Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs
Why Study Engineering at UNC Asheville?
UNC Asheville’s engineering programs are offered jointly with NC State University, combining the best that two nationally recognized universities have to offer. Choose between the Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Mechatronics Concentration (all four years on the UNC Asheville campus leading to a degree issued jointly by NC State and UNC Asheville) and the 2+2/1+3 Program (one or two years at UNC Asheville and then a transfer to NC State to complete the degree).
Mechatronics engineering students take NC State and UNC Asheville coursework, all on the UNC Asheville campus. Some NC State engineering courses are taught by engineering faculty residing on the UNC Asheville campus, while other NC State coursework is delivered to UNC Asheville via live distance education technology.
Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs
Mechatronics Engineering Program
Mechatronics engineering is an interdisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and control electromechanical systems. It focuses on using sensors, actuators, and microprocessors to create high-performance systems in industries like aerospace, automation, robotics, and mechanical engineering.
2+2 / 1+3 Program
The 2+2/1+3 Engineering Program allows students to begin their engineering studies at UNC Asheville and complete them at NC State University. Students spend the first years taking foundational courses in mathematics, physics, and engineering at UNC Asheville, then transfer to NC State to specialize in a chosen engineering discipline.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Careers in Mechatronics Engineering span industries such as robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, and automation. Graduates pursue roles as mechatronics engineers, automation specialists, or robotics designers, creating smart systems and advanced technologies through the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
Facilities Designed for You
Facilities Designed for You
On UNC Asheville’s campus, learn and grow through hands-on experiences in classrooms and labs featuring state-of-the-art technology. The 3D print lab and robotics lab are available with both UNC Asheville and NC State software.
SACS and ABET Accredited
SACS and ABET Accredited
The Joint NC State/UNC Asheville “Engineering – Mechatronics Concentration Joint” program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The University of North Carolina Asheville is accredited – as an institution – by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Program FAQs
Yes, you may transfer to UNC Asheville into the Joint Engineering Programs. To get started, submit a Transfer Application to UNC Asheville, then meet with the Joint Engineering Programs Associate Director to determine transfer credit and appropriate course scheduling. Please note that the 2+2/1+3 Program works best for students with few transfer credits.
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.
At a minimum, we recommend that students take precalculus 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 enable us to provide a cutting-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 Engineering will be from both NC State and UNC Asheville, and the diploma reflects that by listing both institutions. Graduates of the Mechatronics Engineering Program have transcripts from both NC State and UNC Asheville.
2+2 / 1+3 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.
“UNC Asheville gives you the freedom to make what you want of its resources. It helped me build award-winning robots + homebrewed electric race cars from scratch … You’re going to be given hard problems, but it’s up to you to take what you can find and meet your deliverables.”
Engineering Department Faculty and Staff
Expert faculty from NC State and the University of North Carolina Asheville nurture engineering students through their education at every step. Faculty and staff bring a range of background knowledge from experience in engineering firms, product development, NASA, Bell Labs, and more.
David Ramsey, Ph.D.
Director of Engineering
Office: 204i Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 6944
Email: dramsey2@unca.edu
Linnea Linton, PE
Associate Director of Engineering
Office: 204G Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 251-6943
Email: llinton@unca.edu
Karen Braswell
Program Assistant
Office: 204 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 251-6641
Email: kbraswel@unca.edu
Eli Buckner, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Engineering
Office: 204D Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 251-6744
Email: ebuckner@unca.edu
Eugene Ungar, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor of Engineering
Office: 204F Rhoades/Robinson
Phone: 250-7659
Email: eungar@unca.edu
Avi Silverman
Associate Professor of Practice
Office: 204E Rhoades Robinson
Phone: 828-250-2345
Email: asilver3@unca.edu
Ready for What's Next?
The Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs offer an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in an engineering discipline while experiencing a liberal arts education. Learn from faculty experts at NC State and UNC Asheville as you prepare for a future in the field.
Have questions about the program or don’t know which path is right for you? Request information or contact the Joint NCSU/UNCA Engineering Programs for assistance.