Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) is a college program leading to a degree in one of the most diverse engineering disciplines which deals with the design, development, installation, operation and maintenance of anything that has moving parts such as machineries, engines, and structures used in industrial, biomedical, instrumentation and transportation systems. The course also includes the study of conversion of thermal and chemical energy into mechanical work through engines and power plants and how to utilize these energies, forces and structures to perform a variety of tasks. 

The BSME curriculum is composed of CHED-mandated general educations courses, technical courses, fundamental engineering courses, professional mechanical courses, elective courses, and on-the-Job training or plant visitation. Most subjects are taught through classroom discussions with laboratory exercises and group projects. During the Practicum, theoretical knowledge is put into practice. 

Mechanical Engineering graduates can pursue careers in manufacturing firms, automotive companies, power generation and utility plants. Since all manufactured products contain parts that transmit forces, mechanical engineering is considered vital in designing and selecting materials that will ensure the structural integrity of almost every product. 

Recently, several schools offer the ladderized BSME program which now provides better career opportunities for students, even to those who may not be able to finish the full course. Technical-Vocational education trainings (TVET) are embedded in the enriched ladderized curriculum and students will be awarded TESDA certifications for acquired competencies at certain levels. Example: PC Operation Certificate after the first year; Welding Certificate, after the second year; then the Certificate in Automotive Body Repairing after the third year. The remaining two years will be devoted to major courses leading to the award of a BSME degree. 

Is Mechanical Engineering a profession?
Mechanical Engineering is a profession. A graduate of BS in Mechanical Engineering who passed the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination is called a Mechanical Engineer. 

What are the admission requirements for BSME?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:

• Must be a high school graduate. Those who did not complete high school education may opt to first attend Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities only offer selected courses for PEPT passers admission.
• Must pass the college entrance examination
• Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission officer
• Medical laboratory results and health certificate
• Good Moral certificate from the previous school (sometimes from enrollee’s Barangay)
• Some schools require particular rating in the National Secondary Assessment Test (NSAT)
• Some schools require particular high school grade or gross point average

What skills will help you succeed in this course?

• Analytical skills
• Mathematical skills – the ability to solve and use different computational methods
• Technical Skills – the ability to accomplish mathematical, engineering, scientific or computer–related duties
• Creativity – ability to propose concepts and create prototype for classroom presentation
• Communication skills – the ability to read, write and converse in English as most technical literature is in English.
• Interpersonal skills – will help you in studying together with classmates, doing group assignments and forming connections with friends and colleges.

How difficult is this course?
BS in Mechanical Engineering is a tough and challenging course. A logical mindset and the ability to apply new concepts and technologies are vital in succeeding in this course. Several subjects in this program deal with computations and analysis. Students are frequently exposed on hands-on technical activities on laboratories and workshop long before internship or practicum on industry-related company or institution. Students also have a need for innovation, design and creativity. 

How long does it take to complete BS in Mechanical Engineering in the Philippines?
Normally, the BSME takes 5 years to complete. Universities which go by the Trimester school calendar require less time to finish the course. 

On The Job Training / Internship
As mandated by CHED (the official governing body of Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines), at least 120 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) or practicum, is required for the graduation of a Mechanical Engineering student to ensure the efficiency in this field. Plant visitation and seminars may also be substituted to OJT as long as there is substantial equivalence of the activities. 

During the final year, or the summer prior to it, students are assigned to undergo OJT in any of the following industries: Power Plants, Industrial Plants, Manufacturing Companies, Service or Industrial Sales, Machine Shops or Foundries, Engineering Contracting Companies, Mechanical Engineering or Management Consultancy Firms. 

The Board Exam
A Mechanical Engineering graduate needs to take the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination before he/she can practice as a Mechanical Engineer. The examination is conducted by the Board of Mechanical Engineering under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It is scheduled twice a year in the months of March and September. 

The subjects in which the applicant for Mechanical Engineers shall be examined are: Machine Design, Materials, and Shop Practice; Industrial and Power Plant Engineering; and Mathematics Engineering Economics and Basic Engineering Sciences. 

After graduation, students have 5-6 months review time before the September exam. Those who completed the course on irregular timeframe typically choose the March examination date. Review programs are usually provided for by the school. However, some students decide on enrolling at specialized review centers. 

