The Engineering Mechanics, BS no longer admits new students after Summer 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department (see contact box). 

Prospective students should consider our new Aerospace Engineering, BS.

With a degree in engineering mechanics, our graduates design, measure, and analyze complex structures in everything from networks of human cells and novel materials constructed at the nanoscale to roller coasters and spacecraft. Our curriculum prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields, including health, clean energy, space exploration, and many more.

Engineering mechanics is the study of forces and the resulting deformations, accelerations, motions, vibrations, and other responses they cause. It forms the foundation of aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering, and is fundamental to important parts of biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, and other engineering disciplines. 

Graduates of engineering mechanics apply their expertise in a variety of areas.

Wind turbines, wave power systems, transmission towers, and pipelines all respond to their environments in different ways. The safety and performance of these systems depend on a detailed understanding of how the environmental forces lead to deformations and vibrations that might cause failure. Principles of aerospace engineering are important when wind and water are involved as their flows make the analysis even more challenging, requiring sophisticated mathematical and analytical tools.

At slightly smaller scales, engineering mechanics is fundamental to the design and innovation of vehicles of every type, from sports cars to tractors to aircraft and satellites. Understanding engineering mechanics principles can provide insight to expand the way these vehicles are used while making their operation more sustainable. For some vehicles, aerospace engineering sheds light on their aerodynamic interaction with their environment, as well as the propulsion systems and complexity of controlling vehicles in flight. Landing a rover on Mars requires engineering mechanics to design the rover itself as well as the delivery system.

Innovations in engineering mechanics allow many of the products in our everyday lives to be made lighter, stronger, or cheaper by carefully understanding how they perform and when they fail due to the forces from the outside.  In addition to enabling new functionality and aesthetic design, these modifications open the door for improved energy efficiency, selection of green materials, and longer lifetimes, all with broader societal benefits.

Modern technology allows us to fabricate machines at the microscopic scale with moving parts that are only visible under a microscope. Understanding how these micromachines respond to forces from each other or their environment is important to ensure that they function correctly.  At this same scale, we can build novel materials whose properties depend on the microscopic structures that define them rather than their chemical composition. Engineering mechanics allows us to design these materials with properties that are not found in nature.

Our curriculum starts with a rich physics and math base to prepare our graduates for advanced analytical and computational skills that they will apply to this range of technologies. We transition from these fundamentals to engineering problem-solving approaches that can be applied to increasingly complex systems, while students build skills in computational modeling and simulation.

As one of the smaller engineering majors, we focus on building a community that supports our students' success during their degree and as they launch their careers. Many students participate in undergraduate research across one of the biggest research portfolios in the College of Engineering. An alumni network across industry sectors — from John Deere to Tesla to Boeing to SpaceX — provides support for students to find internships and launch their careers.

How to Get in

The Engineering Mechanics, BS no longer admits new students after Summer 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department (see contact box).

Admission to the College as a First-Year Student

Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission means that students get to start their college career in the engineering program of their choice and have access to engineering-specific resources and facilities. Students who are directly admitted need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.

Current UW-Madison Students (Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering)

Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering

With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is selective. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their engineering major. 

The College of Engineering has dual degree transfer agreements with select four-year UW System campuses and a transfer agreement with Madison College. Eligible students in COE's transfer agreements automatically meet progression at the point of transfer.

Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu.

Second Bachelor's Degree

The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Civics & Perspectives	3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy	6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. More information: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts	6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning	6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. More information: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness	Complete both: 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework. one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science	3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits	30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Total Degree	120 degree credits.
Residency	Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and: is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work	Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math	Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: placing above MATH 96, successfully completing MATH 96 at UW-Madison, or transferring the equivalent of MATH 96 or a more advanced mathematics course from another institution (content such as MATH 112, 114, 211, 221, 222, 234).
English Language	If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by: earning credit for ESL 118, or achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language	Complete one: 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration	Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements

The College of Engineering departments collaborated and adopted a common set of guidelines in their degree granting program (major) requirements. Engineering departments incorporate specific coursework within their curricula to meet these guidelines. Students should refer to specific coursework detailed below the Summary of Requirements.

College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements

University General Education Requirements

Requirements	Detail
Communication	All College of Engineering majors require two levels of communication coursework: Engineering Communication 1: one course with the Communication A designation or satisfaction of Communication A based on eligible UW Placement Score. Engineering Communication 2: each major specifies one course (e.g. INTEREGR 397) which also carries the Communication B designation.
Quantitative Reasoning	All College of Engineering majors require a math sequence that incorporates two levels of quantitative reasoning.
Humanities or Literature	All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature breadth designations. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below.
Social Sciences	All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 3 credits with the Social Sciences breadth designation. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below.
Natural Sciences	All College of Engineering majors require specific coursework that incorporates a minimum of 6 credits with the Biological, Natural, or Physical Science breadth designations.
Ethnic Studies	All College of Engineering majors require at least one course of at least 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. This course may also be used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Humanities or Literature requirement.

