Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and oldest of the engineering disciplines and therefore provides some of the strongest interdisciplinary opportunities in the engineering profession. Power utilization (and power generation) is often used to describe the focus of mechanical engineering. Within this focus are such diverse topics as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, machine design, mechanics of materials, manufacturing, stress analysis, system dynamics, numerical modeling, vibrations, turbomachinery, combustion, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. Degrees in mechanical engineering open doors to careers not only in the engineering profession but also in business, law, medicine, finance, and other non-technical professions.
Undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering explore fundamental principles of mechanical engineering and their application to modern technological problems. Students collaborate on interdisciplinary work where they research and design creative, leading-edge solutions to these problems. The curriculum focuses on the study of dynamics, controls, and robotics; manufacturing processes and advanced materials; energy and environmentally-friendly "green" engineering; engineering for health with biotechnologies and biomechanics.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree: Biomechanics
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree: Mechatronics
Admission Requirements
Engineering Undeclared Students
See section on College of Engineering Admission for additional details on Direct-to-College admission and placement process for Engineering Undeclared students. The deadline to submit a request for placement in an engineering major occurs annually on July 1.
If the number of Engineering Undeclared students requesting the major exceeds the department capacity for such students, a matching process is implemented. Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.
Engineering Undeclared students in good standing with respect to the continuation criteria described below may request placement into an engineering major after completion of minimum requirements as specified below:
ENGR 101
English composition
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145)
PHYS 121 (or PHYS 141)
One course from list of approved courses on the College of Engineering website. Students are encouraged to choose a course required for graduation in the majors they are considering.
Minimum 2.0 grade in each course used to satisfy a placement requirement.
Minimum 12 credits as a matriculated UW student. Some departments require more credits. See department websites for details.
Students in good standing who do not meet the placement requirements by July 1 will be placed into a major on a conditional basis pending the completion of all placement requirements. Additional advising resources will be available to these students. See section on College of Engineering Continuation Policy for Engineering Undeclared Students for additional details.
Other Current UW Students and Transfer Students
Current UW students without Engineering Undeclared status and transfer students may apply. Admission is capacity constrained.
Admission is for autumn quarter only. Application deadline: April 5
Minimum course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136); CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145); PHYS 121, PHYS 122 (or PHYS 141, PHYS 142); A A 210; 5 credits English composition. All courses completed prior to application deadline. In addition, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 153 or CHEM 155), CEE 220, and ME 230 completed with minimum 2.0 grades prior to autumn quarter.
Minimum 60 credits completed by application deadline
Grade requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for application; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses required for application
Students are encouraged to complete MATH 207 (unless MATH 135 is completed), MATH 208 (unless MATH 136 is completed), PHYS 123 (or PHYS 143), and ME 123 prior to autumn quarter.
Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, demonstrated ability to handle rigorous course load, record of honors, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree
Credential Overview
The Mechanical Engineering bachelor of science degree provides students with background in energy and fluid mechanics, dynamics, combustion, vibration, design, manufacturing processes, systems modeling and simulation, mechatronics, robotics, mechanics of materials, rapid prototyping, and composites, providing the students the background needed to pursue careers in Mechanical Engineering or to enter into graduate studies.
Completion Requirements
180 credits
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
Written and Oral Communication(12 credits)
English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
Writing: 7 credits met by coursework in the major
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (24 credits)
A&H (10 credits)
SSc (10 credits)
Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 24 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) (49-56 credits)
Mathematics (21-29 credits) complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208 (or AMATH 352); one of MATH 209, MATH 224, or AMATH 353; one of IND E 315, STAT 290, or STAT 390
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one of MATH 209, MATH 224, or AMATH 353; one of IND E 315, STAT 290, or STAT 390
Additional NSc credits as necessary to reach 49 credits
Major Requirements
92-94 credits
Engineering Fundamentals (28 credits): A A 210; AMATH 301; CEE 220; E E 215; M E 123; M E 230; MSE 170
Mechanical Engineering Core Courses (46 credits): M E 323, M E 331, M E 333, M E 354, M E 355, M E 356, M E 373, M E 374, M E 493 (or M E 414/E E 414), M E 494, M E 495
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in all M E courses taken at the UW (excluding transfer courses)
Additional Completion Requirements
Electives (19 credits): See department for approved list of engineering electives.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree: Biomechanics
Credential Overview
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms. This field represents the broad interplay between mechanics and biological systems, from the nano scale to whole-body systems. Research in biomechanics enhances our understanding of health, function and disease in living systems and can also serve as inspiration for engineering innovations. Biomechanics can inform and improve the design of medical devices, robotics, athletic equipment, and other applications.
