Mechanical Engineering

Figure out what works with a Mechanical Engineering degree at USCA

Get hands-on and build solutions to a range of mechanical problems—improving efficiency and effectiveness across the industry.

At the University of South Carolina Aiken, our bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering delivers the knowledge and skills so you can work out innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face. Our rigorous and comprehensive degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

At USCA, you’ll start with foundational knowledge in math, science, and engineering as you learn how to design, manufacture, maintain, and manage various components, processes, and systems. You’ll work within small mechanical engineering courses, gain valuable hands-on learning and personal attention, and much more to prepare you for a great career in changing how machines work as a mechanical engineer.

Program Highlights

From aerospace to construction, technology to transportation, mechanical engineering plays a critical role in our ever-changing world. At USCA, our Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering combines a detailed curriculum with practical opportunities to test your skills. You’ll thrive at USCA as you:

Learn in high-tech and high-touch spaces
As a major in mechanical engineering, you’ll learn the same technology that you’ll use in your career, across industries. Our high-tech Engineering Lab is designed for small group sessions and allows you to apply principles you learn in class, from various methods of flow measurement and heat conduction to pressure and hardness tests.

Study alongside faculty with diverse interests and experience
Throughout your Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, you’ll learn from and work with faculty members who are making an impact here in the Palmetto State and beyond. Our mechanical engineering professors are also researchers who study the impact of underwater explosions on vessels, solar technologies, and much more.

Benefit from small class sizes
Unlike other Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programs in South Carolina, at USCA, your mechanical engineering courses are small and allow more time for personalized attention. In fact, our student-to-faculty ratio is 17-to-1. That means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask your most pressing questions and receive career advice.

Earn a mechanical engineering degree that’s also affordable
At USCA, we offer some of the lowest tuition in the Palmetto State. We also offer scholarships specifically for students who major in mechanical engineering, including the Jack and Shirley Hasty Memorial Endowed Scholarship, George B. Mitchell Endowed Scholarship, and the Joette Sonnenberg Endowed Scholarship.

Course Highlights

At USCA, you’ll get a strong foundation in math, science, and engineering principles, plus electives so you can tailor your mechanical engineering degree to your interests.

Your studies also include laboratory courses and engineering seminars where guest speakers provide insight on local industry and faculty present research. Our cohort experience builds community among all our students who major in mechanical engineering.

Our students say that some of their favorite classes are:

• Design of Mechanical Elements
• Heat Transfer
• Thermodynamics Fundamentals

Industry-sponsored capstone
During your senior year for the mechanical engineering degree, you’ll take part in a full-year capstone project where you’ll work on a real challenge designed and sponsored by a local organization. You’ll apply your knowledge to industry needs and learn how to problem-solve in a professional setting—all while completing a project that can be shown off to future employers.

Deeper Dive

Engineering Program of Study Guides

Engineering Program of Study Guides 2026-2027

Engineering Program of Study Guides 2025-2026

Mechanical Engineering Program Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives

Within three to five years of graduation, graduates of the Mechanical Engineering program will:

• successfully apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to analyze and solve engineering problems.
• practice engineering in a global and societal context utilizing a strong liberal arts foundation.
• pursue lifelong learning and continuous improvement of their knowledge and skills in the design of physical systems, components, or processes. 

Student Outcomes

1. The graduates shall have the ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. The graduates shall have the ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. The graduates shall have the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. The graduates shall have the ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. The graduates shall have the ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. The graduates shall have the ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. The graduates shall have the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.