Engineering Mechanics, BS Curriculum

This curriculum applies to students admitted to the degree program this Guide academic year. Curricular requirements for students admitted in previous semesters are available in the Archive section of Guide.

Summary of Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Mathematics and Statistics 1		22
Science 1		10
Engineering Science		28
Engineering Mechanics Core		31
EMA Electives		9
Technical Electives		5
Communication Skills		8
Liberal Studies Electives		15
Total Credits		128

¹

If the Mathematics and Statistics and the Science requirements are fulfilled with fewer than 30 credits combined, additional math/science credits will be needed to meet the math/science auxiliary credit condition.

Mathematics and Statistics

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MATH 221	Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1	5
MATH 222	Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2	4
MATH 234	Calculus--Functions of Several Variables	4
MATH 320	Linear Algebra and Differential Equations	3
MATH 321	Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector and Complex Calculus	3
STAT 324	Introduction to Statistics for Science and Engineering	3
Total Credits		22

Science

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Select one of the following:		5-9
CHEM 109	Advanced General Chemistry 1
CHEM 103 & CHEM 104	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II
PHYSICS 202	General Physics	5
Total Credits		10-14

¹

It is recommended that students take CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry (5 cr). However, depending on their high school chemistry experience, students may substitute this with CHEM 103 General Chemistry I and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II for a total of 9 credits.

Engineering Science

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
E M A 200	Introduction to Aerospace Engineering 1	3
or M E 201	Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
M E 231	Geometric Modeling for Design and Manufacturing	3
COMP SCI 220	Data Science Programming I 2	4
M S & E 350	Introduction to Materials Science	3
M E 361	Thermodynamics	3
M E 363	Fluid Dynamics	3
or CIV ENGR 310	Fluid Mechanics
M E 364	Elementary Heat Transfer	3
E C E 376	Electrical and Electronic Circuits	3-4
or PHYSICS 321	Electric Circuits and Electronics
or E C E 230	Circuit Analysis
Computing Elective (Select One)		3
E M A/​E P  471	Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers (preferred, typically offered in the Spring only)
or COMP SCI 412	Introduction to Numerical Methods
or M E 459	Computing Concepts for Applications in Engineering
or COMP SCI 320	Data Science Programming II
or E P 476	Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics
Total Credits		28-29

¹

E M A 200 or M E 201 are preferred introduction to engineering options. E M A 200 is offered in the fall only. M E 201 can be taken in the first or second semester. If a student begins in another engineering major, other introduction to engineering courses can count for the introduction to engineering requirement.

²

COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I is the preferred required computer science course. If a student needs to take COMP SCI 300 Programming II to satisfy requirements for another major or certificate, COMP SCI 300 Programming II can count for this computer science requirement. 

Engineering Mechanics Core

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
E M A 201	Statics (with a grade of C or better) 1	3
E M A 202	Dynamics	3
E M A 303	Mechanics of Materials	3
E M A/​M E  307	Mechanics of Materials Lab	1
E M A 405	Practicum in Finite Elements	3
E M A 351	Aerospace Design I	3
E M A 406	Aerospace Structures	3
Experimental Mechanics Elective (Select One)		3
E M A/​M E  540	Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis
E M A 611	Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials
E M A 422	Aerodynamics Laboratory
E M A 421	Aerodynamics	3
or M E 563	Intermediate Fluid Dynamics
E M A 442	Advanced Dynamics	3
or E M A/​M E  440	Mechanical Vibrations
E M A 352	Aerospace Design II	3
Total Credits		31

¹

 Students may substitute PHYSICS 201 General PhysicsGeneral Physics, 5 credits, for E M A 201 Statics, 3 credits, with the approval of their advisor.

Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Select 9 credits from any E M A course numbered 400 and above		9

Technical Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Select 5 credits from the following:		5
E M A 1	Cooperative Education Program (no more than 3 credits)
Courses numbered 300+ in the College of Engineering except for E P D/INTEREGR
Up to 3 credits of independent study such as E M A 488/M E 488, E M A 489 or E M A 599; independent study from other engineering subjects may be approved on an individual basis
Courses numbered 300+ MATH, PHYSICS, COMP SCI, STAT (except STAT 301), ASTRON, MED PHYS, and CHEM departments
PHYSICS 205	Modern Physics for Engineers
or PHYSICS 241	Introduction to Modern Physics
Students may propose a course to their academic advisor that they feel will benefit their education path. To be a strong candidate, the proposed courses should have pre-requisites of two physics or calculus courses. For these courses, the ME curriculum committee will review the request and, if approved, recommend a DARS substitution.

Communication Skills

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Engr Comm 1
INTEREGR 156	Introduction to Writing, Speaking, and Ethics for Engineers	3
or ENGL 100	Introduction to College Composition
or COM ARTS 100	Introduction to Speech Composition
or LSC 100	Science and Storytelling
or ESL 118	Academic Writing II
Technical Presentations
INTEREGR 275	Technical Presentations	2
Engr Comm 2
INTEREGR 397	Engineering Communication	3
Total Credits		8

Liberal Studies Electives 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
The Engineering Mechanics curriculum requires 15 credits of liberal studies electives courses. See College of Engineering Liberal Studies Electives Requirements for details.
Complete Requirements		15
Total Credits		15

For information on credit load, adding or dropping courses, course substitutions, pass/fail, auditing courses, dean's honor list, repeating courses, probation, and graduation, see the College of Engineering Official Regulations.