Completion Requirements
180 credits
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
Written and Oral Communication(12 credits)
English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
Writing: 7 credits met by coursework in the major
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (24 credits)
A&H (10 credits)
SSc (10 credits)
Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 24 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) (49-56 credits)
Mathematics (21-29 credits) complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208 (or AMATH 352); one of MATH 209, MATH 224, or AMATH 353; one of IND E 315, STAT 290, or STAT 390
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one of MATH 209, MATH 224, or AMATH 353; one of IND E 315, STAT 290, or STAT 390
Additional NSc credits as necessary to reach 49 credits
Major Requirements
92-94 credits
Engineering Fundamentals (28 credits): A A 210; AMATH 301; CEE 220; E E 215; M E 123; M E 230; MSE 170
Mechanical Engineering Core Courses (46 credits): M E 323, M E 331, M E 333, M E 354, M E 355, M E 356, M E 373, M E 374, M E 493 (or M E 414/E E 414), M E 494, M E 495
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in all M E courses taken at the UW (excluding transfer courses)
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (19 credits): ME 411 and ME 419; 6+ credits of biomechanics electives and remaining credits of supporting electives. See department for approved lists.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree: Mechatronics
Credential Overview
The Mechatronics option of the Mechanical Engineering bachelor of science degree focuses on the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer technologies into the design of complex products.
Completion Requirements
180 credits
General Education Requirements
Basic Skills
Written and Oral Communication(12 credits)
English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
Writing: 7 credits met by coursework in the major
Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.
Areas of Inquiry
Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (24 credits)
A&H (10 credits)
SSc (10 credits)
Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 24 credits
Natural Sciences (NSc) (49-56 credits)
Mathematics (21-29 credits) complete one of the following:
MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 207 (or AMATH 351), MATH 208 (or AMATH 352); one of MATH 209, MATH 224, or AMATH 353; one of IND E 315, STAT 290, or STAT 390
MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one of MATH 209, MATH 224, or AMATH 353; one of IND E 315, STAT 290, or STAT 390
Additional NSc credits as necessary to reach 49 credits
Major Requirements
92-94 credits
Engineering Fundamentals (28 credits): A A 210; AMATH 301; CEE 220; E E 215; M E 123; M E 230; MSE 170
Mechanical Engineering Core Courses (46 credits): M E 323, M E 331, M E 333, M E 354, M E 355, M E 356, M E 373, M E 374, M E 493 (or M E 414/E E 414), M E 494, M E 495
Additional requirements specified below
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in all M E courses taken at the UW (excluding transfer courses)
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific credits (18-20 credits): ME 471, M E 473, M E 477; two of M E 469, M E 470, M E 478, M E 480, PHYS 334, PHYS 335
As of autumn quarter 2024, the option credential in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering is no longer offered. Please refer to the UW Seattle General Catalog Archive for information about this option credential.
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes:
Success in the Profession. The department's goal is success for its graduates in industry, research, and academic careers by virtue of skills and attributes learned in the program. Graduates succeed in their professional and academic positions by:
using fundamental science and analysis to solve engineering problems,
successfully executing engineering designs, and
performing effectively in design teams, in the use of management tools, and through effective oral, written, and graphical communication.
Contribution to Society. Graduates should be critical thinkers in the tradition of the broad liberal arts education. They succeed in this goal by being able to:
think critically, in the sense of broadly educated individuals (i.e., be informed evaluators/consumers of information),
perform independent, informed analysis on issues inside and outside of technology, and
continue lifelong learning.
The BSME program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700, and the department has adopted the following student outcomes:
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
An ability to communicate effectively
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
Knowledge of contemporary issues
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Each student's success is measured by demonstration of the following learning outcomes:
Ability to apply this knowledge to the formulation and solution of mechanical engineering problems
Ability to design thermal and mechanical components to achieve a desired goal. Ability to develop, conduct, and analyze experiments or tests that may aid in this design process.
