The Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs combine expertise from faculty with diverse backgrounds to deliver an undergraduate education immersed in liberal arts traditions. This unique partnership allows students to choose between two Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree pathways: the mechatronics program or the 2+2 engineering program.

Discover more about the engineering programs offered by NC State and UNC Asheville, including admissions requirements and frequently asked questions.

At a Glance

Top 200


Undergraduate Engineering Programs

U.S. News & World Report, 2024 Best Colleges

$75,000


Average starting salary of mechatronics grads

100%


In grad school or a job 6 months after graduation

SpaceX, Tesla, BorgWarner


Where our graduates are employed

Why Study Engineering Jointly With UNC Asheville & NC State?

Explore the Joint Programs – Which Engineering Program is Right for You?

UNCA NCSU Mechatronics logo banner

Mechatronics Engineering

The mechatronics major, offered jointly with NC State, takes place fully on UNC Asheville’s campus. Faculty from both universities instruct students on the principles of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, blending a liberal arts tradition with the foundations of the discipline. Students graduate with a joint degree from NC State and UNC Asheville. The goal of the program is to produce broadly educated engineers who effectively contribute to the diverse and global modern world.

Pros of the Mechatronics Degree

  • Spend more time on our vibrant Asheville campus
  • Utilize our state-of-the-art labs
  • Develop a diverse skill set sought after by employers
  • An interdisciplinary degree to match real-world needs
An engineering professor and student working in the STEAM studio

2+2 Engineering

Students who pursue their engineering degree via the Joint 2+2 Program choose between 14 program areas to concentrate their studies. In the program, students complete the first one or two years of engineering curriculum at UNC Asheville before transferring to NC State to finish their education in two or three more years at NCSU College of Engineering in Raleigh. Since its establishment in 1982, 420 students have transferred and graduated with a joint engineering degree from NC State.

Note that this is not a guarantee of transfer admittance to NCSU, and students are expected to meet NCSU’s transfer requirements to gain acceptance.

This pathway is an ideal choice for those who have not already completed engineering-related courses that qualify for transfer. Those with significant transferable engineering credits should consider applying directly to NC State.

Pros of the 2+2 Engineering Degree

  • Start your education at UNC Asheville — close to home and in the mountains 
  • Learn about different types of engineering before having to commit to one major
  • Earn transfer credit for engineering foundation courses with small class sizes
  • Earn credit for early NCSU engineering courses while at UNC Asheville, which helps with transfer credibility

Hear From Our Students

Admissions Requirements

Both the mechatronics engineering program and the 2+2 program present exciting opportunities for an enriching education packed with hands-on learning experiences. Consider your academic interests and career goals as you determine which program is the best fit.

Mechatronics Admissions

An engineering student and professor working with some equipment in the STEAM studio

Prospective mechatronics students should apply to UNC Asheville and express an interest in engineering. By doing so, we can assign an academic advisor and ensure enrollment in the correct classes. Upon completion of the requirements, students may declare their major as mechatronics in the Joint NCSU/UNC Asheville Engineering Program.

We accept transfer credits from other universities, majors, and community colleges as appropriate. Many courses from NC community colleges are transferable, but we urge students to take care in selecting applicable courses for the mechatronics curriculum. We strongly recommend reaching out to the Joint Engineering Program Associate Director to discuss transfer credit options.

2+2 Engineering Admissions

engineering students receiving a lecture in a classroom

There is no special admission process to the 2+2 Program at UNC Asheville — 2+2 students begin at UNC Asheville with normal UNC Asheville student status. Simply apply to UNC Asheville to get started.

It is important, however, that students state their interest in engineering as early as possible. We highly suggest that students do this on the UNC Asheville admission application or on the form for the Registrar’s Office after acceptance of the offer of admission. By notifying us of interest in the 2+2 program, we can appropriately assign an academic advisor and ensure enrollment in the correct classes.

Tuition

Students pay tuition and fees to UNC Asheville for the time they are taking courses on the UNC Asheville campus. Students who transfer into the 2+2 program pay NC State tuition and fees once they move to the Raleigh campus.

Program FAQs

Yes, you may transfer to UNC Asheville to join the joint program. To get started, submit a Transfer Application to UNC Asheville, then meet with the Joint Program Associate Director to determine transfer credit and appropriate course scheduling. 

Be aware that UNC Asheville and NC State University may evaluate transfer courses differently. For engineering courses, the NC State University evaluation takes precedence. Contact the Joint Program Associate Director before transferring for guidance or to receive a preliminary transfer evaluation.

At a minimum, we recommend that students take pre-calculus in high school. Advanced Placement (AP) credits in areas such as chemistry, calculus, and english are also helpful. View UNC Asheville’s AP Credit Policy for more information.

Yes, we refer to these as engineering enhancement fees. These fees fund an engineering education and enable us to provide a leading-edge program rich with hands-on experiences. For example, these fees play a part in the acquisition and upkeep of laboratory technology and equipment. 

A degree in mechatronics will be from both NC State and UNC Asheville, and the diploma reflects that by listing both institutions. Graduates of mechatronics have transcripts from both NC State and UNC Asheville.

2+2 Program graduates will graduate only from NC State. UNC Asheville will show as transfer credit on the NC State transcript.

You can stay connected with UNC Asheville through the Alumni Advisory Board (AAB), a group of alumni volunteers eager to assist the program after graduation. Membership is open to every alumnus and provides a forum for sharing insights and ideas.

Start Your Journey Toward a Career in Engineering