Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science with a concentration in nuclear engineering
Develop a range of engineering skills within one of the broadest engineering disciplines. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical and nuclear engineering teaches you to apply the principles of engineering, material science, physics and mathematics to design, analyze and manufacture mechanical systems such as vehicles, biomedical devices, consumer products, internal combustion engines, power plants, and other nuclear applications.
What you’ll learn
Apply your engineering, science and mathematical knowledge to formulate solutions to new and existing problems while communicating your findings to colleagues, industry and community stakeholders.
You will also develop expertise in areas like:
- Computer-aided engineering design
- Engineering graphics
- Engineering materials
- Mechanical systems design
- Nuclear engineering fundamentals
- Nuclear fuel cycle and economics
- Nuclear power plants
- Radiation safety and shielding
- Reactor theory and design
- Thermal-fluid systems design
The VCU College of Engineering’s unique approach to combining mechanical and nuclear engineering education prepares you for any challenge. Formed from a partnership with Dominion Energy, the program provides a foundation in nuclear energy, allowing you to choose your educational path with advanced coursework in either mechanical or nuclear engineering.
Etched into the landscape of Richmond, the VCU College of Engineering gives students access to a culturally vibrant and diverse city full of potential. We focus on developing close partnerships with public institutions and private businesses in order to give you unique learning and job opportunities.
Undergraduate students also have access to benefits like:
- Dual focus on mechanical and nuclear engineering provides a foundation for a variety of engineering specializations
- Dedicated Career Services department that provides internship and employment opportunities
- Faculty who are industry experts, finding innovative solutions to mechanical and nuclear engineering problems as respected leaders in their fields with well-funded labs and industry partnerships
- Undergraduate research opportunities available as soon as you enroll
- Industry connections through college partnerships with public and private industry
- Proximity to industry hotspots in Richmond, Virginia’s capital, and Washington D.C.
- Interdisciplinary education to teach collaboration with engineering practitioners outside your field of study
- Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) where students from different disciplines, both inside and outside the College of Engineering, work together to solve real-world problems
- Hands-on learning with labs and experiential learning in the form of internships and co-ops
- Accelerated master’s program that awards a graduate degree in as little as one year after your undergraduate program
Reference the VCU Bulletin for a full list of mechanical and nuclear engineering classes. Below are a few interesting courses from the program:
Nuclear Reactor Theory (EGMN 352): You’ll be introduced to fundamental properties of the neutron, the reactions induced by neutrons, nuclear fission, the slowing down of neutrons in infinite and finite media, diffusion theory, the 1-group or 2-group approximation, point kinetics, and fission-product poisoning.
Radiation Safety and Shielding (EGMN 355): Learn the fundamentals of radiation safety and shielding with a focus on sources of radioactivity, interaction of radiation with matter, biological effects of radiation, dosimetry, attenuation of gamma rays and neutrons, and effectiveness of shielding methods.
Nuclear Power Plants (EGMN 359): Investigate the design and analysis of nuclear power plants. Topics include survey of reactor types and common design characteristics, the conversion of thermal energy to electricity, the control and operation of nuclear reactors through an analysis of the coupling of the reactors and the power plant, reactor transient analysis, and nuclear safety design.
An undergraduate degree in mechanical and nuclear engineering can facilitate career advancement in a number of industries like:
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Defense
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Medical devices
Consider possibilities like:
- Aerospace, Mechanical Engineer: Apply mechanical engineering expertise to the structural analysis of aircraft, missiles or spacecraft. Coordinate with teams of engineers to facilitate the development or refinement of aviation structures.
- Defense, Mechanical Engineer: Participate in the mechanical engineering design and development of weapon systems. Work within the calculated cost and feasibility of projects based on analysis of collected data, applying knowledge and techniques of engineering and advanced mathematics.
- Energy, Operations Engineer: Work on projects that require the implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting of control systems for biomass, landfill gas to energy, automated demand response, combined heat and power, and alternative energy projects. Operate automated data systems, assist in operational plant troubleshooting and conduct testing in a laboratory environment.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable insights into the field of mechanical engineering, including salary trends, projected job growth and industry demand. As you research and consider your educational options, take advantage of these resources to align your academic path with promising career opportunities.
With the help of our Career Services team, VCU College of Engineering graduates have many opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals. Our students work at companies like:
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Department of Energy, Nuclear Energy
- Dominion Energy
- Huntington Ingalls Industries
- Idaho National Laboratory
- The Naval Surface Warfare Center
- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
- United States Army
- Y-12 National Security Complex
Application information
First-year applicants who submit all materials by the priority admissions deadline of Jan. 15 for the upcoming fall semester will receive a decision by April 1.*
To be considered for a university-level scholarship your application materials must be received by the Office of Admissions by Nov. 1.
Transfer applicants who submit all materials by the March 17 priority deadline for the upcoming fall semester will receive a decision by May 1.*
*After this deadline decisions are sent on a rolling basis until enrollment capacity is met.