An understanding of the necessary professional abilities of a practicing engineer including ethical conduct, teamwork in the pursuit of a goal, and effective communication
Ability to conduct computer-based design and analysis in engineering applications
Exposure to a general education program that aids in the understanding of and increases the appreciation for the "non-technical" world
Realization of the business environment in which engineering is practiced.
Awareness and necessity of continuing education, graduate study, and other lifelong learning experiences
Interest groups within the faculty provide instruction in four areas: design; energy and fluids; mechanics, materials and manufacturing; and systems and dynamics. Departmental thrust areas for graduate and undergraduate research include: environment; healthcare; information technology; and manufacturing. Several on-going senior capstone design projects provide both undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on, interdisciplinary, team-driven opportunities that encompass such diverse topics as Formula SAE car; human-powered submarine, mechatronics, and fuel cell technology.
Instructional and Research Facilities: The department has well-equipped laboratories for pursuing research in various disciplinary fields in mechanical engineering and for fabricating specialized research equipment. These include experimental stress analysis; materials testing/characterization; synthesis and simulation of electromechanical control systems; foundry, welding, and other metal fabrication operations; computer facilities for CAD/CAM/CIM and CFD research; wind tunnels for boundary-layer and high-speed flow analysis; combustion systems performance, exhaust emissions control, and combustion engines; acoustics, vibration, and dynamic testing and measurements and modal analysis; radiation, conduction, and convection (including multiphase) heat-transfer analysis, and a bioengineering flow facility. Visit the department website to view faculty research areas.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: The department participates in the College of Engineering Co-op Program. The Center for Career Services also lists internship opportunities.
Department Scholarships: The department offers approximately forty scholarships each year. Scholarship applications are available on the College of Engineering website. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 1. Sophomores may apply for scholarship consideration before being admitted to the department.
Student Organizations/Associations:
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pi Tau Sigma - Mechanical Engineering Honor Society (PTS)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
Program of Study: Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (fee-based)
Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (fee-based) (online)
Master of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering: Data Science) (fee based)
Admission Requirements
Contact department for requirements.
Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
Completion Requirements
42 credits
May complete a thesis option or non-thesis option
Thesis option: 30 credits of numerically graded coursework. Minimum 12 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 9 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; M E 598, 600 not allowed.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Thesis (12 credits): M E 700
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Non-Thesis option: Minimum 18 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 12 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; Max 9 credits M E 598, 600.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (fee-based)
Completion Requirements
42 credits
May complete a thesis option or non-thesis option
Thesis option: 30 credits of numerically graded coursework. Minimum 12 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 9 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; M E 598, 600 not allowed.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Thesis (12 credits): M E 700
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Non-Thesis option: Minimum 18 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 12 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; Max 9 credits M E 598, 600.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Master Of Science In Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (fee-based) (online)
Completion Requirements
42 credits
May complete a thesis option or non-thesis option
Thesis option: 30 credits of numerically graded coursework. Minimum 12 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 9 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; M E 598, 600 not allowed.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Thesis (12 credits): M E 700
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Non-Thesis option: Minimum 18 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 12 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; Max 9 credits M E 598, 600.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Master of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering: Data Science) (fee based)
Completion Requirements
42 credits
May complete a thesis option or non-thesis option
Thesis option: 30 credits of numerically graded coursework. Minimum 12 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 9 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; M E 598, 600 not allowed.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Thesis (12 credits): M E 700
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Non-Thesis option: Minimum 18 credits of 500-level numerically graded M E coursework. Max 12 credits 400-level numerically graded coursework excluding 498, 499; Max 9 credits M E 598, 600.
Required courses (6 credits): M E 564, M E 565
Computational or Numerical Analysis (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option-specific requirements: in addition to the requirements above, students must complete the following
One course from three out of the four following areas (9 credits):
Software development for data science: Course list maintained internally by the program.
Statistics and machine learning: Course list maintained internally by the program.
Data management and data visualization: Course list maintained internally by the program.
Department specific requirement: Course list maintained internally by the program.
Two quarters of eScience Community Seminar (2 credits): CHEM E 599F
One additional quantitative methods course (3 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
Additional courses (to meet required credit total): 400- and/or 500-level courses in M E or other approved departments.