Mechanical Engineering Degree – Wayne State College Nebraska

Explore the Mechanical Engineering degree program

Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacture of many products such as medical devices and batteries. They design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, and power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. A degree in Mechanical Engineering will give you the expertise in areas like energy conversion and transmission; the flow of fluids and heat; the development, manufacturing, and operation of machinery and equipment; and transportation.

The Mechanical Engineering program at Wayne State is a guided pathway with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering. You will complete your first years of coursework at Wayne State, then transfer to UNL's College of Engineering in Lincoln, Neb. to complete your B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. With a Mechanical Engineering degree, you’ll be well-prepared in the fundamental areas of solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, systems and design engineering, and materials engineering.

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Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Graduates work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Possible careers:

Quality assurance officer
Project engineer
Systems engineer
Mechatronics engineer
Materials analyst
Combustion technician
Aerodynamics researcher
New product developer
Instrumentation designer
Control systems specialist

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Business and technology courses (9 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to modern programming and problem-solving methods using a high-level programming language. Emphasis on algorithm development, top-down design, and structured programming. Topics include data types, files, I/O operations, control structures, functions, arrays, strings, and records. Software documentation and testing will be included as an integral part of the course.
Credits: 3
Description: A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Choose one of the following:
- ECO 202 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits) – In this course, the principal macroeconomic measurements of national production, unemployment, and inflation will be introduced. Theories of how these measures interact and how they are influenced by activity in households, businesses, the federal government, and the Federal Reserve System, as well as the impact of international trade, will also be studied.
- ECO 203 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits) – In this course, the principal microeconomic market model of supply and demand will be studied. Additional topics introduced to add to our understanding of the basic model will include resource allocation concepts, production and cost theory, consumer theory, and market structure conditions.

Humanities courses (12 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: This course provides instruction and practice in a variety of writing, reading, and critical thinking skills, with emphasis on forming experiences, ideas, and opinions into a coherent essay. The types of writing assignments vary among instructors, but students can expect to write expressive, analytical, and persuasive essays, some of which will involve the use of secondary sources. This course will hone students’ grammatical and punctuation skills, as needed. Grade below C receives no credit.
Credits: 3
Description: This course is intended to refine writing skills learned in earlier composition classes. The course will deal exclusively with expository writing (that is, non-fiction prose essays that explain, analyze, and evaluate ideas), and topics will vary considerably. Class time will be divided between discussing examples of expository writing and working to improve individual writing.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills or an equivalent course
Choose one of the following:
- CNA 201 Small Group Communication (3 credits) – Explores the functions of discussion in our society, problem-solving, group dynamics, and analysis of the operative forces within the group. Emphasis on skills of group discussion, participation in decision-making groups, leadership, organization, and evaluation.
- CNA 210 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits) – The study of theories and models of interpersonal communication that enhance understanding and development of interpersonal relationships. Skills are developed in listening behavior, dyadic interaction, relationship and conflict management, verbal and nonverbal communication, and intrapersonal processing.
Choose one of the following:
- ART 110 Drawing I (3 credits) – An introduction to foundational concepts and techniques in the study of line, shape and form, light and shadow, linear and atmospheric perspective. Formal concerns regarding composition will be explored and selection of subject matter will be from the figure, still life, landscape, and nature. 6 hours studio. Class fee of $10 per credit hour required.
- ART 244 Art History I (3 credits) – A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture from Prehistoric to Gothic. Lecture.
- ART 245 Art History II (3 credits) – A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture from Early Renaissance through the 21st century. Lecture.
- CNA 101 Intro to Theatre (3 credits) – Understanding and appreciation of the art of theatre, including dramatic literature, technical theatre, production process, and critical evaluation.
- ENG 202 Poetry Workshop (3 credits) – Study of and practice in the techniques of poetry writing for the beginning student.
- ENG 203 Fiction Workshop (3 credits) – Study of and practice in the techniques of writing short fiction.

Math courses (21 credit hours)

Credits: 5
Description: Mastery of algebra and trigonometry is necessary before taking this course. Theory and applications of limits, derivatives, antiderivatives, definite integrals, and differentials of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions.
Prerequisite: Placement or C- or better in MAT 130 Precalculus
Credits: 5
Description: Integration techniques, parametric equations, polar equations, conic sections, infinite sequences and series.
Prerequisite: Placement or C- or better in MAT 140 Calculus I
Credits: 3
Description: First- and second-order methods for ordinary differential equations including: separable, linear, Laplace transforms, linear systems, series solutions, and applications. Qualitative, analytic, and numerical techniques will be considered.
Prerequisite: C- or better in MAT 240 Calculus II
Credits: 5
Description: Vectors and vector calculus, cylindrical and spherical equations, the theory and application of partial derivatives and multiple integrals, including Green’s and Stokes’ Theorems.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: “C-” grade or better in MAT 240 Calculus II
Credits: 3
Description: Topics in matrix algebra including determinants, abstract vector spaces, transformations, orthogonality, and eigensystems. Students perform calculations and construct proofs in each of these topics.
Prerequisite: C- or better in either MAT 270 Transitions to Advanced Mathematics or MAT 340 Calculus III

Natural science courses (29 credit hours)

Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies
Credits: 4
Description: A continuation of CHE 106 with emphasis on kinetics, redox reactions, molecular geometry, hydrolysis, electrochemistry, and solubility products. Qualitative analysis included. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 106 General Chemistry I or by consent of instructor
Credits: 2
Description: A course presenting professional issues pertinent to engineers and scientists along with an overview of the various engineering and science disciplines. A course intended primarily for pre-engineers. Case studies based upon actual technical problems will be presented by practicing engineers and scientists.
Credits: 3
Description: The study of rigid bodies in static equilibrium. A course intended primarily for pre-engineers. Topics include static equilibrium, couples, two- and three-dimensional force systems, trusses, frames and machines, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia.
Prerequisite: MAT 140 Calculus I and PHY 301 University Physics I
Credits: 3
Description: Newton’s laws of motion are applied to particles and rigid bodies. A course intended primarily for pre-engineers. Topics include absolute and relative motion, forces, acceleration, work and energy, momentum, torque, and angular momentum
Prerequisite: PHY 214 Applied Statics and PHY 302 University Physics II
Credits: 4
Description: A calculus-based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors and advanced health professional students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. PHY 321 Physics Laboratory required.
Prerequisite: High school physics and MAT 140 Calculus I or equivalent calculus class
Credits: 4
Description: A second semester calculus-based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors, and advanced health professional students. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. PHY 322 Physics Laboratory II concurrent enrollment by advisement.
Prerequisite: PHY 301 University Physics I
Credits: 1
Description: Concurrent enrollment in PHY 201/301 recommended but not required. This laboratory is a required course for both PHY 201 and PHY 301. Experiments, appropriate to the level of lecture, include topics in mechanics, momentum, work and energy, and fluids. 3 hours lab. Physics lab fee of $20 required.
Credits: 1
Description: This laboratory is a required course for PHY 202 but may be taken in a subsequent semester. It is optional for PHY 302, depending on the student’s program. Experiments, appropriate to the level of the lecture, include topics in electricity, magnetism, and basic optics. 3 hours lab. Physics lab fee of $20 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An upper-level course in thermodynamics. Topics include energy conservation, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, energy and entropy, work and heat, thermodynamic systems analysis, and properties of state. Application of these fundamentals to energy conversion systems will be presented.
Prerequisite: One year of physics

Social science courses (6 credit hours)

Choose one of the following:
- GEO 120 World Regional Geography (3 credits) – A global survey of the geographic interrelationships between people and their environments.
- GEO 300 Human Geography (3 credits) – Application of geographic principles to examine the social, economic, and political activities of human cultures. Emphasis is on the concepts of culture, culture areas, migration, diffusion, social space, territoriality, environmental perception, and cultural landscape.
- HIS 120 World History (3 credits) – An examination of the major cultural traditions, trends, and events that have shaped the modern world, from the beginnings of civilization to the present. This course does not count in the major in History, subject endorsement in History, or field endorsement in Social Sciences.
- HIS 170 World Civilization I (3 credits) – This course surveys the world’s cultures and their interactions from the rise of civilization through the age of European expansion. Required for majors and educator preparation candidates seeking a Social Sciences field endorsement or a history subject endorsement.
- HIS 171 World Civilization II (3 credits) – This course surveys the world’s cultures from the age of the European voyages of discovery to the 20th century. Required for majors and educator preparation candidates seeking a social sciences field endorsement or a history subject endorsement.
- PHI 105 Ethics and Values (3 credits) – A General Studies ethics course intended to introduce students to philosophical reasoning about ethical issues. This course emphasizes understanding philosophical inquiry and argument, thinking critically about major ethical systems and the ideas of prominent philosophers, and applying philosophical perspectives and ethical principles to contemporary ethical issues.
- POS 110 Intro to World Politics (3 credits) – An introduction to the basic concepts of world political activity, offering a broad overview of the application of political science to world politics and international relations.
- SOC 110 Intro to Anthropology (3 credits) – This course introduces the student to the four major subdivisions of anthropology: physical anthropology, archeology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. It lays the foundations for an understanding of human biological and cultural diversity.
- SOC 220 Social Problems (3 credits) – Study and discussion of selected social issues including racism, ageism, sexism, poverty, welfare, and environment.
- SOC 415 The Family (3 credits) – Study of the basic social unit: socialization processes, love, marriage, parental roles, conflict, and divorce, within a historical and cultural perspective. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or 220, or instructor permission.
Choose one of the following:
- HIS 280 America, 15,000 B.C. to 1845 (3 credits) - A comprehensive survey of American History from the Pre-Columbian Period to the beginning of the Mexican-American War, including a survey of Pre-Columbian cultures, the Colonial Era, the American Revolution, the Early National Period, and Antebellum America. This course focuses on studying the diversity of America by analyzing and interpreting the role of gender, class, race, and ethnicity in history. Students will engage in historical research using multiple historical and contemporary sources to investigate, interpret, and analyze the events of the time under study and the persistent issues that have compelled this dynamic nation forward.
- HIS 281 America, 1845 to 1945 (3 credits) - A comprehensive survey of American History from 1845 to 1945, including a survey of Western expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. The course focuses on studying the diversity of America by analyzing and interpreting the role of gender, class, race, and ethnicity in history. Students will engage in historical research using multiple historical and contemporary sources to investigate, interpret, and analyze the events of the time under study and the persistent issues that have compelled this dynamic nation forward.