Jan 28, 2026  
CURRENT 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
CURRENT 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Mechanical Engineering, BSME


Total number of hours for the program: 126.

Mechanical engineering is a highly versatile field focused on the design, manufacturing, control, and integration of components, devices, machines, and systems. Engineers in this discipline apply principles from solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and thermal sciences to create and optimize these systems. Their work includes product and mechanical design, testing, engineering management, sales, manufacturing system design, and the development of maintenance procedures. Mechanical engineers often work for manufacturers, energy companies, consulting firms, or government agencies. Additionally, they may leverage their degree as a foundation for careers in fields such as medicine, law, business, or entrepreneurship.

Program Requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.30 in all major courses is required to earn the Engineering degree.

Continuing Student Requirements

To continue in the Mechanical Engineering major, students should maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.30 in courses required by the major. Students may be removed from the Mechanical Engineering major and placed in Engineering Intended if they earn more than two of the following grades in the major in an academic year: U, W, and C- or lower. For more details, contact the School of Engineering + Technology.

Students cannot remain in the Engineering Intended major after completing more than 45 hours.

Admission Requirements

The requirement for admission into the Mechanical Engineering major for all students is placement into Calculus I (MATH 153) or above. Students accepted to the university but not eligible for MATH 153 may be placed in Engineering Intended. Placement in the Engineering Intended major does not guarantee admission into the Mechanical Engineering program.

Liberal Studies Hours (42 hours)


Liberal Studies Program Requirements  

NOTE:


Three hours for each of the following courses required in the major also meet Liberal Studies requirements: ENGR 199, MATH 153, CHEM 139, PHYS 230. Students are strongly advised to use these courses to meet Liberal Studies requirements. Students should note that if these courses are not taken to meet Liberal Studies requirements, they will still need to be completed for the BS Mechanical Engineering degree. See Liberal Studies Program Requirements for a list of Liberal Studies courses.

Major Requirements


The Mechanical Engineering major requires 96 hours, 12 of which also meet the Liberal Studies requirements (see note above), 57 hours from the Engineering Core, 36 hours from the Mathematics and Science Core, and 3 hours from Technical Electives.

 

Technical Elective (3 hours)


One course (three credits) of Technical Electives is required. Pick one class from the following list of pre-approved technical electives:

Additional Information


Visit the School’s website, set.wcu.edu, to view the eight-semester curricular guide.

Accreditation


The BSME program is seeking accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a mechancial engineering program - https://www.abet.org.