Program Details
Mechanical Engineering-BSME
BS in Mechanical EngOld Dominion University
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 |
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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.
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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 |
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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... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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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 | Guaranteed Admission (GAA) 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. https://www.odu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admission |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering - Mechanical/Aerospace Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Not Specified |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Engineering, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Engineering Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Engineering | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, 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 |
George Mason University | Mechanical Engineering, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Mechanical Engineering (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Engineering Major- 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 |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
17-2141.01 | 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 |
Cost To Complete
