You’ll build a strong foundation in design and manufacturing through a hands-on curriculum. In Mechanical Drawing, you’ll learn how to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to bring ideas to life. In Machine Design, you’ll create a product and fabricate it yourself in the machine shop. Machine Tool Lab I & II will teach you how to operate real-world machining tools and turn your CAD designs into precision parts. Manufacturing Processes explores everything from die casting toy cars to injection molding lipstick cases. In Computer-Aided Machining and Computer-Aided Engineering, you’ll program CNC machines and use advanced software to analyze and optimize mechanical systems. Supporting courses like Chemistry and Engineering Materials cover topics such as heat treating steel for strength and using carbon fiber composites for applications like bike frames.
You’ll put your math and physics knowledge to work in courses like Statics and Dynamics, where you’ll learn how to design structures—like a car frame that supports the vehicle’s weight—and explore surprising phenomena, such as why a cart on a wavy track can reach the end faster than one on a straight track of equal length. In Strength of Materials and Design I & II, you’ll study how materials behave under stress—like ensuring the links in a bicycle chain won’t snap when you pedal hard.
You’ll also apply your math and physics skills to real-world energy and systems challenges. In Thermal Systems and Thermal Applications, you’ll calculate how much fuel is needed to heat a building—and explore ways to reduce that energy use. Fluid Flow Technology will teach you how to select the right pump for any application (after all, every tap in America relies on one). You’ll also gain a foundation in the electrical engineering needed to control heating and pumping systems effectively.
Cooperative education is not required in the MET program, but students can select MET 394 as a technical elective. MET 394 students are required to identify and apply for possible cooperative experiences. The Career Center is one campus resource to help find positions.
MET 394 students state: US. Naval Research Laboratory: “There are two projects I am currently working on at the US Naval Research Laboratory. First is the testing of batteries to measure their capacity after various operations have been performed on them. Second is the design of testing fixtures for tests on various helmet materials and padding configurations. In both of these projects I have multiple roles to aid in testing, design and analysis….It seems that I have used almost every portion of my school knowledge in just this last month alone. This position has offered challenges in product and process selection, testing apparatus and setup, material selection, design, and much more…”
State of Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT): “My main concentration is to serve as a field inspector for the MDOT on active contracted construction projects. My responsibilities are to assure all work meets the standard specifications and contract requirements and inform resident of any work that does not meet specifications, and document all work that is completed…”
The Mechanical Engineering Technology program welcomes transfer students to apply to the School of Engineering Technology. The MET program has active articulation agreements with multiple programs, including Southern Maine Community College. Please visit The Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for information about applying to the University.
Residents of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont pay a substantially reduced tuition when they major in Mechanical Engineering Technology at UMaine. Please visit the web page describing the New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break program for details about the New England Regional Student Program (RSP).
