About Department of Mechanical Engineering · Seattle
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle is a leading academic unit within the College of Engineering, offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It focuses on research and education in advanced materials, biomechanics, data science, mechatronics, and fluids, with applications in energy, health technology, robotics, and environmental systems. The department emphasizes innovation, industry collaboration, and preparing students for careers in academia, industry, and research.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington is one of the most innovative and research-intensive departments in the U.S., ranked #1 for most innovative public university by Reuters in 2019. It offers BSME, MSME, and PhD programs and trains students in diverse fields including biotechnology, energy, transportation, and manufacturing. Faculty members are nationally recognized, with 13 recipients of prestigious NSF awards and 3 members of the National Academy of Engineering. The department collaborates with industry and government agencies, including Boeing, NIH, DOE, and ARPA-E, and has filed over 900 patents since 2012. It also supports student innovation through clubs like Husky Robotics and has a strong focus on diversity and equity.
- Serves
- Seattle, WA, and globally through research and industry partnerships
About the Department
Mechanical engineering is the broadest of all engineering disciplines. Our students and faculty work together, across campus and with industry partners, to develop new materials, devices and systems.
Degree Programs
Educating tomorrow’s leaders is our highest priority. We draw talented and creative students and offer a world-class education with an incredible breadth of skill and technological training.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
- Master of Science (MSME)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Research Areas
Our department applies fundamental research in areas such as advanced materials, biomechanics, data science, mechatronics and fluids to areas including manufacturing, robotics, the environment, energy and biomedical science and technology.
- Advanced materials
- Biomechanics
- Data science
- Mechatronics
- Fluids
- Energy
- Biomedical science and technology
Faculty & Achievements
The department has 44 core faculty members, 13 NSF award recipients, 3 National Academy of Engineering members, and 80 affiliate faculty from industry and external institutions.
- 13 NSF Presidential, Young Investigator and Early Career Award recipients
- 3 National Academy of Engineering members
- 80 Affiliate faculty from industry and external institutions