Elements of engineering design are introduced early in the program in courses such as Introduction to Engineering. The mechanical engineering program at Minnesota State University, Mankato strives to produce sound engineering professionals with a well balanced analytical and experimental background. Technical elective courses enable students to choose an area of interest for more in-depth study. Other electives, such as geography, history, philosophy, sociology and psychology courses, broaden the student's perception of the interpersonal, multicultural and environmental aspects of the world in which they will design solutions to technical problems. The program culminates with a senior design project.
Students work in small design teams to apply acquired knowledge.
The majority of senior projects are done with industrial companies as sponsors. A number of projects have resulted in filing and issue of patents. The department strongly encourages all students to obtain professional registration. Seniors are given the opportunity to take the Engineering Fundamentals examination, which is administered by the State of Minnesota as a first step in professional licensure. Nearly, all graduates from MSU Mechanical Engineering program who have taken this examination have passed it on their first attempt.