Mechanical Engineering

ABET Accreditation

The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Program Criteria.

Why should I study mechanical engineering?

• Mechanical Engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines. It deals with diverse engineering problems in mechanics of materials, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion, vibration, design and manufacturing, materials science, and electromechanical systems, among others. Unlike other engineering disciplines where employment trends to be industry specific, mechanical engineers are employed in almost every industry.
• The average annual salary for mechanical engineers was $93,540 in 2019.
• UW graduates are employed at more than 700 companies and in all 50 states. Mechanical engineers find employment in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, defense, electric utilities, chemical and oil/gas.
• The ME program offers committed, professional instruction and all ME classes are taught by full-time faculty, not graduate students.
• The ME degree offers flexibility and various options, including four ME elective classes chosen from 15 offerings, two math or science electives chosen from 40 offerings, one business elective chosen from seven offerings, and one technical elective.
• A BS/MS program providing a seamless and accelerated transition to graduate school is offered for our undergraduate students.
• ME faculty at the University of Wyoming have traditionally maintained an open-door policy making them extremely accessible to students.
• At an elevation of 7200 feet, UW is the highest engineering college in the U.S. It is surrounded by excellent outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, skiing, fishing, climbing, biking and kayaking.
• Two UW dormitory floors with computing laboratories are designated for engineering students only.

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International Engineering Option

The International Engineering Option offered by the Mechanical Engineering Department provides students with an opportunity to spend one or two semesters abroad. They will have the benefit of studying the language and culture of another country while completing their engineering degree at UW. Students in the program may take classes at a number of foreign institutions or participate in an internship.

An international experience involves more than just international study or an internship. Integration and immersion into another society removes cultural and linguistic barriers. Once these barriers have been breached, engineers and other technical professionals can begin to understand the perspectives and viewpoints held by others around the world. With this understanding, students will not only benefit from the newly gained knowledge of international issues, practices, and opportunities, but they will also enhance their understanding of domestic issues and challenges.

The study of a foreign language and the study-abroad experience satisfy the cultural context requirements of the University Studies Program. As a result, there is only a slight increase in the total number of required credits for the BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. For students without any prior knowledge of the relevant foreign language, the International Option in Mechanical Engineering requires 134 credit hours.

Mechanical Engineering Program Student Outcomes

 The Department’s Student Outcomes are:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors

3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts

5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions

7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Enrollment and Degrees by Academic Year