University of Southern Maine

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System Trustees Approve USM Mechanical Engineering Degree

January 23, 2006

To address the growing need of regional manufacturing and other technology companies for more mechanical engineers, the University of Southern Maine will offer a new baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering, beginning fall 2006. At a meeting this afternoon, January 23, in Portland, the University of Maine System Board of Trustees approved this USM Bachelor of Science degree program, housed in USM’s School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (ASET), and delivered in partnership with the University of Maine (UMaine) College of Engineering in Orono.

USM’s new degree was designed to assist manufacturing and other technology companies in southern Maine by meeting their needs for mechanical engineers. The degree program not only will provide a major new source of engineers for the region, but also opportunities for the region’s existing workforce and incentives for new businesses to establish enterprises in Maine.

USM’s mechanical engineering degree program also will benefit prospective students in southern Maine who are interested in earning a mechanical engineering degree, but are place-bound for family, financial, or employment reasons. It is projected that USM will admit 25 students during the first year of the program, and 40 students annually in subsequent years.

“To develop our region’s economic capacity, Maine must foster the growth of technology-intensive enterprises,” said John Wright, dean of USM’s School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology. “USM’s new mechanical engineering degree will help address the demand for highly qualified individuals in the areas of advanced materials, biotechnology, environmental technologies and precision manufacturing. It also will provide our students with more opportunities to gain the skills they need to compete in today’s job market.” 

Joining USM’s existing program in electrical engineering, the mechanical engineering degree program specializes in the manufacturing technology critical to the success of southern Maine’s industries with courses focused on two areas: mechatronics and materials science. Mechatronics, which drives emerging manufacturing technology, is the blending of intelligent systems into electromechanical devices. Materials science studies the characteristics and uses of materials, such as ceramics, metals and plastics, often used in technology and science.

Part of the success of USM’s mechanical engineering program will be achieved with the help of faculty expertise from UMaine’s College of Engineering in Orono. UMaine will deliver four courses using distance education technology, which allows USM and UMaine to share expertise and lower overall program costs, particularly in the start-up phase.

“This new degree is a powerful symbol of the strengthening relationship between the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine,” said USM President Richard L. Pattenaude. “Built on the strong foundations and expertise within USM’s School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology and the University of Maine College of Engineering, USM’s new mechanical engineering degree is a real success story of how a modern university moves forward—through collaboration with colleague institutions, internal constituents and the people and businesses of the region it serves.” 

Prospective students interested in learning more about USM’s baccalaureate program in mechanical engineering should contact the USM School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology at 780-5287.

Editor’s Note: For assistance arranging media coverage, please contact Lynn Novak, USM Office of Public Affairs, at 780-4200 or lnovak@usm.maine.edu.

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