At UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science, mechanical engineering is about learning how to solve real problems that make a different in people’s lives.
As a mechanical engineering student at UWM, you’ll gain a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals while applying your knowledge through hands-on labs, team-based projects, with the potential for undergraduate research. You’ll work with modern tools and technologies used in industry and explore areas such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy systems, materials, and biomedical applications.
UWM’s location in Wisconsin’s largest city connects you directly to employers, research partners, and internship opportunities. You’ll benefit from strong industry relationships that can lead to paid internships, co-ops, and full-time careers—often before graduation.
Small class sizes and accessible faculty mean you’re supported from day one. Professors bring real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom, mentoring students as they grow into confident engineers.
Whether you want to enter the workforce, attend graduate school, or innovate through entrepreneurship, UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science provides the skills, experience, and connections to help you succeed.
In order to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, students work in teams to apply the skills they have learned over their years at our college in a year-long senior design project.
AIAA is the largest aerospace professional society in the world, and its members help make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME promotes knowledge of the theory and practice of mechanical engineering, and offers the opportunity to participate in activities that promote a professional awareness of mechanical engineering.
Prototyping Club
PC provides students the tools, knowledge, and support to develop an idea into an invention.
Society of Automotive Engineers
SAE provides members an opportunity to gain insight into the engineering profession by offering hands on engineering experience through student design competitions like the BAJA vehicle challenge, monthly meetings with engineering professionals, and local industry tours.
The annual Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis is a signature event for our college. Both undergraduate and graduate students gain valuable communication experience sharing their research and out-of-classroom experiences with faculty and industry judges, who provide feedback.
Undergraduate Teaching Labs
UWM students have a range of hands-on teaching labs available to our undergraduate students here at the College of Engineering & Applied Science. From computer labs and tutoring resources to teaching labs and spaces to create or collaborate.
Undergraduate Research
As an undergraduate student you’ll have the opportunity to work with faculty engaged in research including:
Advanced Manufacturing
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Tribology
Energy
Biomechanics
Metal Matrix Composites
Robotics and Controls
A benefit of attending a top tier R1 research university is the opportunity to work with faculty engaged in cutting-edge research and to participate in the Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program. The SURF program helps you to improve your professional preparation through research by closely working with our faculty to explore, discover, and transform ideas into reality.
SURF students also receive funding for their efforts: from 2012-2023 almost $1.5M was awarded to over 700 students from our college.
Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Poster Competition, providing them with excellent opportunities to share their work with judges from industry.
From the moment Wynn Grame saw a photo of a “double-decker” bike, the senior in mechanical engineering knew he had to build one.
