Mechanical Engineering Minor

The mechanical engineering minor is designed to complement existing engineering and other STEM majors by addressing core mechanical engineering areas to which many of our students are not currently exposed in depth, specifically dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. The goal is to broaden students’ technical preparation, enhance their competitiveness for industry roles and graduate study where ME coursework is expected, as well as increase interdisciplinary opportunities across STEM.

Catalog link - Mechanical Engineering Minor (coming soon)

• Adding courses in Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics will bridge knowledge gaps in areas in which WWU students currently have no exposure.
• This knowledge will allow students to show proficiency in interviews where these topics are needed.
• It also allows for more opportunities to apply to a wider pool of positions when Mechanical Engineering is specified.

Admission to the Mechanical Engineering minor is a two-phase process.  Students must complete the prerequisite courses listed below in order to apply to the minor.  Admission to minor status is determined by academic performance in the prerequisite courses and other factors.  Admission to the minor is competitive, limited by space available in the core classes.  Neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission.

General Prerequisites: CHEM 161, MATH 124, MATH 125, PHYS 161. 

Students must obtain at least a C- in the above courses and an overall GPA in them of 2.0 or higher to be considered. AP scores are converted to GPA as follows: 5 = A; 4 = B; 3 = C. 

Decisions are based primarily on cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses, but successful completion of other required Minor courses, GPA in a Major, and overall GPA are also considerations.

• ENGR 114 (4) - Computer Aided Graphics or MFGE 261 (4) Computer Aided Design
• ENGR 170 (4) - Introduction to Materials Science & Engineering
• ENGR 214 (4) - Statics
• ENGR 225 (4) - Mechanics of Materials
• MECH 230 (4) - Dynamics
• ENRG 310 (4) - Thermodynamics
• MECH 320 (4) - Fluid Mechanics
• MFGE 365 (4) - Machine Design

Learning outcomes are statements that describe essential learning that can be reliably demonstrated at the end of a course. The Mechanical minor should establish these overarching learning outcomes:

• Apply advanced mathematics, fundamental sciences, and core engineering principles to formulate and solve mechanical engineering problems.
• Model, simplify, and analyze complex mechanical systems using appropriate analytical and computational methods.
• Design mechanical components and subsystems (structures, machine elements, thermal and fluid systems) to meet specified performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
• Work effectively on multidisciplinary teams, contributing technical skills and integrating diverse perspectives to achieve project goals.
• Communicate technical information clearly and persuasively in written, oral, and graphical forms for diverse audiences.
• Evaluate engineering solutions in terms of their global, economic, environmental, and societal impacts, and apply ethical reasoning in professional practice.