Program Details
Mechanical Engineering-BSME
BS in Mechanical EngOld Dominion University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
A Bachelor of Science Degree (BSME) in Mechanical Engineering is an accredited four-year program of study, which requires 128 credit hours. Our program prepares students for professional careers in all areas of engineering. It also prepares students for graduate study in mechanical engineering or related fields.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The mechanical engineering program is among the most basic of all engineering programs, with a curriculum that embraces the major areas of power, design, and fluid or solid mechanics.The program is designed to prepare its graduates for professional practice in many facets of engineering, such as research, development, design, planning, testing, management, and consulting. The graduate is prepared to undertake challenging and creative engineering work in almost any industry, government agency, research organization, or consulting firm. The program also provides an excellent preparation for graduate school and the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
The BSME is considered math and science intensive. Students should plan their course load accordingly. For students who do not meet the math requirement, GPA requirement, and completion of Engineering Fundamentals Division requriements they will not be declared in the major until they do so. To graduate, students must complete 128 credit hours, which must include both a minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University, and meet any other additional degree program admission requirements.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Curriculum begins with Calculus I (MATH 211). |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Old Dominion University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of the general education certificate or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of the University Core general education component of the ODU undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. To be admitted as a transfer student with departmental junior standing, the student should have either completed an associate degree in an acceptable program or received full credit for two years of work indicated by the completion of the equivalent number of semester hours in the chosen engineering or engineering technology curriculum with a grade of C or better in each course. Transfer students must earn a minimum of 25 percent of the total number of credits required for the degree from Old Dominion University and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | To be admitted as a transfer student with departmental junior standing, the student should have either completed an associate degree in an acceptable program or received full credit for two years of work indicated by the completion of the equivalent number of semester hours in the chosen engineering or engineering technology curriculum with a grade of C or better in each course. Transfer students must earn a minimum of 25 percent of the total number of credits required for the degree from Old Dominion University and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | The Office of Prior Learning exists to aid ODU students in translating their professional work knowledge into academic credit. Through the use of various mechanisms, we are able to offer students the opportunity to have their prior learning assessed and applied for academic credit. This path may save the students both time and money as they work toward their degree. If you have military experience, please use our course by course equivalency tool to see how your experiences will transfer. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | With transfer pathways to all majors with transferable associate degrees, plus 200+ guided pathways specific for applied associate degrees, Old Dominion University is the most transfer-friendly university in Virginia. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Submit a Letter of Intent to Transfer Apply to ODU after completing 15 credit hours at a VCCS institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Apply to ODU for the term following the expected completion term of your associate degree. Follow application processes and deadline dates for special programs, i.e. nursing. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Degree | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Mechanical Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Engineering - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Mechanical Engineering in Mechanical Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Mechanical Engineering in Robotics and Mechatronics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering - Mechanical/Aerospace Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Marymount University | Mechanical Engineering (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Mechanical Engineering with concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree Engineering Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Central Virginia Community College | AS in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Engineering, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Degree Computer Science Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Degree Engineering Construction Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Bioengineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Computer Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Cyber Security Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Electrical Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Systems and Industrial Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Germanna Community College | Associate in Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Emory & Henry University | Engineering Science (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Engineering (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Aerospace & Ocean Engr in Aerospace Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Electrical Engineering in Applied Electromagnetics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Biological Systems Engr in Biological Systems Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Biomedical Engineering in Biomedical Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Chemical Engineering in Chemical Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Computer Engineering in Chip-Scale Integration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Civil Engineering in Civil Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Computer Engineering in Computer Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Constr Eng Mgt in Construction Engineering and Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Constr Eng Mgt in Construction Safety Leadership | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Computer Engineering in Controls, Robotics & Autonomy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Electrical Engineering in Controls, Robotics & Autonomy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Biological Systems Engr in Ecological Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Electrical Engineering in Electrical Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Electrical Engineering in Energy & Power Electronics Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Civil Engineering in Environmental Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Industrial & Systems Eng in Industrial and Systems Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Computer Engineering in Machine Learning | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Materials Sci & Engr in Materials Science and Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Electrical Engineering in Micro/Nano Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Mining Engineering in Mining Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Computer Engineering in Networking & Cybersecurity | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Aerospace & Ocean Engr in Ocean Engineering | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Packaging Systems/Design in Packaging Systems and Design | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Packaging Systems and Design | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Computer Engineering in Software Systems | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Electrical Engineering in Wireless Communications and Signal Processing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041.00 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9041.01 | Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1032.00 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 17-2011.00 | Aerospace Engineers | Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2141.02 | 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. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 13-1051.00 | Cost Estimators | Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
| 17-2141.01 | Fuel Cell Engineers | Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2141.00 | 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. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.03 | 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. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.00 | Engineers, All Other | All engineers not listed separately. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.05 | Mechatronics Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.06 | Microsystems Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.09 | Nanosystems Engineers | Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.07 | Photonics Engineers | Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.08 | Robotics Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.11 | Solar Energy Systems Engineers | Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.10 | Wind Energy Engineers | Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
Cost To Complete

