Mechanical engineering, the art and science of making things that move, is one of the oldest and broadest fields of engineering endeavors. In nature, molecules and atoms and their even smaller constituents are nanoscale machines. The universe and galaxies and their constituents are gargantuan machines. Man-made machines fall somewhere in between those two extreme scales. Fabricated machines include air, land and sea vehicles such as airplanes, trains, automobiles and ships; energy conversion systems such as nuclear and fossil-fuel power plants, internal combustion engines, jet engines, wind turbines and fuel cells; environment-control systems such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment; machines used in the construction, mining, chemical, textile, electronics and other industries; and, finally, machines used to make other machines. Another important application of mechanical engineering is in the medical field where artificial organs, surgical tools and drug delivery systems are vital to the well-being of humans. The fields of robotics, automation and smart materials are areas of significant growth and opportunity.

Only in the last century, mechanical engineering has been based largely on the sciences of mechanics and thermodynamics. Engineers use mathematics and computers to analyze and synthesize complex systems. Mechanical engineering students at VCU will first acquire a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, followed by engineering courses in design, control and measurements that will enable them to design, fabricate, control, operate, test and maintain present as well as yet-to-be-invented machines. Society values mechanical engineers for their ability to solve complex problems and for their constant drive to improve the living quality and standard of all people. Mechanical engineers can play a vital role in improving the environment as well. Factories, vehicles and power plants inevitably generate undesired pollution. Mechanical engineers work creatively to provide the world with its energy and transportation needs at the minimum possible release of pollutants.

Undergraduate studies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at VCU will prepare students for challenging careers in mechanical engineering. The curriculum also will prepare you for further studies (and careers) in law, business, management, medicine and graduate engineering programs.

The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and includes a general track and a nuclear engineering track. The curriculum for the freshman year is the same for both tracks and all students will begin in the general track. Students may declare their intention to complete the nuclear engineering track at any point during their undergraduate studies; however, most students will make this choice as they begin taking nuclear engineering courses in their sophomore year. Details on curriculum and electives are provided on the individual track pages.