Skip to main
University-wide Navigation
98 Graduate students

1,013 Undergraduates

$70K ME Average starting salary

NACE Summer 2023

Explore Graduate offerings

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers programs of study leading to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering. Graduate students will have the opportunity to work closely with internationally recognized faculty members on research at the leading edge of technology

View Graduate Admissions

Explore our undergraduate programs

We are proud to offer the only undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering in the state of Kentucky! Mechanical engineers apply their expertise to the design, development and mass production of everything from rocket propulsion systems to appliances.

Learn more and explore all our undergraduate offerings!

Explore offerings

People

With over 30 full-time faculty members dedicated to teaching and research, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering supports research in numerous relevant fields. We advance aerospace research and often work with NASA on research methods for its future missions. Mechanical and aerospace engineering is a diverse discipline, and our robust faculty is engaged in every aspect of it.

View our People

31 Full-time faculty members

Mechanical Engineering Enhancement Fund

Support the Fund

Gifts to the Mechanical Engineering Enhancement Fund can supplement existing operating budgets or provide revenue that can be directed toward emerging needs and opportunities such as scholarships, faculty support, facility enhancement and unrestricted support for departments. This valuable support allows the college to be flexible and responsive and demonstrate the truth that there is power in numbers.

 

Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing

The Institute for Sustainable Manufacturing pioneers new manufacturing standards that respect the planet’s resources.

Visit ISM

Institute of Research for Technological Development

Our Institute of Research for Technological Development (IR4TD) explores fire research, painting technology research, lean manufacturing systems and more.

Visit IR4TD

Department News

From Eastern Kentucky to edge of space: UK grad is reaching for the stars

Asa O'Neal is a senior here at the University of Kentucky, and as his commencement comes closer, he sat down with us to reflect on his journey from his home in Eastern Kentucky, to his work that goes well out of our atmosphere.

Suzanne Smith receives Sally Ride Excellence in Education Award

The American Astronautical Society (AAS) has named Dr. Suzanne Weaver Smith as the recipient of the 2024 Sally Ride Excellence in Education Award, recognizing her four decades of extraordinary dedication to student-centered and innovative partnerships between academia and industry.

2025 Pigman College of Engineering Faculty Awards

The annual Pigman College of Engineering Faculty Awards ceremony was held on May 1 at Malone's Prime and Events. Awards were given in the areas of research, service and graduate studies.

Pigman College of Engineering inducts 2025 class into Hall of Distinction

Initiated in 1992, the Hall of Distinction recognizes and honors UK Engineering alumni for exemplary professional accomplishments, outstanding character and an ongoing commitment to community service. Every member of the Hall of Distinction is honored with a plaque in the lobby of the Ralph G. Anderson Mechanical Engineering Building. All members and extended bios are listed here.

UK, Lockheed Martin to partner, driving innovation in advanced engineering

The University of Kentucky, through UK Innovate, is teaming up with Lockheed Martin to leverage cutting-edge expertise to drive innovation in advancing engineering, materials, energy and manufacturing technology.

Engineering students tour GE Aerospace, gain industry insights

Recently, students from the UK Pigman College of Engineering Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering had the unique opportunity to visit the GE Aerospace Additive Technology Center in West Chester, Ohio, gaining firsthand exposure to the cutting-edge advancements shaping the aerospace industry.

NASA Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and EPSCoR Programs

NASA Kentucky

In partnership with NASA’s National Space Grant College & Fellowship Program, the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium provides opportunities in aerospace-related research and education for Kentucky colleges, universities, community colleges, non-profits, and industry affiliates. More information available at NASA Kentucky Space Grant.

Contact NASA KY

Dr. Alexandre Martin, Director

Phone: 859-218-NASA (218-6272)
E-mail: nasa@uky.edu

Associate Director:
Jacob Owen   859-323-4542

Visit the NASA KY website