Why study mechanical engineering at W.V.U. Tech?
Our program offers an excellent balance of analytical and applied coursework with an emphasis on practice-oriented lab experience. Design and laboratory experience are integrated throughout the program of study. Labs are equipped with traditional and modern computer-linked test equipment that prepare our graduates to effectively face the challenges of contemporary industry. Students that do well in math and physics tend to enjoy this program.
How is our program different from similar programs at other universities?
The program requires 134 semester hours of rigorous academic work for graduation. Students take a series of sequential courses in several areas and develop skills necessary to be successful mechanical engineers. The department also provides a path for a 2+2 aerospace engineering degree from W.V.U. that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Under this arrangement, a student interested in a BSAE degree from W.V.U. can start as a freshman at W.V.U. Tech in mechanical engineering and complete the appropriate courses in four semesters before moving on to W.V.U.
What co-op opportunities or internships are available?
Hands-on experience comes in the form of the co-op program, internships, and on-campus work-study jobs. Students may start in their sophomore year to work and attend school alternating semesters for a maximum of five semesters of co-op or three semesters of internship under the guidance of a full-time program coordinator.
The program also includes a mandatory, senior-level, two-semester-long design project (ME Systems Design I & II) in which students investigate current topics and build and/or write research reports on their work, some of which have been published in national technical journals.
Program Objectives
Consistent with the mission and the goals stated above and with input from the constituents of the mechanical engineering program, the following educational objectives have been adopted by the department.
Graduates of the W.V.U. Tech Mechanical Engineering program will:
be successful in the practice of mechanical engineering
advance to positions of technical and/or managerial leadership
be successful in graduate studies, if they choose to pursue advanced education
be able to obtain professional registration, if they choose to, after appropriate professional experience.
be dedicated to life-long learning in their professional career