Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Mechanical engineering is the second oldest of the engineering professions and has the largest enrollment of students in the United States. Mechanical engineering is a very broad field which includes many areas of study such as refrigeration, air conditioning, energy conversion, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, transportation equipment engineering and industrial engineering. Mechanical engineers are employed in design, operations, sales, energy conservation, research, and management. A mechanical engineering education is an excellent background for a career in the military, government, business, or other professions such as law and medicine.

The mechanical engineering curriculum at VMI has two main branches: one branch consists of courses related to energy; the other branch has courses which are related to structures and motion in mechanical systems. The curriculum provides a broad background with courses in science, mathematics, liberal arts, and all of the engineering sciences. Extensive use is made of the computer facilities at VMI.

Degree Requirements & Year-by-Year Course Planning

Honors in Mechanical Engineering

Qualified cadets majoring in this program who meet GPA and course requirements and complete and present an honors thesis may pursue an honors distinction.

Concentrations

A cadet may elect to obtain one of two concentrations in the major:

• Aerospace Engineering - A cadet may elect to obtain a concentration in Aerospace Engineering. To obtain a concentration in Aerospace Engineering a cadet must complete ME 311, ME 314, and 3 of the following 6 courses, ME 413, ME 415, ME 416, ME 417, ME 481, ME 484 for a total of 15 hours. A 2.0 GPA must be maintained in courses for the concentration. A cadet must obtain permission from both the ME department head and the head of the cadet’s major field of study.
• Nuclear Engineering - A cadet may elect to obtain a concentration/minor in Nuclear Engineering. To obtain a concentration/minor in Nuclear Engineering a cadet must complete the mandatory courses and two of the three available electives for a total of 15 hours. A 2.5 GPA must be maintained in the courses for the concentration/minor. A cadet must obtain permission from both the ME Department head and the head of the cadet’s major field of study.