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Mechanical Engineering, BSME

Mechanical engineers work individually and in multidisciplinary teams to design and manufacture a wide and diverse range of products that are available in the marketplace today. They use science and mathematics to effectively solve numerous real-life engineering problems to improve quality of life and preserve our environment.

Areas of specialty in mechanical engineering include:

  • Energy conversion and combustion processes
  • Mitigating environmental impacts
  • Improving product function
  • Developing smarter control systems
  • Developing new materials
Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

This broad-based discipline spans most industries, so you will have stable, rewarding employment opportunities across West Virginia, the U.S. and just about anywhere in the world. Unlock even more options with our dual degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Dynamics and Controls

  • Energy Systems

  • Materials Science

  • Robotics

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Accelerated Program

    Mechanical Engineering offers the option to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated time frame.

  • Dual Major

    This major offers the option to simultaneously complete a second bachelor's degree in:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Paid hourly research or educational credit through MAE 497.
  • Eligibility for the .
  • .
  • Direct admission into PhD program.
  • Five-year BS-MS degree option available.
  • Academic credit for internships and co-ops.
  • BSME/BSAE Dual Degree Program.
  • Study abroad programs in Europe and Latin America.
  • Opportunities to participate in national and international student design competitions.
  • Hands-on team design projects at sophomore, junior and senior levels.
  • Special section of the MAE 471 capstone design project allows students to work directly with industry.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
  • WVU Board of Governors Program of Excellence.
  • Unique laboratories and equipment for combustion studies in internal combustion engines and for characterizing exhaust emissions from light and heavy duty vehicles at .
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Research
If you're interested in conducting research, you can do paid work in research laboratories and/or earn academic credit through the course MAE 497: Research. You may also pursue undergraduate research with the .

Specific research opportunities are available in the areas of materials science, internal combustion engines, energy systems, autonomous robotics, computational modeling and simulations.

Academics
Tailor your plan of study by specializing in areas such as material science, internal combustion engines, alternative fuels, bioengineering, acoustics, HVAC and fuel cell technologies.

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills.

Senior capstone experiences include the Projects With Industry section of MAE 471 - Principles of Engineering Design, as well as:

  • ECOCAR 3: An Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition.
  • .
  • Projects With Industry.
  • .
  • .
  • .

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Automotive Engineers

Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $99,510

Possible job titles include: Chief Engineer, Dimensional Integration Engineer, Senior Engineering Team Leader, Technical Services Manager.

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Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Median Salary: $111,970

Possible job titles include: Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Manager, Project Engineering Director, Resource Efficiency Manager.

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Manufacturing Engineers

Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $99,380

Possible job titles include: Manufacturing Director, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Process Engineer.

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Mechanical Engineers

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $99,510

Possible job titles include: Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Process Engineer, Product Engineer.

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Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Median Salary: $111,970

Possible job titles include: Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Principal Engineer.

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Sales Engineers

Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $116,950

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Account Manager, Customer Engagement Manager, Technical Sales Engineer.

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Potential Careers

  • Automotive industry
  • Natural resource extraction
  • Manufacturing
  • Aviation
  • Military-related industries

Where Graduates are Working

  • GE Aviation
  • Toyota
  • Volvo
  • General Motors
  • Oshkosh/JLG
  • Schaeffler

Graduate Schools

Graduates have been admitted to graduate and professional programs such as:

  • Business
  • Medical school
  • Law school

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Mechanical Engineering major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's . They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Mechanical Engineering at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Mechanical Engineering major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Mechanical Engineering can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Want to know more about Mechanical Engineering at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Your first step to becoming a 51ÔÚÏß is applying for admission using our convenient online application.