Career opportunities for BSME graduates

• Jobs for licensed Mechanical Engineers (board exam passers)
  • Entry Level jobs 
    Jobs requiring no prior to minimal level of experience:
    • Junior Mechanical Engineer – supports the production process internally or with suppliers by providing detailed mechanical designs and sketches specific regarding
    • Associate Mechanical Engineer – responsible for design, specification and acquisition of equipments such as exchangers, vessels, rotating equipment and machinery used in the industry; decides equipment selections and adaptation of engineering alternatives, performs specific and well-defined assignments.
    • Technical Support Engineer – works in installation, maintenance and repair of hardware operating systems and applications
    • Product Engineer – responsible for providing engineering assistance in prototype support, sales, product development, and manufacture; aide to assigned customer platform/vehicle programs.
    • Junior Program Analyst – composes draft in a variety of electronic formats for delivery via presentation or submission to senior authorities.
    • Automotive engineers – are involved in the design, manufacture and operation of ground-based vehicles, such as motorcycles, automobiles, buses and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems
    • Maintenance Engineer‘s work involves the maintenance of machinery and equipment, as well as optimization of procedures, systems, infrastructures, and budgets for the purpose of improving reliability and maintainability.
    • Facilities Engineers – are involved in the creation of the various systems that drive a manufacturing plant such as designing the layout for the production process, the utility systems within the space, including power sources, climate control, water, and lighting.
    • Durability and Corrosion Engineer – responsible for the evaluation and testing of a vehicle for its useful life, includes assessment of mileage accumulation, severe driving conditions, and corrosive salt baths.
    • Instrumentation and Controls Engineer – provides primary control system hardware/software support, instrumentation, and process engineering /optimization to a variety of field
    • Computer Systems Engineer – work out specific computer systems that match the company’s operational needs in a particular field.
  • Advanced Positions 
    Require years of extensive experience and practice:
    • Senior Mechanical Engineer – uses engineering principles to provide efficient solutions to the development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely large plant, machinery or vehicles from design stage to final commissioning of the new system.
    • Automotive Structural Engineer – automotive engineers specializing in the overall design, fabrication and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, buses and trucks.
    • Ergonomics Engineer or Package Engineer – are automotive engineers who design and analyze the occupant accommodations (seat roominess), evaluates the access to the steering wheel, pedals, and other areas of the vehicle like the engine compartment, and the component to component placement.
    • Systems Engineer – deals with work-processes, optimization methods, and risk management tools in various projects. He ensures that all likely aspects of a project or system are considered, and integrated into a whole.
    • Chartered Engineer – have a strategic role in planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining day-to-day management methods of engineering operations.
    • Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer – a specialist, who conceives, plans and coordinates company projects and programs. Verify and/or perform all project design calculations
    • Senior Manufacturing Engineer – develops, implements and maintains world class manufacturing methods, processes and operations for new and existing products to assure the highest level of customer satisfaction and to meet the profitability objectives of the company
    • Systems and Storage Administrator – perform reporting, analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting using tools such as Operating System utilities and hardware diagnostic utilities.
    • Mechatronics engineers – work on the development of any product that requires mechanical components that are controlled by electronics or computer programs.
    • Academician – faculty members, instructors, and professors in an institution that offers Mechanical Engineering course
• Jobs for Non Board Passers:
  • Mechanical Appraiser / Estimator – determine cost of repair, estimates and recommendations for parts and services
  • Mechanical Designer – supports the fabrication and/or assembly of prototype and production hardware. This involves the release of drawings, the preparation of parts list or Bill of Materials (BOM), coordinating parts procurement and conducting tests for first articles and production units.
  • Industrial Product Designers – create a wide range of items, from everyday products, such as mobile phones, household appliances and cars, to larger items, such as industrial tools, equipment and machinery
• Jobs not related to mechanical engineering that graduates can apply to
  • Call center agent – answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and provides customer support, usually to people from other countries
  • Administrative Staff – personnel responsible for the organization and management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office secretary, personal assistant and office clerk
  • Freelancer working online – doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support, administrative support etc., which mainly depends on your skills
• Career Opportunities Abroad
• Mechanical and Automotive Engineering is one of the in-demand-jobs at present. It is interesting to note though, that there are fewer job posts for Mechanical Engineers here in the Philippines compared to those abroad.
  
  Overseas job opportunities for Filipino Mechanical Engineers are available in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Africa, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and other Asian countries. However, the main bulk of request comes from the Middle East and Gulf countries like Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia 
• Salary Levels
• ​In the Philippines, the salary range of Mechanical Engineer with 1–4 years experience ranges from php13,000 to php18,000 per month, while those with more experience and working in more advanced positions can earn between php18,000 and php27,000 per month.
  Salaries for those who work abroad are generally much higher.

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