Bachelor of Science with a Major in Mechanical Engineering, Patent Law Option

Mechanical engineering encompasses a vast range of industrial activities. Mechanical engineers conceive, plan, design, and direct the manufacture, distribution, and operation of complex systems. Applications include aerospace, energy conversion, computer-aided design and manufacturing, power and propulsion systems, robotics, and control systems. The bachelor of science with a major in mechanical engineering, patent law option degree program provides a strong foundation in fundamental principles of patent law and the influences of the U.S. patent system on modern engineering design. Students in this option obtain skills and knowledge that can lead to work as a technical specialist in a patent law firm or in the patent department of an industrial employer. The option provides excellent preparation for pursuit of a law degree that may focus on intellectual property law. The mechanical engineering (ME) program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Double major

SEAS and non-SEAS students interested in pursuing the BS in mechanical engineering as a double major should see Double Major under SEAS Regulations in this Bulletin.

Visit the program website for additional information.

 

¹ Course satisfies the University General Education Requirement in quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, and written communication.

² To satisfy the GW Engineering Non-Technical Elective Requirement, all mechanical engineering students must take one humanities course and two social sciences courses from University General Education lists; PHIL 2135, and two non-technical courses from the pre-approved list of electives. All courses selected to satisfy this requirement must be at least 3 credits. Note that students in the patent law concentration must take MAE 2170 in lieu of one of the two additional non-technical courses.

³ All technical electives must be approved by the undergraduate advisor. On a case-by-case basis, technical electives may be chosen from other departments if approved by both the undergraduate advisor and the department chair. Technical electives are chosen from MAE courses in the 3000, 4000, and 6000 series, excluding: MAE 3171 , MAE 4172, MAE 6298, MAE 6998, and MAE 6999. Visit the program website for additional information.