The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is an ABET-accredited engineering program that combines a strong theoretical background with practical design experiences and system management courses. The program grew out of the Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, and the faculty have retained the approach of considering the whole system in the design process.
UA Little Rock mechanical engineers complete a start-to-finish mechanical design in the senior capstone experience. Our students are ready to start their first engineering job upon graduation, and many of the students begin their industry experience during their studies through our internship program.
The program is accredited by ABET from Oct 1, 2016 – present.
Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Program Educational Objectives
- Practice mechanical engineering on complex systems in a variety of industries
- Pursue graduate education and research in engineering and related fields
- Assume leadership roles throughout their professional careers
- Pursue Professional Engineering licensure
Process
The mechanical engineering program faculty developed these Objectives in conjunction with its Industry Advisory Council. The program faculty regularly engages stakeholders (faculty, students, alumni, administration, and local industry) in adapting the PEOs to be consistent with their needs and aspirations.
Student Learning Outcomes
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- 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
- 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
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Enrollment and Graduation Data
| Year | AY 16-17 | AY 17-18 | AY 18-19 | AY 19-20 | AY 20-21 | AY 21-22 | AY 22-23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 10 | 26 | 46 | 49 | 50 | 54 | 53 |
| Graduates | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2* | 17 | 6 |
*Most mechanical systems engineering students are deferring graduation to Fall 2021 to take advantage of the name change to mechanical engineering.
Curriculum: 8-semester sequence:
AY 17-18
AY 18-19
AY 19-20
AY 20-21
AY 21-23
AY 23-24
Early Entry Graduate Degree
UA Little Rock also offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) and an early entry graduate program that allows undergraduate students to begin their graduate career while completing their bachelor’s degree. Please email Dr. Andrew Wright to learn more about our program.