Degree Objectives

Educational Objectives of the B.S. Program in Mechanical Engineering

Cornell University is a learning community that seeks to develop students’ talents and capabilities, to extend the frontiers of knowledge, and to serve society. The faculty and staff of the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, as members of this community, seek to graduate mechanical engineers who:

• innovate and lead in diverse roles in industry, government, and academia;
• invent, design, and manufacture useful products, systems, and services, with mindful integration of economic, environmental, cultural, and ethical concerns;
• discover and apply new knowledge, and develop new tools for the practice of engineering;
• continue to learn and improve their knowledge and skills throughout their lives;
• are valued in their careers, whether for their ability to apply their engineering knowledge, or for the more general analytical, creative, and collaborative abilities developed in their education;
• engage with their communities and the world to help others and to improve the human condition.

These Program Educational Objectives describe long-term accomplishments for which we seek to prepare our graduates. Progress toward these objectives is expected to be measurable within three to five years of graduation.

Student Outcomes in Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering curriculum is designed to facilitate the following student outcomes, which collectively prepare graduates to attain the educational objectives of the mechanical engineering program:

Upon completion of their B.S. degree, Mechanical Engineering students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
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
3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
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
5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the EAC Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.