Mechanical Engineering Technology
The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MECH) Program is to provide high quality technical and academic preparation for future engineering technologists. Our primary goal is to graduate engineering technologists who are technically equipped and highly motivated to successfully compete in the workplace. We are focused on the applications of computers to solving manufacturing problems.
Engineering technology is a part of the technological field which requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities; it lies in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer.
Most of the MECH courses will be very applications oriented with laboratory requirements that integrate the computer across all areas of manufacturing. The program includes a rigorous commitment to courses in Chemistry, Physics, Calculus I & II, and Statistics. Students may choose from numerous computer, technical, math, pre-engineering, and business courses to round out their educational experience.
Engineering Technology as a field of study is inherently an interdisciplinary one. Students who choose to challenge themselves with the rigors of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program will be rewarded with the analytical skills and knowledge to design complex systems and industrial machines to meet manufacturing needs. With a strong background in materials, mechanical and machine design, thermal and fluid system analysis, and a focus on automation, graduates from this program will be uniquely qualified to address the design needs of Texas manufacturing and related businesses. Finally, Because the Mechanical Engineering program builds on our departments long and successful track record in the field of manufacturing engineering. Having a skill set in traditional Mechanical engineering disciplines with background in Quality, project management, and continuous improvement theories make our graduates very valuable to small and large manufacturing alike.
With the rigors associated with the Mechanical Engineering Technology degree come the rewards. The qualified engineering technologist is highly sought by manufacturers and is highly rewarded monetarily. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates from Tarleton are in a favorable geographical location to take advantage of this explosive growth in high technology jobs, being situated near the I 35 industrial corridor that runs from Austin to the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex. Typical job placements include engineering and technology opportunities in Mechanical design, Tooling, Manufacturing engineering, and project management. These entry level positions often lead to further opportunities in Engineering or Management.
According to the Texas Department of Economic Development (Business and Industry Data Center), of the 21,000 manufacturers in the state, there are almost 5,000 manufacturers in the Metroplex area alone. About 1.1 million Texas workers are employed in manufacturing. During the 2000’s, Texas has created more manufacturing jobs than any other state.
Students in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program can expect to be educated in a wide range of manufacturing related topics such as:
- Principles of Drafting
- Engineering Static
- Machining Technology
- Solid Modeling
- Thermoplastic Materials Processing
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Controls
- Mechanical analysis
- Fluid Systems
- Applied Thermodynamics
- Material Testing and Analysis
- Machine design
- Advanced Industrial Controls
- Project Mgmt
- Industrial Projects