1. Get to know your undergraduate program
Read about the mechanical engineering undergraduate program overview, including areas of study and research, academic objectives, advising, preparing for graduate school, and industry career opportunities. Learn more about the College of Engineering Honors Program.
2. Prepare for Admission
Freshmen Students
Given the strength of its programs and its national reputation, it is not surprising that UCSB's College of Engineering receives applications from more qualified students than can be admitted. Each freshman applicant must apply to a specific major, such as Mechanical Engineering. Applicants with the strongest qualifications are admitted. The College accepts applications for the fall quarter only and gives preference to freshmen and upper-division transfer students.
+ College of Engineering Freshman Preparation and Admissions
Transfer Students
Learn more about what the College of Engineering considers when admitting transfer students. Carefully review the information for students preparing to transfer into an undergraduate major in the College of Engineering from a California Community College, or any other institution.
+ College of Engineering Transfer Student Preparation and Admissions
3. Understand the Bachelor of Science Requirement
Read through the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) requirements for the Mechanical Engineering major at UC Santa Barbara, including general education, upper division. Prospective students interested in the 5-year combined BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering program should review the requirements and timeline.
4. Visit the UCSB Campus
To arrange a tour and more information about our program, please contact the Mechanical Engineering Student Affairs Coordinator at meugrad@engineering.ucsb.edu. Explore the UCSB Virtual Tour or schedule an in-person UCSB campus tour through the admissions office.
5. Apply for Admission
Learn more about the UCSB undergraduate admissions timeline and how to apply. The University of California application will be available on August 1 and students will be able to submit their applications from November 1 - 30. This timeline applies to all UCSB undergraduates.
Accepted and Ready to Register?
Congratulations! We look forward to learning with you. Complete your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) today.
Changing Your Major to Engineering
Read through these step-by-step instructions for changing your major to Mechanical Engineering, whether you are a current UCSB non-engineering major or a UCSB engineering student in another major.