About the department
Mechanical engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines, and interdisciplinary work is key to our department’s success. Our students and faculty work together in collaborative environments, forging partnerships across campus and with government agencies and industry partners. In recent years our research has increasingly expanded in the areas of health technology and energy. This focus has allowed us to diversify our curriculum and is moving the department to the next level in national and international stature.
In addition to health and medicine, the department also has focused research programs in areas such as novel and automated manufacturing, clean and alternative energy, design for the environment, micro and nanotechnology, biomechanics, and advanced manufacturing and materials, to name but a few.
Degree programs
Educating tomorrow’s leaders is our highest priority. We draw talented and creative students and offer a world-class education with an incredible breadth of skill and technological training. Our graduates are making a difference in diverse sectors such as biotechnology and health, environmental engineering and energy, transportation, manufacturing and information systems.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) - prepares students for diverse careers in engineering or industry, or for graduate work.
- Master of Science (MSME) - prepares students with an undergraduate background in ME for careers in research or industry, or further graduate study.
- Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) - prepares students who lack an undergraduate background in ME for careers in research or industry, or further graduate study.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - intensive research prepares students for advanced-level professional careers in academia and industry.
Learn more about our academic programs.
Faculty
| Composition | Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | Tenured and tenure-track and research faculty | 10 | NSF Presidential, Young Investigator and Early Career Award recipients |
| 25 | Joint or adjunct faculty from other UW departments | 3 | National Academy of Engineering members |
| 43 | Affiliate faculty from industry and external research and educational institutions | 3 | Washington State Academy of Sciences members |
| 16 | Postdoctoral research associates | 3 | UW Presidential Entrepreneurial Faculty Fellows |
Breadth of funding sources
The sources of major grants for the Department of Mechanical Engineering illustrate the breadth of research being conducted. From government grants for energy and health to aerospace and automotive industry contributions, these grants help support our diverse research areas.
| Sponsor | Percent | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Science Foundation | 30.50% | $4,303,399 |
| US Department of Energy | 16.60% | $2,341,667 |
| National Institutes of Health | 16.24% | $2,291,633 |
| US Department of Homeland Security | 12.63% | $1,781,510 |
| Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials | 5.67% | $800,000 |
| US Department of Veterans Affairs | 3.64% | $513,002 |
| Boeing Company | 2.81% | $396,126 |
| US Department of Agriculture | 2.39% | $336,579 |
| US Department of Education | 2.09% | $295,278 |
| Bridgestone Corporation | 1.62% | $228,191 |
| US Department of Defense | 1.20% | $168,871 |
| Other | 4.63% | $653,435 |
| Total | $14,109,690 |
Per Reinhall
