Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) – Residential

Residential Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Acquire the skills you’ll need to enter the exciting field of Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Liberty University. Here, you’ll gain a broad foundation in the areas of solid mechanics, thermal-fluids, mechatronics, and materials engineering.

Get theoretical knowledge along with the practical experience that will prepare you for the industry or graduate school. The incorporation of computational modeling and simulation in our curriculum increases your opportunities to find jobs in high-tech companies. Study under experienced professors who are grounded in their Christian faith. Our faculty share your passion for exploring the complexities of God’s creation in order to support initiatives that will improve quality of life.

Mechanical engineers learn about the motion of matter, forces, and energy in order to design and manufacture mechanical devices and systems. From basic machines like the lever and on to rockets and flying cars, mechanical engineers develop solutions to advance technology.

Specialized equipment and facilities at Liberty University include:

• High-Performance Computer (HPC)
• Scanning Electron Microscope
• Center for Engineering Research and Education

The Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,  ABET accredits postsecondary degree-granting programs housed within regionally accredited institutions. Liberty University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC.

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Top 10 reasons to attend our Christian Engineering school

1. Jesus Christ is Recognized as the First Creationeer and the Reason Why We Create
   • Creating new materials, new structures, and new systems in an entrepreneurial setting while integrating Christ in everything we do is the basis for creationeering and the vision for the Liberty University School of Engineering (LUSE).
2. Career Opportunities with Your Engineering Degree
   • 100% of our engineering students are employed within a year after graduation. Interaction with leaders of high tech corporations throughout each semester, job fairs, and guest speakers offers excellent pathways to career opportunities.
3. Great Jobs at High Salaries
   • The largest salaries of any major coming out of Liberty University are from the School of Engineering. Our students have been offered jobs at Lockheed Martin, BWXT, Framatome, Sandia National Laboratories, Army ERDC Labs, NASA, and more.
4. Diverse Disciplines and Degree Options
   • Several disciplines are available for our engineering degrees: Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial and Systems, and Mechanical. The Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are offered.
5. Degrees with Professional Accreditation
   • Our undergraduate programs are all accredited by ABET (except for our civil engineering degree, which will apply July 2023). Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Associate of Colleges and Schools (SACS). We also support the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam for preparation for a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
6. Simulation-Based Design Throughout the Curriculum
   • All classrooms, faculty offices, and residence hall rooms are connected by an on-campus wireless network that provides access to the internet. High-Performance Computing (HPC) is a unique enabling technology for the Liberty University School of Engineering. This allows for simulation-based design throughout the curriculum in all of our engineering disciplines.
7. Highly Respected Professors
   • LUSE professors have earned advanced degrees (nearly 90% have their Ph.D.), have experienced real-world engineering industry, and now offer teaching excellence in the classroom. Each is grounded in their Christian faith and is committed to helping you succeed.
8. Competition Teams and Clubs
   • Engineering jobs are always practiced in the context of collaborative team environments. LUSE hosts several teams and clubs to help integrate the in-class learning and to help realize the creationeering process: Formula 1 SAE car, Baja, Human Powered Vehicle, Mars Rover robotics, Vex robotics, and renewable energy.
   • Our clubs include Robotics, High-Performance Computing, Gaming, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association, Cyber Defense Club, Engineering & Missions Research Club, Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and an Amateur Radio Club.
9. Practical Engineering Experience
   • LUSE works with students to gain internships, summer, and through-semester engineering jobs via local corporations. Faculty also assist students with research.
10. Soft Skills Training
    • As an engineering student, you will learn “soft skills” that are valuable in the workplace. We will train you to work on teams, understand social relationships, think critically, and be a leader by living the example of a Champion for Christ.

Featured Courses

• Mechatronics (ENGR 313)
• Computer-Aided Engineering (ENGM 350)
• Design of Machine Components (ENGM 415)
• Thermodynamics (PHYS 320)

Career Outlook 2018*

• Median Pay: $87,370/year, $42.00/hour
• Number of Jobs: 312,900

*From Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduation Requirements

• 135 Total hours
• 2.0 Overall grade point average
• 33.75 hours must be upper-level courses (300-400 level)
• Grade of 'C' Minimum required for all upper-level courses in the major
• 25% Of major, including technical electives and quantitative studies, taken through Liberty University
• 33.75 hours must be completed through Liberty University
• Grad App Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student's anticipated graduation date
• CSER All requirements must be satisfied before a degree will be awarded

Career Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering

• Robotics/controls engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Aircraft designer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Biomedical engineer
• Field engineer in the oil industry
• Structural analysis engineer
• Energy conservation engineer

Where Students Have Interned

• Lockheed Martin
• BW Integrated Systems
• Sikorsky
• Framatome
• WSP USA
• Mac Trucks

Where Alumni Have Worked

• Lockheed Martin
• BW Integrated Systems
• Purdue University graduate program
• Virginia Commonwealth University graduate program
• Harris Corporation

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Admission Decisions

• Admission decisions are competitive and are based primarily on the following factors:
• Cumulative (unweighted) GPA from high school or college
• GED scores (if applicable)
• Consistency and trends of grades
• Results from the SAT, ACT, or CLT
• Essay submission

Please note: Other documentation such as reference letters, community service, or leadership verification may also be required by the admissions committee on a case-by-case basis.

Admission Standards

• 50% of admitted students come from within the following mid-ranges:
  • High School GPA: 3.15-3.83
  • SAT (ERW* and math only): 1020-1220
  • ACT composite: 20-27

*Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

Liberty University now offers award-winning Prepworks® ACT and SAT preparation courses with money-back guarantees. 

High School Course Completions

While there are no specific course requirements for applicants, if you have completed these classes you’ll likely feel prepared for classroom expectations at Liberty. The recommended curriculum includes:

• 4 units of English
• 2-3 years of college preparatory mathematics
• 2 years of laboratory science
• 2 years of social science
• 2 years of foreign language
• At least 4 units of elective credits

Your Admission Essay

Your admission essay is an important part of the admission process. We understand that you are more than a test score, and your essay helps us connect with you as an individual.

Liberty University’s mission is to develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrow’s world — and we take it seriously.

Your essay helps us understand how you will maintain and carry on this mission as a Champion for Christ.

Essay Steps:

Step 1

Answer each question in just 100-150 words:

1. Describe how your personal faith and beliefs contribute to your college search process. (Examples include reasons for choosing Liberty, background information about your personal faith and beliefs, or other information you deem relevant.)
2. Liberty’s mission is to develop Christ-centered leaders. Describe how you will contribute to this mission as a Liberty student. (Examples include interests in church or community service, personal achievements or goals, or other examples of what you hope to achieve as a student.)

Step 2

Email your essay to admissionsdocs@liberty.edu with “ESSAY” as the subject line. In your essay heading, please include your full name, address, date of birth, and your student ID (if you have it).

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