
GMU Mechanical Engineering: A Center of Excellence in Education and Research
George Mason University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is a nationally recognized leader in engineering education and research. Our faculty members are experts in a wide range of disciplines, including thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and biomechanics. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in industry, government, and academia.

Education
The mechanical engineering undergraduate program at GMU provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of engineering. Students take courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering science. They also choose from a variety of technical electives in areas such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and biomechanics.
The mechanical engineering graduate program at GMU offers students the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest. Students can choose from a variety of research-based master’s and doctoral programs. The faculty members in the department are actively involved in research in a wide range of areas, including energy, materials, manufacturing, and bioengineering.
Research
The mechanical engineering faculty at GMU are engaged in a wide range of research activities. These activities include the development of new energy technologies, the study of the behavior of materials under extreme conditions, the design of new manufacturing processes, and the development of new medical devices. The department’s research expenditures have increased by more than 50% in the past five years.
The department’s research activities are supported by a number of state-of-the-art facilities. These facilities include the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, the Biomechanics Lab, the Computational Fluids Lab, and the Energy Systems Lab. The department also has a number of research centers, including the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and the Center for Energy Research.
Careers
Graduates of the mechanical engineering program at GMU are in high demand in industry, government, and academia. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy. The median starting salary for mechanical engineers is $63,000 per year.
GMU Mechanical Engineering by the Numbers
Here are some key facts and figures about the mechanical engineering program at GMU:
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Number of undergraduate students | 300+ |
Number of graduate students | 100+ |
Number of faculty members | 20+ |
Research expenditures | $10 million+ |
Median starting salary for graduates | $63,000 |
Generating Ideas for New Applications
One of the most important things that mechanical engineers do is generate ideas for new applications. This can be a challenging task, but there are a few things that can help. One is to think about the problems that people face in everyday life. What are the things that make people’s lives difficult or dangerous? Another is to look at the latest advances in technology. What new materials, processes, and devices are being developed? Finally, it is important to be creative and to think outside the box. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places.
Here are a few examples of new applications that have been developed by mechanical engineers:
- Artificial limbs that are more flexible and comfortable than traditional prosthetics
- Self-driving cars that can make our roads safer and more efficient
- Renewable energy technologies that can help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels
- Medical devices that can diagnose and treat diseases more effectively
These are just a few examples of the many ways that mechanical engineers are making a difference in the world. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more amazing innovations from the field of mechanical engineering.
Conclusion
The mechanical engineering program at GMU is a dynamic and growing program that is committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers. Our faculty members are experts in a wide range of disciplines, and our research activities are supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Our graduates are in high demand in industry, government, and academia, and they are making a difference in the world.