BS in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Degree
BS in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Degree
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The bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering program is designed to teach the principles and processes of mechanical engineering, as well as to provide opportunities to put engineering knowledge into practice. In the bachelor’s in mechanical engineering program, GCU integrates the principles of servant leadership and ethics seamlessly into coursework, fostering a holistic approach to education.
As a private Christian school, GCU seeks to deliver a modern curriculum that instills the principles of faith and the glorification of God. The mechanical engineering degree curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive survey of mechanical engineering principles, processes and best practices.
You will explore the following content areas:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
The work that mechanical engineers do can have a direct impact on everyday life. Through the application of science and mathematics principles, mechanical engineers design innovative and economical solutions to problems that affect modern society. If you enjoy looking for different ways of creating more efficient machinery, such as machinery for power generation, this degree may be right for you.1
If you’ve always been fascinated by how things are designed and built, follow your passion and spark your creativity within this field by pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree program at Grand Canyon University. Developed with industry guidance, this mechanical engineering degree program walks you through a range of mechanical engineering principles applicable to research project and manufacturing industries.
1 Career Explorer. (n.d.). What is a Mechanical Engineer? Retrieved on Oct. 9, 2023.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineer. Retrieved on April 23, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become a Mechanical Engineer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on Oct. 9, 2023.
4 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (n.d.). Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Retrieved Oct. 9, 2023.
5 Indeed (2023, March 10). 11 Challenges Mechanical Engineers Face (with Solutions). Retrieved Oct. 9, 2023.
6 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Mechanical Engineers as of May 2023, retrieved on April 23, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as mechanical engineers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
7 Indeed (2022, Dec. 12). Mechanical Engineering Skills for a Resume (with Examples). Retrieved Oct. 9, 2023.
At GCU, a Christian university dedicated to fostering student engagement in on-campus worship activities and community outreach programs, you can work toward achieving your BSME degree as an on-campus student. You’ll have opportunities to enjoy in-person lectures and face-to-face classroom discussions intended to further your understanding of mechanical engineering principles and design.
GCU's 162,653 square foot engineering building consists of 21 classroom labs. Access to equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC routers is available from your first day as a freshman, offering you the opportunity to bring your ideas to life. As a mechanical engineering degree student, you will have opportunities to collaborate with your peers as you participate in hands-on activities designed to prepare you for a future in this field.
As you consider embarking on a journey toward becoming a mechanical engineer, take some time to research the career field. The following frequently asked questions and answers can provide a starting point.
According to the BLS, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology is typically required to work as a mechanical engineer.3 However, it should be noted that all states require mechanical engineers to be licensed in order to sell public services.3 There are two levels of licensure for mechanical engineers3 administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).4
Because a bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum education requirement for mechanical engineers, completing your BSME degree is a great first step in pursuing mechanical engineering.3 You may also choose to further your education by pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. A master’s degree may not be a strict requirement for an aspiring mechanical engineer; however, a master’s or doctorate degree may empower you to pursue higher-level positions or certain research and development jobs.3
You may find mechanical engineering to be a rewarding profession. As with many other occupations, however, the field can present challenges. A mechanical engineer must sometimes face tight deadlines and stay on top of the latest changes and trends in technology. Furthermore, mechanical engineers have a broad scope of responsibilities often dealing with last-minute changes to the scope of the project, malfunctioning equipment and complex projects with interdisciplinary teams.5
If you’re the type of person who enjoys rising up to meet challenges to accomplish your goals, then becoming a mechanical engineer may be the right choice for you. As a mechanical engineer, you may take pride in knowing that your work is important for progress within your industry.
During your BSME program, you will have opportunities to develop both hard (technical) and soft skills that can be helpful in a mechanical engineering career.
A mechanical engineer needs a range of these skills, including:7
This bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria. It reflects GCU's institutional accreditation, aligning with our commitment to excellence upheld by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mechanical engineers drive innovations across diverse industries and quality higher education is the starting point. At GCU, our mission is to prepare students to achieve new heights. To learn more about our engineering program accreditation and university licensures, visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
You will have the opportunity to complete capstone projects, in which you will work in teams to design projects in your areas of interest. You will apply mechanical engineering research to develop project proposals and feasibility studies. During your capstone projects, you will work closely with a mentor in the department who can provide guidance as you fine-tune your work through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions.
Explore the analysis, design, use and manufacture of mechanical devices and benefit from the diverse perspectives of your peers. Work toward improving your communication skills as you participate in collaborative team settings to develop innovative solutions to practical problems.
Furthermore, this BSME program teaches skills that can be helpful for future mechanical engineers, such as:3
A creative and innovative mindset
Active listening skills
Advanced mathematical skills
Mechanical skills
Problem-solving skills
From small components like automotive sensors to major systems like spacecraft, mechanical engineers are at the heart of scientific accomplishments and industrial innovations. With their knowledge of analysis, design, manufacture and operational processes, mechanical engineers can develop the innovations that drive modern progress.1 The BS in Mechanical Engineering degree is a versatile choice that can enhance a graduate’s career trajectory.
Mechanical engineers work in many settings, including manufacturing plants, engineering consulting firms and research and development (R&D) labs.1 A diverse range of industries employ mechanical engineers, such as the robotics, automotive, energy and aerospace.1
Some specific jobs that may be related to this BSME degree include:1
Mechanical engineering
Cost estimating
Aerospace engineering
Infrastructure management
Engineering teaching (postsecondary)
Estimated number of new jobs for mechanical engineers from 2022 to 20322
Median annual wage for mechanical engineers as of May 20236
Unleash your drive for innovative problem-solving and hone your technical skills. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about enrolling in GCU’s mechanical engineering degree.
The College of Engineering and Technology at GCU offers this bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering program for students who are eager to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. The mechanical engineering degree blends a multidisciplinary range of STEM subjects, including computer programming, mathematics, chemistry and physics. In addition to classroom instruction, you will have many opportunities to engage in experiential learning activities to gain hands-on experience in laboratory settings. You will be introduced to manufacturing processes and engineering economics to potentially enhance your career readiness.
