Northern Illinois University
College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Northern Illinois University

Mission

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Department is to provide a high-quality, visionary engineering education that reflects professional engineering standards and prepares students to become engineers and leaders capable of solving technical challenges that industry and society face now and in the future; to conduct quality research by developing and/or applying engineering knowledge and tools to address society's technical needs and challenges; and to provide quality professional and public services to our communities.

Educational Objectives

The undergraduate mechanical engineering program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in engineering by providing them with: a balanced education in mechanical engineering fields; a foundational knowledge in mathematics and physical sciences; a broad general education in the humanities/arts, social sciences and interdisciplinary studies; training for effective communication and teamwork; and an understanding and commitment of an engineer's professional and ethical responsibilities.

Our educational objectives are based on the needs of the program's constituencies: employers, alumni, students and faculty. Within a few years of graduation, we expect our graduates to become successful professionals; to successfully apply engineering knowledge and tools to solve technical problems and challenges; to design and/or manufacture valuable products or processes; to make contributions to their professional fields, exhibit effective communication skills, and become valuable team members; and to continue professional development and assume professional and leadership responsibility.

Program Outcomes

The graduates of undergraduate mechanical engineering program should attain the following outcomes by the time of graduation:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
• An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
• An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as scheduling, economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability
• An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
• An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
• An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
• An ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
• Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning
• Knowledge of contemporary issues
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.