Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science
Virginia Commonwealth 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.

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design and analyze machines of all types, including automobiles, airplanes, rockets, submarines, power generation systems, biomedical instrumentation, robots, manufacturing systems, household appliances and many, many more. In addition, mechanical engineers design and analyze the energy sources that provide power to machines, fluids that interact with machines and the materials from which machines are constructed. Mechanical engineers also work in cutting-edge fields such as nanotechnology, alternative energy sources and environmentally friendly "green" manufacturing processes. Another important application of mechanical engineering is in medicine, where artificial organs, surgical tools and drug-delivery systems are vital to human well-being. Mechanical engineers are in continuous demand by virtually all industries and are also employed by state and federal governments and enjoy one of the highest starting salaries of all college majors. Mechanical engineering graduates can, if they wish, continue their studies and obtain advanced degrees in fields such as business, law, medicine and engineering. The VCU Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering offers an accredited B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, including the option of obtaining a major concentration nuclear engineering. As part of the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, all students complete an approved internship or cooperative education experience.

Outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will demonstrate: An ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies An understanding of the hazards associated with physical, chemical and/or biological processes


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Students with an interest in one or more of the following should consider mechanical/nuclear engineering, a top choice of major: designing and analyzing machines of all types including automobiles, airplanes, rockets, submarines, power generation systems, biomedical instrumentation, robots, manufacturing systems, household appliances and many, many more. In addition, students should expect to be involved in hands-on learning each semester, with core labs associated with their major courses. Students are also required to complete an intensive senior design project and choose from a list of high-level STEM courses in order to satisfy the technical/engineering elective requirements.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required engineering courses; in all courses used to satisfy engineering and professional elective requirements; and in MATH 200, MATH 201, MATH 301, MATH 307, and PHYS 207. Students must maintain a minimum major GPA of 2.0.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Transfer students planning on majoring in mechanical/nuclear engineering must complete Calculus I, General Chemistry I with lab, University Physics I and preferably University Physics II, with grades of A or B and a minimum GPA of 2.5 for immediate admission. Students can also take a combination of the following (Calculus II, Differential Equations, EGR 206, EGR 110, 123, 240, 245, 246, 248), and students who complete an AS degree and/or an AS degree with a mechanical engineering specialization can expect to receive credit for most courses for earned grades of C or above.

