Department of Mechanical
and Aerospace Engineering 
Michael Plesniak, Ph.D.
Chairman 
 

On behalf of the faculty and community of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, I extend to you a cordial welcome to our web site. We hope you will find information here that will lead you to contact us directly about educational and research opportunities in MAE.

Undergraduates in the department can obtain the Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering with possible options in aerospace engineering, patent law, biomechanical engineering, and medical preparation. The wide range of expertise of our faculty allows us to prepare undergraduates for immediate entrance into the practice of engineering, and also to provide the breadth of fundamental knowledge that will prepare them for the lifelong learning that is necessary to remain productive as professionals in the future. We encourage and provide opportunities for study abroad, internships, and undergraduate research experiences.

At the graduate level, students can enroll for the Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and professional (Engineer, Applied Scientist) degrees. We also offer a 4-course graduate certificate program in computer-integrated design. The MAE department maintains a diverse program of research directed at a wide range of problems in areas such as bio-inspired engineering, bioengineering, energy and sustainability, multiscale modeling and simulation, nanotechnology, mechatronics and robotics, machine design, manufacturing, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and materials science. We are also active in research associated with various aspects of aerospace science including aerodynamics, astrodynamics, aircraft design, flight dynamics and control, propulsion, and aeroacoustics. Opportunities for graduate student support are available in many of these areas, and we invite prospective graduate students to contact the department office or individual faculty members for detailed information about teaching and research assistantships.

Revolutionary developments in all aspects of mechanical engineering and in related disciplines make this an exciting time to enter the profession or to set out on a course of graduate study that leads to advanced positions in engineering or to a career in research. We would be happy to discuss all the options that are available to you. Please contact the department at (202) 994-6749 or e-mail us at maeng@gwu.edu.