As an undergraduate college mechanical engineering department committed to excellence, we encourage cadets to take their learning to the next level and challenge themselves through advanced scholarship.

The honors program focuses on academic achievement and research that go beyond baseline degree requirements. Research opportunities include energy efficiency, additive manufacturing, materials performance, autonomous systems, and structural health monitoring—each project reinforcing the discipline and curiosity that define mechanical engineering at VMI.

With mechanical engineering having largest enrollment of students in the United States, the honors distinction can help to set graduates apart from others earning the degree as they apply to graduate-level programs and the workforce.

Eligibility 

1. Overall 3.00 quality point average in all classes (through the end of his/her 2nd class year).
2. Overall 3.25 quality point average in all Mechanical Engineering classes (through the end of his/her 2nd class year).
3. 3.00 quality point average in all classes at graduation.
4. 3.25 quality point average in all Mechanical Engineering classes at graduation.

Application and Administrative Procedures 

1. Inform, in writing, the Department Head of their intention to participate in the Honors Program before the end of the cadet's second class year.
2. Register for two (2) semesters of the Independent Study sequence (ME 461- ME 462).
3. Find a faculty advisor who is willing to supervise their Independent Study.
4. Have the subject of their independent study approved by the Departmental Honors Committee prior to the beginning of the Independent Study sequence. The Departmental Honors Committee will appoint a faculty Thesis Committee consisting of three faculty members including the advisor.

Program Requirements: 

1. Write an honors thesis. A typed draft of this thesis will be submitted to their Thesis Committee no later than five days before the beginning of the final examination period.
2. Present the results of their independent study to the Thesis Committee and any interested faculty no later than the second day of the final examination period, and receive the endorsement of a majority of the faculty present for the presentation.
3. Present the results of their independent study at an undergraduate (VMI Undergraduate Research Symposium, National Undergraduate Research Conference, MARCUS, etc.), regional, national, or international conference.
4. Submit the final version of their thesis to the Thesis Committee before the end of the final examination period.