Business Minor
Advantages
Elevate your impact as a business-minded engineer with well-rounded business, accounting, and marketing skills.
Outcome
Engineering Consultant at Boeing
Take the inside track to a career in mechanical engineering where you will contribute to the advancement of modern technology.
Major & Minor
On Campus
Mechanical engineering is an exciting and dynamic field that contributes to every area of modern technology; application areas range from pollution control and renewable energy to manufacturing electronic chips and medical devices.
Mechanical engineering is a critical subdivision of engineering that centers on creating technologies to meet society's needs. Without it, many of our most-used technologies like cars, airplanes, and even refrigerators wouldn't exist. From design to the marketplace, mechanical engineers play a key role in the entire manufacturing process of a product. Using problem-solving techniques, mechanical engineers analyze their work to ensure designs function safely and efficiently.
As a Widener student, you'll not only study the fundamentals of mechanical engineering such as strength of materials, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, design of machinery, and vibration and control, but also participate in application-oriented labs and project experiences. Here, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that encourages analytical and creative thinking while being exposed to the industry through real-world applications.
The mechanical engineering program is accredited by ABET. See recent enrollment and graduation data.
Mechanical engineering is a highly progressive field and our curriculum is designed to give you a broad, application-oriented education.
Program Details
You'll be exposed to all core areas of mechanical engineering including mechanical design, dynamics and controls, and the fluid/thermal sciences. Your coursework will include classes in materials, kinematics, thermodynamics, vibrations, heat transfer, and design.
You'll have the option for advanced study in areas such as biomechanics, advanced materials, aerospace, or robotics through technical electives, course projects, and undergraduate research. During your senior year, you'll participate in a year-long project that simulates both the technical and business aspects of professional engineering.
For educational objectives, student outcomes, and curriculum sequence, view our Loading....
College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth.
Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:
It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.
Earning an accelerated master's degree will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth—all while saving you time and money.
As an engineering major, you have the unique opportunity to complete a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering in just 4 to 5 years through the Loading....
Accelerated 4+1 engineering students also have the option to apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships for their 5th year.
Widener also makes it possible to complete a 4+1 degree in a different field of study through our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
Complete up to 1 year of professional work experience through the School of Engineering's optional cooperative education (co-op) program and still graduate within 4 years.
Our engineering co-op program allows you to start your professional career 1 year earlier than students in typical 5-year co-op programs. This means you'll get a head start on your career—not only by earning an income as a co-op student, but also by earning an additional year of salary compared to engineering students from other universities. You may also have the opportunity to receive full-time employment from your co-op or internship employers upon graduation.
As a co-op student, you'll spend your first year in the classroom, but in your sophomore year you'll spend 4 months working in the industry. Your third year can contain up to 8 months of work experience. You'll finish your final year on campus.
Learn more about our co-op program and our co-op requirements for engineering students.
As a mechanical engineering student, you can pursue a dual degree in another field of engineering or physics. This enables you to earn a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and another discipline within 4 years.
To learn more about dual degree options, contact the chairs of both departments to arrange your schedule accordingly.
Interested in mechanical engineering and experienced with the French language? The global engineering industry demands global engineers. Through Widener’s international engineering program, you’ll gain the real-world experience you need to meet the demand. As you simultaneously study mechanical engineering and French, you’ll establish an international perspective that will put you on the inside track to a global engineering career.
The engineering honors program is an exciting opportunity for academically talented students to enrich their engineering education with advanced honors courses, an honors seminar, collaboration with faculty on research, civic engagement, and professional and leadership development opportunities.
Students can complete their program of study in 4 years graduating with a certificate of honors in engineering.
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA and technical GPA of 3.00 or higher while enrolled in the Engineering Honors Program.
If you have questions, contact Dr. William Nagel (wsnagel@widener.edu) in the Engineering Honors Program.
Engineering students are a great fit for Widener's ROTC program. Here you'll strengthen critical-thinking, self-discipline, and team-building skills that can help you excel in a variety of engineering leadership and military careers.
ROTC cadets are eligible for generous scholarships—up to 100% full-tuition coverage—as well as the opportunity to join the Army as a commissioned officer after graduation.
