Undergraduate Program Overview

Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, students in the Mechanical Engineering B.S. degree program at UCSB are expected to have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Academics

The curricula for all of the major areas emphasize education in broad principles and fundamentals. At the same time, programs of study and research are flexible and tailored to accommodate the individual needs and interests of the students. Interdisciplinary approaches are stressed, and students are encouraged to cross over traditional boundaries into other departments.

Preparation for Graduate Studies

Qualified undergraduate students who wish to pursue advanced engineering education may apply to enroll in UCSB Mechanical Engineering MS or PhD graduate programs. The Masters program is intended to extend and broaden the undergraduate background and/or equip practicing engineers with state-of-the-art knowledge in their field. The degree may be terminal or obtained on the way to the PhD. The PhD. program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and/or teaching in their area of specialization.

Academic Advising

In the first year, a member of the Mechanical Engineering faculty is assigned to all incoming students. During junior year, a faculty advisor is available to assist students in the selection of departmental elective courses and provides counseling to students on a variety of issues related to their academic experience. Individual faculty members are also available for help in program planning and professional development.

The Mechanical Engineering curriculum must require students to apply principles of engineering, basic science, and mathematics (including multivariate calculus and differential equations); to model, analyze, design, and realize physics systems, components or processes; and prepare students to work professionally in either thermal or mechanical systems while requiring topics in each area. Students may petition deviations from the published curriculum that meet university and ABET requirements. For more information please contact the Undergraduate Advisor meugrad@engineering.ucsb.edu or Dr. Eckart Meiburg, the ME Undergraduate Faculty Advisor.

A Mechanical Engineering departmental undergraduate advisor is also available to all students for help with academic issues and policies. Undergraduate counseling is provided by advisors in the Office of Undergraduate Studies in the College of Engineering. 

Honors Program

The College of Engineering invites approximately the top 10% of incoming freshmen into the College Honors Program(link is external) based on a combination of high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. (Please note: eligibility criteria are subject to change at any time.) Transfer students with a UC transferable GPA of 3.6 or greater are invited to join the Honors Program.  

Career Development

Mechanical engineering graduates at all levels are highly sought after by many industries, including automotive, aircraft, marine, defense, electronics, and materials manufacturing. UCSB and the College of Engineering offer a number of opportunities throughout the academic year to meet representatives from businesses looking to hire UCSB mechanical engineering grads, such as Intel, Sonos, and more. Learn more about career events(link is external) and other career services (link is external)UCSB.

A major in mechanical engineering may also serve as an appropriate part of the program of studies required for a California community college teaching credential. Students who wish to secure this credential should consult the designated advisor in the Graduate School of Education(link is external).

Research Opportunities

Upper-division undergraduates have opportunities to work in a research environment with faculty members who are conducting current research in the various fields of mechanical engineering.

Preparation for Graduate Studies

Our program is designed to give students ample preparation for advanced engineering graduate education and a career path in academia if they choose.

Accreditation

The UCSB College of Engineering's undergraduate programs in chemical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and the computer science bachelor of science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The University of California, Santa Barbara is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 985 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100, Alameda, California 94501. Accreditation documents are available for review in the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, Cheadle Hall 5105A at UC Santa Barbara.

UC Santa Barbara is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), 62 leading research institutions in the U.S. and Canada known for their academic excellence. AAU was founded in 1900 to advance the international standing of U.S. research universities, and today focuses on issues, such as research funding and undergraduate and graduate education.