Named Options in Engineering Mechanics

Students may elect to declare a named option in Aerospace Engineering under the Engineering Mechanics BS.

Honors in Research Program

The Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Undergraduate Honors in Research Program offers students the opportunity to contribute to the creation of new knowledge and experience the research process. Participants work closely with a faculty advisor and complete a senior thesis based on their research.

Admission Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Complete at least 2 semesters on the UW-Madison campus
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5
Have completed progression in Engineering Mechanics
Obtain approval from a faculty member who agrees to serve as the thesis advisor

Enrollment Process

To enroll in the Honors in Research program

1. Identify and confirm a faculty member who is willing to serve as your research advisor.
2. Ask your faculty advisor to send an email to ema-enrollment@engr.wisc.edu, with you copied (cc'd), confirming they will serve as your advisor for the Honors in Research project.
3. Once confirmation is received, you will be granted permission to enroll in E M A 488 Honors in Research I.

Completion Requirements

Students who fulfill the following criteria will receive the "Honors in Research" designation on their transcript and diploma:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Satisfy all requirements for the BS in Engineering Mechanics
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher
E M A 488	Honors in Research I	3
or E M A 599	Independent Study
or M E 488	Honors in Research I
or M E 491	Mechanical Engineering Projects I
E M A 489	Honors in Research II (with grade of B or better)	3
Complete and submit a senior thesis
(Optional) Present the thesis formally, at the discretion of the faculty advisor

Learning Outcomes

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an 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. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an 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. an 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. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CHEM 1091	5	E M A 2013	3
MATH 221	5	MATH 222	4
Engr Comm 1	3	M E 231	3
E M A 200 or M E 2012	3	M S & E 350	3
or Liberal Studies Elective		Liberal Studies Elective or	3
		M E 2012
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MATH 234	4	MATH 320	3
PHYSICS 202	5	STAT 324	3
E M A 2024	3	M E 361	3
COMP SCI 220	4	E M A 3034	3
INTEREGR 275	2	E M A/​M E  3074	1
		Liberal Studies Elective	3
	18		16
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
E M A 406	3	E M A 405	3
E M A 442 or 4405	3	E C E 376, PHYSICS 321, or E C E 230	3
MATH 321	3	E M A 4217	3
M E 363 or CIV ENGR 310	3	E M A/​E P  471	3
INTEREGR 397	3	Technical Elective	2
Liberal Studies Elective	3
	18		14
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
E M A 351	3	E M A 352	3
Technical Elective	3	EMA Elective	3
EMA Elective	3	EMA Elective	3
Experimental Mechanics Course6	3	M E 364	3
Liberal Studies Elective	3	Liberal Studies Elective	3
	15		15
Total Credits 128

¹

It is recommended that students take CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry for 5 credits. However, depending on their high school chemistry experience, students may substitute this with CHEM 103 General Chemistry I and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II for a total of 9 credits.

²

E M A 200 or M E 201 are preferred introduction to engineering options. E M A 200 is offered in the fall only. M E 201 can be taken in the first or second semester. If a student begins in another engineering major, other introduction to engineering courses can count for the introduction to engineering requirement.

³

 Students may substitute PHYSICS 201 General Physics, 5 credits, for E M A 201 Statics, 3 credits, with the approval of their advisor.

⁴

After completing E M A 201 Statics, students may take E M A 202 Dynamics and E M A 303 Mechanics of Materials/E M A/​M E  307 Mechanics of Materials Lab in either order or concurrently.

⁵

 Students electing E M A/​M E  440 Mechanical Vibrations instead of E M A 442 Advanced Dynamics should note that E M A/​M E  440 Mechanical Vibrations is typically offered in the spring semester only.

⁶

 E M A 611 Advanced Mechanical Testing of Materials or E M A/​M E  540 Experimental Vibration and Dynamic System Analysis or E M A 422 Aerodynamics Laboratory. Note that E M A/​M E  540 is typically offered in the fall. E M A 611 and E M A 422 are typically offered in the spring.

⁷

 M E 563 Intermediate Fluid Dynamics may be substituted for E M A 421 Aerodynamics. Note that E M A 421 is typically offered in the spring and M E 563 is  semester only.

Advising and Careers

Advising

Engineering Career Services

Accreditation

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering Mechanics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. 

Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics 

We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation: 

1. Exhibit strong performance and continuous development in problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication, initially applied to engineering mechanics, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence. 
2. Demonstrate continuing commitment to, and interest in their training and education, as well as those of others. 
3. Transition seamlessly into a professional environment and make continuing, well-informed career choices. 
4. Contribute to their communities. 

Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Engineering Mechanics Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)