Engineering Competency |
| UEET 101 | Introduction to Engineering |
A total of three technical electives from Group-A and Group-B below with at least two from Group-A.
Group-A, design oriented electives: MEE 410, MEE 421, MEE 422, MEE 423, MEE 424, MEE 425, MEE 426, MEE 431, MEE 451, MEE 453, MEE 484, MEE 490.
Group-B, other electives: ISYE 430, ISYE 431, ISYE 439, ISYE 450, ISYE 451, TECH 344, TECH 345.
For more information on the Department of Mechanical Engineering write or call:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
CEET EB 226
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115-2854
(815)753-9979
Visit our Home Page. This site provides information on course descriptions, course syllabi, lab tours, faculty profiles, student organizations, suggested 4-year degree plan, other useful links, etc.
For undergraduate application materials contact:
Office of Admissions
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115-2857
(800)892-3050 (toll-free in Illinois)
or (815)753-0446
Apply on-line at: http://www.admissions.niu.edu/admissions/
For more information on transfer programs at Elgin Community College contact:
Counseling Center, SRC-143
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
(847)888-7390
Disclaimer: Although NIU attempts to accommodate the course requests of all students, some course offerings may be limited by financial, space, and staffing considerations, or may otherwise be unavailable. Nothing in this brochure may be construed to promise or guarantee registration in any course or course of study (whether required or elective), nor may anything be construed to promise or guarantee the completion of an academic program within a specific length of time. All degree requirements are subject to the provisions and notices in the Undergraduate Catalog. Information in this brochure is valid through August 2010.