Elevate your impact as a business-minded engineer with well-rounded business, accounting, and marketing skills.
Engineering Consultant at Boeing
Deepen your understanding of the global impact of engineering across cultures and graduate confident in your conversation skills.
International Project Manager
Hone your computational skills to show future employers exceptional problem-solving and creative thinking abilities.
Materials Engineer
Learn experimental and computational analysis techniques in state-of-the-art physics labs and graduate ready to innovate in medicine, technology, and more.
Research Engineer at Lockheed Martin
An advanced understanding of programming languages will show employers you’re prepared to innovate their tech.
Technical Product Engineer at Siemens
per year (2021 median salary for mechanical engineers)
During co-op placements, our students gain valuable work experience with industry partners, such as Schramm, NAVSEA, or Siemens to name just a few.
You have direct access to industry leaders, including many alumni of the program, though the School of Engineering Board of Advisors.
You'll partner with industry-shaping faculty on cutting-edge research from developing new atomic force microscopy experimental methods to better understanding the physical and mechanical factors that play a role in treatment for swallowing disorders.
Specific areas of mechanical engineering faculty research include:
The Engineering Living Learn Community (LLC) provides first-year engineering students a unique opportunity to live and learn together through a variety of co-curricular activities and social events. This peer support system eases the transition to college.
Mechanical engineering majors also have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across campus and beyond to expand their network, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society, and many more.
We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.
Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.
Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
Find support for health & wellbeing
As an engineering major, we know that laboratory experiences play a central role in your education. That's why we take great pride in making sure that our labs and facilities are as up-to-date as possible. Not only will you be absorbing knowledge in the classroom, but in the labs, you will be developing hands-on skills and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
"Before my summer research experience exploring hypersonic vehicles for space missions, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. My research project opened me up to aerospace engineering."
Recognized for top quality teaching and successful outcomes.
Mechanical engineering is the largest growing major in engineering.
Generous graduate assistantships and scholarships for eligible students.
Gain up to 1 full year of compensated work experience and still graduate within 4 years.
Small class sizes allow faculty to make you the priority.
Industry leaders provide networking opportunities to students and support the school in its future growth and competitive development.
"I believe that being a "teacher" is an integral part of my vocation. That is why I consider my contributions to the education of students not merely as a duty or a job to be done, but as a part of my life."
My goal is to provide students with the same tools, skills, professionalism, and academic integrity that was instilled upon me nearly a decade ago as a student at Widener. I want students to have the highest chance of success for both their current academic career and their future professional career.
Nearly half of a million dollars in grants will fund undergraduate and graduate research to advance innovations from self-driving sensing technologies to sustainable low-carbon construction materials.
With Widener's new construction management major set to launch soon, engineering students visited the rebuilt I-95 bridge site after its collapse in June 2023 for a lesson on the transformational power of construction management and engineering.
Engineering majors Sean Crook and Nick Lambert are the latest recipients of the Department of Defense’s SMART scholarship, which puts them on track to join the department’s civilian workforce after graduation where they’ll advance the science and engineering technology behind some of the country’s service branches.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.
Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.
We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app.
Key dates to keep in mind:
Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.
If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:
All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!
Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.
Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator.
Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there!
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process.
This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need.
You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.
Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.
The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.
Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.
Tap into our wide network of Philly-area employers and experience a full-time, paid co-op. In addition to earning an income, you do not pay tuition while on co-op. You can also choose to live on campus, at home, or even travel for your co-op.
Cadets in the ROTC program are given the opportunity to have a significant portion of their education paid for through scholarships—as high as 100% full-tuition coverage. If eligible, the scholarship program has numerous benefits for cadets including room and board, a monthly stipend, and more.
After graduation, cadets also have a direct pathway to a paid career with the option to advance into the military as a commissioned officer.
To visit Widener is to fall in love with the place. But don't take our word—experience it for yourself. Plan a visit to connect with our students, faculty, and staff.
We offer a variety of events to get to know Widener—from virtual sessions, workshops, and private tours, to the big splash of our signature open houses.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Applying online is easy—and it's free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.
Have a question? Want to talk with us more about your options? Give us a call, or send an email today!
Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
Kirkbride Hall
Room 169A
Kirkbride Hall
Room 107