At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This major may be taken either as a four-year baccalaureate program or in a "2+2" degree format. The latter allows graduates of associate degree programs in mechanical engineering technology or related areas to gain greater breadth and depth of knowledge in mechanical engineering technology. The baccalaureate program emphasizes applied design and analysis, complementing a hands-on manufacturing and materials focus. The graduate gains valuable knowledge of total manufacturing processes ranging from applied design to manufacture.
This major includes instruction in materials engineering, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, finite-element analysis, and use of parametric solids modeling design packages, as well as supporting course work in mathematics and science. Oral and written communications are stressed, as is the ability to work within a team-oriented environment. The major culminates with a capstone design project involving an actual design or manufacturing problem sponsored by regional industry. This program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
Graduates have qualified for careers in a wide variety of industries that manufacture or use mechanical systems. Careers include positions in applied product design, manufacturing process development, field service support, supervision of manufacturing facilities, tool and die design, quality control, plant supervision and management, and technical sales.
What is Mechanical Engineering Technology?
Mechanical engineering technology is the application of engineering and technology principles for the creation of products and mechanical systems. It emphasizes applied design and analysis of engineering systems and materials. Mechanical engineering technology differs from mechanical engineering in that its focus is the practical application and implementation of engineering principles as opposed to theoretical development and exploration of those principles.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You like working with your hands.
- You are interested math, physics, and mechanical systems.
- You find complex problems exciting.
- You enjoy working on team-based projects.
Entrance to Major
To be eligible for entrance to the Mechanical Engineering Technology major, a student must have
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, a minimum of 131 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 0-1 |
| Requirements for the Major | 103-106 |
18 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GWS courses.
Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned.
Requirements for the Major
A student enrolled in this major must earn at least a grade of C in each 300- and 400-level course.
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| CHEM 110 | Chemical Principles I  | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Experimental Chemistry I | 1 |
| ENGL 202C | Effective Writing: Technical Writing | 3 |
| IET 215 | Production Design | 2 |
| IET 216 | Production Design Laboratory | 2 |
| MATH 211 | Intermediate Calculus and Differential Equations with Applications | 3 |
| MET 214 | Strength and Properties of Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| MET 107 | Computer Applications for Technologists | 3 |
| PHYS 251 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| MATH 210 | Calculus with Engineering Technology Applications | 3 |
| MET 111 | Mechanics for Technology: Statics | 3 |
| MET 213 | Strength and Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MET 206 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MET 210W | Machine Design | 3 |
| MET 306 | Computer-Aided Design | 3 |
| MET 320 | Strength of Materials II | 3 |
| MET 330 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| MET 331W | Heat Transfer | 4 |
| MET 341 | Mechanical Measurements and Instrumentation | 3 |
| MET 415 | Finite Element Analysis Applications I | 3 |
| MET 425 | Finite Element Analysis Applications II | 3 |
| MET 432 | Fluid Power | 3 |
| MET 470 | Materials Engineering | 3 |
| MET 480 | Senior Capstone | 1 |
| MET 485 | Senior Industrial Project | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Introductory Physics I | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Electric Circuits, Power, and Electronics | ||
| Electrical Circuits I | ||
| Electrical Systems and Electrical Circuits Laboratory I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 6-7 | |
and Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Spatial Analysis and Computer-Aided Drafting and Advanced Computer Aided Drafting and Transition From 2-D CAD to Solid Modeling | ||
| Introduction to Graphics and Solid Modeling and Applied Solid Modeling | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IET 101 | Manufacturing Materials, Processes, and Laboratory | 3 |
| or MET 105 | ||
| MATH 22 | College Algebra With Analytic Geometry and Applications II | 3 |
| or MATH 82 | Technical Mathematics II | |
| MATH 26 | Plane Trigonometry and Applications of Trigonometry | 3 |
| or MATH 81 | Technical Mathematics I | |
| MATH 83 | Technical Calculus | 4 |
| or MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits of technical electives from school-approved list | 6 | |
| Select 2-3 credits of business electives from school-approved list | 2-3 | |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Erie
David Clippinger, Ph.D.
Program Chair, Teaching Professor
240 Burke Center
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-7023
dcc73@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S. at Erie Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| EGT 120 | 3 | EGT 121 | 3 |
| ENGL 15 or 30H‡† | 3 | MATH 83*#† | 4 |
| IET 101* | 3 | MET 111* | 3 |
| MATH 41*‡#† | 4 | PHYS 250*#† | 4 |
| PSU 7 | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 17 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IET 215 | 2 | CHEM 110† | 3 |
| MATH 210* | 3 | CHEM 111† | 1 |
| MET 213* | 3 | EET 100 | 3 |
| MET 214 | 1 | IET 216 | 2 |
| MET 107 | 3 | MATH 210* | 3 |
| MET 206* | 3 | MET 320* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100‡† | 3 | ENGL 202C‡† | 3 |
| MET 210W* | 3 | MET 331W* | 4 |
| MET 306* | 3 | MET 341* | 3 |
| MET 330* | 3 | MET 415* | 3 |
| PHYS 251† | 4 | MET 432* | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16 | 17.5 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MET 425* | 3 | MET 485*2 | 3 |
| MET 470*1 | 3 | Technical Elective (300,400-level)* | 3 |
| MET 480*1 | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Technical Elective (300,400-level)* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Business Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Total Credits 130 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
- 1
The following course is only offered in the FALL semester.
- 2
The following courses are only offered in the SPRING semester.
Program Notes:
- Permissible Math substitutions: MATH 26 instead of MATH 81, MATH 22 instead of MATH 82, and MATH 140 instead of MATH 83.
Advising Notes:
- Only students who have gone through the entrance-to-major (ETM) process and have been accepted into the MET or IBE majors may register for junior and senior-level MET courses.
Career Paths
Mechanical engineering technology coursework and laboratory experiences emphasize development of your skills in applied design and analysis. You’ll also receive instruction in the selection and application of manufacturing processes and engineering materials. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.
Careers
Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates conceptualize new designs and use computer-aided design and measurement technologies to analyze designs, select materials, and discover ways to optimize manufacturing processes and quality control. They work in the automotive, aeronautical, petroleum, defense, medical, power generation, transportation, and materials fields. Their careers include applied product design, manufacturing processes development, field service engineering, quality control, plant management, and technical sales. Employers of recent Behrend MET graduates include Boeing, Cummins, Exxon Mobile, Wabtec, General Dynamics, Komatsu, SKF, Sandia National Laboratory, U.S. Steel, Westinghouse, Zurn Industries, and Parker.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Graduate programs in mechanical engineering technology delve more deeply into methods of analysis, statistical methods, computer network applications, and applied dynamics. Or, you can use a master’s degree to learn management skill; Penn State Behrend offers a Master of Manufacturing Management (M.M.M) degree program for aspiring organizational leaders.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Penn State Behrend is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering Technology and Similarly Named Programs.
Professional Licensure/Certification
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
Contact
Erie
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
242 Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center
5101 Jordan Road
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6153
engineering@psu.edu