George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
The School is the oldest department at Georgia Tech; classes began in October 1888.
The first degree offered at the Georgia School of Technology, as the Institute was then called, was the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Today, the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering offers three bachelor of science degrees, six master of science degrees, and two doctor of philosophy degrees.
We prepare students for successful careers in industry, academia, professions such as medicine and law, government, and service to society.
Our undergraduate and graduate programs are consistently highly ranked in the nation, currently: - #2 Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Program (2019) - #5 Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program (2019) - #9 Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program (2019)
We are a leading producer of graduate degrees to women and minorities in the United States.
We are one of the top producers of bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering in the country.
We have a Five-Year BS/MS Program for outstanding students interested in a graduate degree.
Faculty
We have 100 full-time, tenure-track faculty (all with Ph.D.'s), including 36 adjunct appointments from other schools on campus. There are also 57 research faculty and 8 academic professionals to support research and teaching.
Twentyone senior faculty members hold endowed chairs or distinguished professorships.
The faculty in mechanical engineering is divided into 12 self-selected research areas: Acoustics and Dynamics; Automation and Mechatronics; Bioengineering; Computer-Aided Engineering and Design; Fluid Mechanics; Heat Transfer, Combustion, and Energy Systems; Manufacturing; Mechanics of Materials; Medical Physics; Micro & Nano Engineering; Nuclear and Radiological Engineering; and Tribology.
The Woodruff School has 5 National Academy of Engineering (NAE) members who hold emeritus or adjunct appointments.
Staff
The faculty and students are supported by 68 staff members, including persons who specialize in communications, computers, editorial, electronics, and machine shop.
The School employs a number of Georgia Tech co-op students to assist in supporting programs.
Students
837 degrees were awarded in the Woodruff School from summer 2015 to spring 2016: 533 bachelor's degrees, 235 master's degrees, and 69 Ph.D.'s.
In fall 2015, the enrollment in the Woodruff School included 2,279 undergraduate students and 831 graduate students. 583 women and 570 international students are enrolled.
Woodruff School students belong to a number of very successful groups that participate in regional and national competitions: Georgia Tech CanSat Team, GT Motorsports, GT Off-Road, HyTech Racing, RoboJackets, Solar Jackets, and Wreck Racing. Some of these groups have work space in the Georgia Tech Student Competition Center.
Professional organizations with student chapters include: American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM); American Nuclear Society (ANS); Acoustical Society of America (ASA); American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); Health Physics Society; Pi Tau Sigma (Nu Chapter); Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE); and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
There are organizations especially for graduate students. The Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association (MEGA) fosters identity and pride in mechanical engineering through service and social activities. Woodruff School Graduate Women (WSGW) serves the academic, social, and career needs of female graduate students.
Alumni
15 Woodruff School Ph.D. alumni, who are faculty members at other universities, have won prestigious Faculty Early Career Awards.
Approximately 20% of our graduating seniors go directly to graduate or professional school.
Approximately 20% of our graduating Ph.D. students pursue academic careers.
