BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a full-time academic program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 4 years.

A student may also be able to obtain a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 5 years.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

The field of mechanical engineering nurtures designers and inventors who layer scientific principles on a strong mathematical foundation to develop creative solutions to the world’s challenges. Mechanical engineering students are exposed to many exciting career possibilities, including robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, biomedical and energy systems. The curriculum includes both engineering fundamentals and cutting-edge technology.

Why Villanova?

What makes Villanova’s Mechanical Engineering department unique is our commitment to community:

• Between students who learn teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills together during classes and in clubs
• With faculty who value your success and take the time to get to know you—by name
• In the world outside of Villanova, where we engage in service learning trips, study abroad experiences and STEM outreach programs
• Through Nova Nation whose alumni are there to mentor, guide and support our students during their time here and after they graduate

Areas of Study

While all undergraduates in the Department of Mechanical Engineering learn the foundational science in each of the areas below, students in their junior year can choose an official concentration that will appear on their transcript:

• Dynamics and Controls (e.g., autonomous vehicles, robotics and mechatronics)
• Mechanics and Materials (e.g., structures, machinery, manufacturing, biomechanics, deformation and stress analysis)
• Thermal Fluids Systems (e.g., solar power, energy, piping systems, fuel cells)

Related minors—including Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics and Humanitarian Engineering—offer an opportunity for more in-depth study.

Real-World Opportunities

All Mechanical Engineering seniors complete a two-semester capstone design experience. Many of these projects are industry-sponsored, while others are based on international service learning projects. Research opportunities are available for a selected number of students, both during the academic year, and over summers.

Recent undergraduate projects include:

• Lap time simulator for motorsport applications
• Dimensional modeling of carbon parts
• 3-D underwater mapping with stereo sonar
• Server rack heat recovery
• Unexploded ordnance remediation robot for Cambodia
• Water technology for Madagascar

After Earning Your Degree

U.S. News & World Report ranks Mechanical Engineer among the 100 Best Jobs and Best STEM Jobs.

In 2020, 24% of Villanova Mechanical Engineering graduates continued their education after graduation. Those who entered the job market found opportunities in engineering, research, product/project management, operations/production and construction/contracting.

Where Are They Now?

2020 graduates from Villanova’s Mechanical Engineering program are working in a number of fields in a variety of unique positions. Here is just a sampling: