Every day, mechanical engineers apply science, math and technology to solve complex issues. Their versatile skillset allows them to work in many in-demand industries, including the biomedical, aerospace, automotive and energy sectors. Mechanical engineers are projected to have the second-highest new job growth of all engineering fields from 2016 to 2026.
Program Overview
Become a University of Colorado Boulder Engineer—at Western.
Most businesses depend on mechanical engineers to innovate, test and build systems and devices that are essential to their existence. In our program, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to take advantage of our new partnership with the prestigious University of Colorado Boulder. You’ll complete your initial two years as a Western student, then transfer to University of Colorado Boulder to finish your final two years in the program—all while attending classes at Western’s campus in Gunnison. Graduates of the partnership program receive their Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science.
The partnership program is housed in the new, state-of-the-art Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering at the heart of Western’s campus. The new labs and classrooms are designed to provide you with a hands-on learning experience, supported by faculty who are experts in their field. Through intensive coursework, labs and competitive internship opportunities, you’ll be well-prepared for exceptional career opportunities in many diverse fields.
To learn more about the application process and CU Boulder’s transition requirements, please visit our Partnership Admissions Process page.
Western’s Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. To learn more about Western’s accreditation, visit this page.
The best of both worlds
Enjoy the small class sizes, know-your-name attention from faculty and the mountain-town grandeur of Gunnison—all while earning a prestigious degree from the University of Colorado Boulder’s renowned College of Engineering & Applied Science.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
The Mechanical Engineering program requires a minimum of 128 cumulative credits applied to the degree, which includes courses from Western Colorado University and the University of Colorado Boulder.
This program provides a seamless transfer of coursework from the Gunnison residential campus for a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering awarded by CU Boulder. A student must meet the requirements for the CU Boulder College of Engineering & Applied Science and may apply for admission when they have established a successful collegiate record as a Western student. This is demonstrated through academic requirements outlined at https://western.edu/program/mechanical-engineering-university-colorado-partnership/transition-to-cu-boulder/
Students are expected to follow the Academic Policies of the respective University/Universities at which they are registered.
- Western: https://catalog.western.edu/undergraduate/policies/
- CU Boulder College of Engineering & Applied Science: https://www.colorado.edu/engineering-advising/get-your-degree/academic-expectations-policies
Planned Western coursework is outlined below in red font and course numbers are all three digits, while CU Boulder coursework is outlined below in black font and course numbers are all four digits. Students must complete 45 credits of CU Boulder coursework.
Degree Requirements - Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College Writing Requirement (total of 3 credit hours) | ||
| ENG 302 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Computer Science (total of 3 credit hours) | ||
| CS 191 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| Mathematics & Basic Sciences (total of 30 credit hours) | ||
| MATH 151 | Calculus I (GT-MA1) | 4 |
| MATH 251 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 252 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 358 | Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | 4 |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry for Engineers | 3-4 |
| or CHEM 111 & CHEM 112 | General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1) | |
| PHYS 190 & PHYS 185 | General Physics I (GT-SC2) and Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| PHYS 191 & PHYS 186 | General Physics II (GT-SC2) and Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| Math/Science Foundations (can be satisfied with any of the following courses) | 3-4 | |
BIOL 150 | Biological Principles (with laboratory) (GT-SC1) | |
BIOL 151 | Diversity and Patterns of Life (with laboratory) | |
BIOL 372 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I (with laboratory) | |
CHEM 113 | General Chemistry II | |
CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I | |
ECON 216 | Statistics for Business and Economics | |
GEOL 101 | Physical Geology (GT-SC2) | |
GEOL 201 | Historical Geology (with laboratory) | |
MATH 113 | Statistical Thinking (GT-MA1) | |
MATH 220 | Introduction to Advanced Mathematics | |
MATH 380 | Introduction to Cryptography | |
MATH 471 | Abstract Algebra I | |
PHYS 110 | Introductory Astronomy (GT-SC2) | |
PHYS 320 | Modern Physics | |
| General Engineering (total of 15 credit hours) | ||
| ENGR 131 | Introduction to Engineering Design | 3 |
| ENGR 224 | Materials Science | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Statics | 3 |
| ENGR 251 | Dynamics | 3 |
| or PHYS 251 | Dynamics | |
| ENGR 363 | Mechanics of Solids | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineering (total of 43 credit hours) | ||
| ENGR 161 | COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN | 3 |
| ENGR 162 | FABRICATION | 1 |
| ENGR 265 | Engineering as a Profession | 1 |
| ENGR 335 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| or PHYS 335 | Fluid Mechanics | |
| MCEN 3012: Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| MCEN 3017: Circuits and Electronics for Mechanical Engineers | 3 | |
| MCEN 3022: Heat Transfer | 3 | |
| MCEN 3025: Component Design | 3 | |
| MCEN 3030: Computational Methods | 3 | |
| MCEN 3032: Thermodynamics 2 | 3 | |
| MCEN 3047: Data Analysis and Experimental Methods | 4 | |
| MCEN 4026: Manufacturing Processes and Systems | 3 | |
| MCEN 4043: System Dynamics | 3 | |
| MCEN 4045: Mechanical Engineering Design Project 1 | 3 | |
| MCEN 4085: Mechanical Engineering Design Project 2 | 3 | |
| MCEN 4086: Writing for Design | 1 | |
| Mechanical Technical Electives (total of 6 credit hours) | ||
| MCEN coursework 3000-level or higher not already in degree. | ||
| General Technical Electives (total of 6 credit hours) | ||
| Engineering, science, math, computer science, or engineering management courses at 3000-level or higher not already in degree (subject to departmental approval). | ||
| Humanities & Social Sciences | ||
| Complete 15 credits of approved humanities and social science coursework, 6 credits of which must be upper-division. | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Complete enough electives to bring the total credit hours toward the degree to 128. Normally this is 12 credit hours but could vary (for example due to transfer credits). Please consult with your academic advisor or Partnership Program Director with questions. | ||
The following plan lists all the specific course requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder in partnership with Western Colorado University. The order in which these courses are taken may vary with course availability. Students are responsible for completing all course prerequisites. Please note that this is a suggested degree program; your program may vary.
Planned Western coursework is outlined below in red font and course numbers are all three digits, while CU Boulder coursework is outlined below in black font and course numbers are all four digits. Students must complete 45 credits at CU Boulder.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CS 190 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| CHEM 121 or CHEM 111 and CHEM 112 |
General Chemistry for Engineers or General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (GT-SC1) |
3-4 |
| ENG 102 | Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 151 | Calculus I (GT-MA1) | 4 |
| PHYS 185 | Laboratory Physics I (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| PHYS 190 | General Physics I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| Credits | 18-19 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 191 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| ENGR 131 | Introduction to Engineering Design | 3 |
| H&SS lower-division | 3 | |
| MATH 251 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 186 | Laboratory Physics II (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| PHYS 191 | General Physics II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 252 | Calculus III | 4 |
| ENGR 161 | COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN | 3 |
| ENGR 162 | FABRICATION | 1 |
| ENGR 224 | Materials Science | 3 |
| PHYS 250 | Statics | 3 |
| PHYS 320 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 302 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGR 251 or PHYS 251 |
Dynamics or Dynamics |
3 |
| ENGR 265 | Engineering as a Profession | 1 |
| ENGR 335 or PHYS 335 |
Fluid Mechanics or Fluid Mechanics |
3 |
| ENGR 363 | Mechanics of Solids | 3 |
| MATH 358 | Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| MCEN 3012 Thermodynamics | 3 | |
| MCEN 3017 Circuits & Electronics for Mechanical Engineers | 3 | |
| MCEN 3025 Component Design | 3 | |
| MCEN 3030 Computational Methods | 3 | |
| MCEN Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MCEN 3032 Thermodynamics II | 3 | |
| MCEN 3047 Data Analysis & Experimental Methods | 4 | |
| MCEN 4026 Manufacturing Processes & Systems | 3 | |
| MCEN Technical Elective | 3 | |
| H&SS lower-division | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| MCEN 3022 Heat Transfer | 3 | |
| MCEN 4043 System Dynamics | 3 | |
| MCEN 4045 Mechanical Engineering Design Project I | 3 | |
| MCEN 4086 Writing for Design | 1 | |
| General Technical Elective | 3 | |
| H&SS lower-division | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MCEN 4085 Mechanical Engineering Design Project II | 3 | |
| General Technical Elective | 3 | |
| H&SS upper-division | 6 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 128-129 | |
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.
Scholarships
Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsEligibility
- Accepted to Western by April 15
- Declared major in the Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering partnership programs by April 15
Award Amount Tiers based on High School GPA
- 3.50-3.749
- $3,500 In-State
- $9,000 Out-of-State
- 3.75-3.999
- $5,000 In State
- $10,500 Out-of-State
- 4.0
- $6,500 In-State
- $12,000 Out-of-State
Renewal Criteria
- Remain in the partnership program
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Complete MATH 151 Calculus 1 with grade of C or better prior to the start of second fall semester (to be evaluated at the end of first spring semester).
Description
The Rady Merit Scholarship is awarded for 4 semesters (maximum of 6 semesters upon successful appeal), while the student is considered a full-time Western student (enrolled in 12 credits or more) and Western is processing the student’s financial aid. The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability.
Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsAlumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.
Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.
- This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
- Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
- GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).
Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).
Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:
- This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
- Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
- The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
- GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.
For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Note: Students enrolled in a Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program (i.e. major) do not qualify for Western Merit Scholarship programs. See the Rady Merit Scholarship section above for scholarship opportunities.
Get Involved
Make your education a life changing experience.
A college education is so much more than just taking classes. Expand your community and network, while gaining hands-on experience in your field.
- Professional Societies and Student Clubs: Students are encouraged to participate in professional societies and student clubs related to engineering and computer science. Currently, Western offers the following opportunities for students to get involved: ASME, SWE, SAE, ACM, WACM, Mountaineers Without Borders, Maker’s Society.,
- Seminar Series: Each semester, faculty at the Rady School invite industry leaders to discuss their experiences with students. Previous speakers include the Senior Project Manager of Blade Design at Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, designers of the largest wind turbine blades in the world; the owner and CEO of Red Canary, a cybersecurity company with multiple Fortune 500 clients; and the co-founder of PACT Outdoors, an outdoor industry manufacturer located in the Gunnison Valley.
- Lambda Learning Center (LLC): The LLC exists to provide academic support for math, computer science, and engineering, as well as to facilitate student learning beyond the classroom. Students, tutors, and professors get together and create a culture centered not only around understanding and mastering STEM-related coursework, but also exploring new ideas in STEM and building community.
- Residence Hall Community Building: Rady School students can elect to live in a Partnership Program Community during their first year at Western, allowing them to strengthen bonds with fellow students outside of class. The residence halls provide designated study spaces and a computer lab for students.
- Experiential Education Initiatives: The program curriculum is enhanced by numerous project-based, industry-focused experiential education initiatives that set it apart from other programs in the state. Students engage with the local community through project partnerships.
- Social Media: Follow @RadySchoolatWestern on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with the engineering and computer science community at Western.
State-of-the-Art facilities
The partnership program is housed in the new, state-of-the-art Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering at the heart of Western’s campus. The new school and partnership program were created with an astounding $80 million gift from an alumnus who is now the CEO of Antero Resources in Denver.
Additional Resources
Department Information
Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering
Interim Director
Kevin Terry, Ph.D.Interim Director of the Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program
Assistant Director
Laurel FisherAssistant Director of the Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program
Rady Building Administrative Assistant
Kelley JonesAdministrative Assistant III
Campus Location
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
