Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department
Take an active role in shaping the future of your world by joining the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry to collaborate on meaningful projects that prepare you for a successful career.
Our expertise spans the areas of:
- Materials science
- Mechanics
- Nuclear engineering
- Thermal-fluid systems
By making groundbreaking advances in these fields, our research can make a significant impact in adjacent areas like medicine, energy and even aerospace design.
We want you to reach your full potential, so our faculty bring the same passion and expertise for research into the classroom. Many will take a hands-on approach to your education, serving as mentors who guide your development.
Whether you’re drawn to the vast world of mechanical engineering – designing anything from complex machinery to consumer products – or captivated by the marvels of nuclear engineering – with applications in energy production and medical treatment – the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering has a program to fuel your passion.
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. It applies the principles of engineering, material science, physics and mathematics to design, analyze and manufacture mechanical systems like vehicles, biomedical devices, consumer products, internal combustion engines and robotic systems.
Nuclear engineering harnesses the power of atomic nuclei to transform our world. From generating clean energy that powers our homes to developing cutting-edge medical treatments, nuclear engineers play a vital role in shaping our future. They apply their deep understanding of nuclear properties and reactions to advance cancer therapies, pioneer innovative diagnostic techniques and drive economic growth. With a keen focus on radiation measurement and safeguards, nuclear engineers work tirelessly to ensure their work benefits society while minimizing the risks of nuclear technology.
Experiential learning makes students industry-ready
You will graduate from the VCU College of Engineering with the confidence and competence necessary for a successful engineering career. Our undergraduate plan of study includes at least one lab every semester, a professional development course with several industry interactions, a required internship or co-op experience and a year-long capstone design project.
Gateway to Virginia’s Nuclear Industry
Connect with leading companies in the nuclear industry through partnerships developed by the VCU College of Engineering. Located in Richmond, near the heart of the nuclear industry, the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is among the best programs ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Our unique combined doctorate and comprehensive undergraduate curriculum prepare you for success in the growing field of nuclear engineering.
Mechanical and nuclear engineering academic programs
Earn a master's degree in less time
The College of Engineering offers accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs for all five departments. Students can earn both degrees in a minimum of five years by taking approved graduate-level courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program.
Faculty Research
Our faculty researchers are pioneers who constantly push the boundary of their fields forward. Innovations developed by faculty impact research areas like:
- Aerosol therapy
- Aerospace
- Air filtration
- Energy
- Materials science
- Mechanics
- Medical device design
- Molten salt reactors
- Nuclear security
- Power plant efficiency
- Reactor physics
- Thermal-fluid systems
This cutting-edge research is supported through funding from major federal agencies, state entities and industry partners. Our research expenditures of nearly $5.28 million demonstrate the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is a hub for innovation with real-world impact.
Mechanical and nuclear engineering online master's degree program and the mechanical engineering graduate program are top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
1St
place finish in the 2023 Innovative Additive Manufacturing 3D Challenge
11%
expected job growth for mechanical engineering from 2022-2032*
$5.28m
in research expenditures in 2023-2024
#5
ranked online M.S. program by Best Value Schools
*According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Expected growth in Virginia of 13% according to Virginia Works.
State-of-the-art-facilities
We equip our facilities and labs with industry-strength tools and technologies – preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in a hands-on learning environment.
