Academic Policies

The responsibility for proper registration and for satisfying prerequisites for any course rests with the student, as does the responsibility for proper achievement in courses in which the student is enrolled.  It is strongly recommended that every Mechanical Engineering student satisfy the mathematics, chemistry and physics requirements as early as possible in their program.  To provide students with guidance throughout their undergraduate program, the Mechanical Engineering Department has established an academic advising process that matches each student with a faculty member who can provide advice on course selection and career opportunities.

To be eligible for a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a student must have an overall average of at least a “C” (2.0) and a grade of “C” or better in all engineering, mathematics and science courses.  Mechanical Engineering students must complete a minimum of 24 credits of ENME courses at UMBC.  Responsibility for knowing and meeting all degree requirements for graduation rests with the student.

Mechanical Engineering Repeat Policy
At UMBC, students may not register for a course more than two times. They are considered registered for a course if they are enrolled after the end of the schedule adjustment period. Students may petition through the Academic Success Center for a third and final attempt of a course taken at UMBC or another institution.  However, the Department of Mechanical Engineering will not support petitions to repeat required 100 and 200-level (lower level) courses for the purpose of continuing in the major.

Mechanical Engineering Repeat Policy Implications
Any student who has attempted a lower-level required course twice and not earned a grade of B or better for gateway courses or C or better for all other required course, cannot continue in the Mechanical Engineering program without special permission. This policy applies to courses which may be offered at a higher level (300-400) at another institution, but are considered equivalent to lower-level courses at UMBC.

Transfer students who have attempted a required lower-level course or its equivalent at another institution more than two times without earning a grade of B or better for gateway courses or C or better for all other required courses on the second attempt may be admitted to UMBC, but are not eligible for admittance to the Mechanical Engineering program without special permission.

Gateway

Gateway Criteria – Effective Fall 2022
Applicants admitted in the Fall 2022 and later may designate Mechanical Engineering as their intended major. However, students are admitted to the Mechanical Engineering program only when they pass all three of the following Gateway courses: MATH152 Calculus II, ENES101 Introduction to Engineering, and ENME110 Statics, with a grade of “B” or better. Each Gateway course may be taken up to two times to earn the required grade (see Repeat Policy above for additional details). Students are not allowed to take any 300-level or 400-level Mechanical Engineering courses until the gateway requirements are fulfilled.

Transfer Students
Courses from an engineering technology program (even an accredited one) may not be substituted for any engineering or basic science courses.