  • 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 Virginia Commonwealth University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree Students who choose mechanical engineering as their major may also choose to earn a concentration in nuclear engineering. Students who complete their mechanical/nuclear engineering degree can find successful careers in industry areas such as automobiles, airplanes, rockets, submarines, power generation systems, biomedical instrumentation, robots, manufacturing systems, household appliances and many, many more.
Program Successes & Highlights Students who complete their mechanical/nuclear engineering degree can find successful careers in industry areas such as automobiles, airplanes, rockets, submarines, power generation systems, biomedical instrumentation, robots, manufacturing systems, household appliances and many more with companies such as Dominion Energy, Newport News Ship Building/Huntington Ingalls Industries, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, BMW, Ford, GM, Hamilton Beach, WestRock and more. Students who excel academically, complete their required internship or Co-op, get involved in undergraduate research, and join an engineering based student organization can expect to be hired at or before their graduation or soon thereafter.
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf 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 table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science
130
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
This is unofficial evaluation. Please contact the VCU Transfer Center to confirm its accuracy. Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies prior to enrolling at VCU will receive a waiver of their General Education requirements. All students must complete at least 30 of their last 45 credits through VCU to earn a bachelor's degree from VCU and have at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (300, 400 and 500 level). Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required engineering courses and in all courses used to satisfy engineering and professional elective requirements.
BS in Mechanical Engineering
130
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
This is unofficial evaluation. Please contact the VCU Transfer Center to confirm its accuracy. Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies prior to enrolling at VCU will receive a waiver of their General Education requirements. All students must complete at least 30 of their last 45 credits through VCU to earn a bachelor's degree from VCU and have at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (300, 400 and 500 level). Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required engineering courses and in all courses used to satisfy engineering and professional elective requirements.
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education
30
Foundations
12
Writing
9
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Quantitative
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Areas of Inquiry
18
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select courses for Areas of Inquiry that cover the three Breadth of Knowledge areas of Humanities/Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Social/Behavioral Sciences as defined in the VCU Bulletin. Please consult with an advsior. The course work in the general education curriculum must be divided among the four Areas of Inquiry below, with at least three, and no more than nine, credits from each of the four areas. In fulfilling these requirements, students may apply no more than six credits with the same four-letter prefix (ex. RELS, MGMT) to the 17-18 credit total requirement, regardless of the area of inquiry under which they are listed.
Creativity, innovation and aesthetic inquiry
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Diversities in the human experience
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Global Perspectives
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Scientific and logical reasoning
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
University Physics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Earn 3 credits by completing a course from the following Category lists
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Major Requirements
74
Major Core Requirements
56
Earn 56 credits: Complete the following
Earn 56 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
Additional Major Requirements
6
Mechatronics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CAE Analysis
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Internship/Cooperative Experience and Review
0
Internship/Cooperative Experience
0
Complete courses from the following Course list:
Internship/Cooperative Review
0
Complete courses from the following Course list:
Major Electives
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students must complete a combined total of 12 credits of engineering electives and professional electives. No more than six credits of professional electives may apply toward this total.
Engineering Electives
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Engineering electives are satisfied by completing courses that meet all four of the following criteria: (1) College of Engineering course (CLSE, CMSC, EGMN, EGRB, EGRE, ENGR); (2) Not otherwise required for the major by the effective bulletin; (3) 300-level or greater; (4) Three or more credit hours, except for ENGR 497, which must be four or more credits.
Engineering/Professional Electives
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Professional electives are satisfied by completing courses that meet all four of the following criteria: (1) One of the following course rubrics: ACCT, ANAT, BIOC, BIOL, BIOS, BNFO, BUSN, CHEM, ECON, ENVS, FIRE, HSEP, INFO, INNO, INSC, LFSC, MATH, MGMT, MILS, MKTG, NANO, OPER, PHIS, PHYS, STAT, SCMA, VNTR; (2) Not otherwise required for the major by the effective bulletin; (3) 300-level or greater; (4) Three or more credit hours. In addition, CMSC 255, CMSC 256, EGRB 209 and EGRE 245 may be used as professional electives.
Ancillary Requirements
23
Ancillary Requirements
20
Earn 20 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Management Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Elective Courses
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Take any courses to reach 130 total credits.
Earn 3 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
Expand or Shrink Accordion

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth 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
Blue Ridge Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
New River Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College GPAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering and Virginia Community College System

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?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived.

Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Engineering is recommended for this major.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Engineering is recommended for this major.
Credit for Prior Learning VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service.
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: Virginia Commonwealth University
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
1902
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
VCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their pre...see moreVCU prefers transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA of a 2.5 or higher who are in good standing with their previous institution. Some degree programs like Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Engineering have more competitive GPA requirements. Admission to programs in VCU Arts is also based on an evaluation of additional application materials and may be more competitive. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 earned semester (36 quarter) hours will also be reviewed based on their high school GPA.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C..
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
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
George Mason UniversityMechanical Engineering, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
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
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
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
Expand or Shrink Accordion

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 130 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 Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science at Virginia Commonwealth 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 $6,600 Per Semester $52,800 $0 $52,800 Every credit above 14 credits in a semester is charged at half price ($230 per credit for credits 15 and above; credits 1 -14 are charged the full rate)
Fees
University Fee $1,341 Per Semester $10,728 0 $10,728
Technology Fee $158 Per Semester $1,264 0 $1,264
Library Fee $44 Per Semester $352 0 $352
Student Activity Fee $45 Per Semester $360 0 $360 MCV Campus students pay a flat rate of $18
Academic Support Services Fee $50 Per Semester $400 0 $400
Health Fee $123 Per Semester $984 0 $984
Program Fee $45 Per Semester $360 0 $360
Transition Fee $150 Per Semester $1,200 0 $1,200 New undergraduate transfer students will be charged the Student Transition Fee in their first semester to cover Orientation. The Transition Fee for new First-Year Students is $225 and will be assessed in the first semester.
*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:
  • Potential Additional Fees
    • Additional fees may include on-campus housing, meal plan, parking, technology, and program- and course-specific fees.
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.