Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Mechanical Engineering, BS

Bachelor of Science
George Mason 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.

Today, the role of mechanical engineer is ever expanding in order to find innovative solutions for contemporary problems, and to address problems yet to be identified. To meet the growing demands of worldwide energy needs spurred by population growth and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, for instance, mechanical engineers seek innovations in nuclear energy, bio-fuels, wind, and tidal energies to build an energy portfolio that exploits these seemingly limitless resources. From product design, which spans from biomedical devices to turbo-machinery, to manufacturing, which develops machines and systems needed to process raw materials into these products, an awareness of the benefits of advanced materials for sensing and monitoring the health of these systems and an awareness of the stealth threats to manufacturing brought on by an ever present cyber threat are in the minds of the mechanical engineers. Now more mechanical engineers oversee the operations and management of large systems along with the fiscal and human resources needed to run them.

Outcomes

The major in mechanical engineering has three program education objectives, namely: - Graduates have demonstated success as a mechanical engineer or their chosen career field; - Graduates have advanced their educational pursuits through graduate education, professional registration, or similar means; - Graduates have advanced their careers by engaging in professional society participation and community service outreach.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Mechanical engineering students take courses in a wide range of fields, including computer programming and electrical circuits. The education received from Mason’s mechanical engineering program will prepares graduates to help solve both current and future societal problems. As a student you gain experience working in teams to conceive, design, and produce solutions to sponsor-dictated mechanical engineering problems. Our dedicated labs provide opportunities to study fluid mechanics and heat transfer, mechanics and materials science. Our graduates have skills that are crucial in a wide range of fields, such as aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, computers, construction, consumer products, energy, electronics, government, nanotechnology, and robotics.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/engineering-computing/engineering/mechanical/mechanical-engineering-bs/#requirementstext
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
  • Aerospace Engineering Concentration: Students can earn this designation by completing 12 credits of specified courses in place of the 300/400 electives. Courses in both aeronautics and astronautics are offered each semester and will be available to mechanical engineering students in their senior year.
  • Bachelors/Accelerated Master’s: Students can use up to 12 graduate credits towards both a bachelor’s and master’s degree reducing the time to earn the MS degree by up to a year. Master’s options include applied and engineering physics, applied information technology, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computational science, data analytics engineering, electrical engineering, operations research, and systems engineering.
Program Successes & Highlights
  • Work with private companies, such as Micron Technology, Vulcan Materials, and Vision Point Systems. Develop relationships with industry, government agencies, as well as contractors in Washington, D.C., and throughout the Virginia-Maryland metro area. Benefit from the help of our advisory board, which has arranged special tours of the Renwick Gallery, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Alban Caterpillar, Dewberry headquarters, and Micron’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility.
  • The capstone design courses provide students an industry-like experience that includes technical, business, and professional skill development. Projects often include engineering proposal development, design, simulation, analyses, fabrication, test and related program management activities.
  • Our mechanical engineering faculty members are leaders in the areas of thermal and fluid sciences, micro/nano mechanics, photonics, tribology, and energy-water nexus. Our faculty members, have in-depth knowledge and practical experience in mechanical engineering, and help graduates excel in their careers by mentoring students on their senior capstone projects, implementing the latest techniques and technologies in the classroom, and working on interdisciplinary research projects of consequence.
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this 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.

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.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason 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.

Institution Name Type Title
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement

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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit.
Credit for Prior Learning https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: George Mason University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
  • Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries.
  • Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students.
  • Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 470+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Determined by first semester of enrollment
First Year Student Catalog Year Determined by first semester of enrollment
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://go.gmu.edu/GAA
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Engineering - Mechanical/Aerospace MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearNot Specified
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeEngineering, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Engineering SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science with a Specialization in EngineeringAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Old Dominion UniversityMechanical Engineering-BSMEBachelorBS in Mechanical Eng4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Mechanical Engineering (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeEngineering Major- BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMechanical Engineering, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMechanical Engineering with concentration in Nuclear Engineering, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
17-2011.00Aerospace EngineersPerform 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
11-9041.00Architectural and Engineering ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
17-2141.02Automotive EngineersDevelop 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
11-9041.01Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development ManagersDefine, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.Management Occupations
13-1051.00Cost EstimatorsPrepare 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
25-1032.00Engineering Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
17-2141.01Fuel Cell EngineersDesign, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2141.00Mechanical EngineersPerform 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
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 121 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $5,196 Per Semester $41,568 $0 $41,568 Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee $1,914 Per Semester $15,312 0 $15,312 Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $159.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees

    • New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
      Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
      Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:

      George Mason Cost of Attendance

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.