Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree
The ABET-accredited undergraduate program in mechanical engineering seeks to provide students with a broad education emphasizing an excellent foundation in scientific and engineering fundamentals. The objectives of the undergraduate program are to meet the needs of its two primary constituencies: industry and mechanical engineering graduate programs. For more information, please see the College of Engineering Announcement.
Master of Science (MS) Degree
The majority of students earning a Masters degree in our department earn a Master of Science degree. It can be done in conjunction with a PhD (for the MS/PhD option) or alone, though the vast majority of our students are on the doctoral track. Degrees are granted after completion of programs of study that emphasize the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for analysis of problems. Students must have a bachelors degree in one of the accredited engineering curricula or satisfy the equivalent of a bachelors degree in engineering as determined by the department concerned for admission to this program. For more information, please see the MS Plan II Degree Requirements. The department also has a concurrent degree program with the Goldman School of Public Policy: Public Policy (M.P.P.) - Mechanical Engineering (M.S.).
Mechanical Engineering Five Year BS/MS Program
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a 5 year combined BS/MS program. This program for Berkeley ME Undergraduates allows them to broaden their education experiences at Berkeley. It is distinguished from the existing Berkeley Mechanical Engineering M.S. by being course-work only. For more information, please see the 5th Year MS Degree Requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)
It can be done in conjunction with a PhD (for the MS/PhD option) or alone. Degrees are granted after completion of programs of study that emphasize the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for analysis of problems. Students must have a bachelors degree in one of the accredited engineering curricula or satisfy the equivalent of a bachelors degree in engineering as determined by the department concerned for admission to this program. For more information please see the Degree Requirements for the PhD.
Master of Engineering (MEng)
This new and accelerated Professional Program has been designed in collaboration with several other department in the College of Engineering and its purpose is to develop professional leaders who understand the technical, environmental, economic and social issues involved in Mechanical Engineering. This one-year program is being launched with support from the College of Engineering's Coleman Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership. For more information about this interdisciplinary program, please see our prospective student website at http://www.me.berkeley.edu/StudentAffairs/ProspectiveStudents/Graduate/MEngProgram/.
Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
Though the vast majority of students in our program earn the PhD, the D.Eng can be earned in rare cases. Degrees are granted after completion of programs of study in professional engineering emphasizing technical, sociological, environmental, and economic problems involved in the design, construction, and operation of engineering structures, processes, and equipment. Studies include courses in the engineering sciences necessary to the engineering interpretation of the latest scientific developments, as well as courses in design, operation, humanities, and economics to provide bases for the analysis and solution of problems in professional engineering. Students must have a BS degree in one of the accredited engineering curricula or satisfy the equivalent of a BS degree in engineering as determined by the department concerned. For more details, please see the ME Student Services Office.
Simultaneous Degrees
Engineering undergraduates who wish to obtain a simultaneous degree in another college of school at UC Berkeley should consult with their Student Affairs Adviser. Students will need to submit an academic program proposal to the Associate Dean by the end of their sophomore year that satisfies the following conditions: It should
- have academic merit,
- have approval by the Faculty Advisers of both majors and Dean's Office of both colleges,
- at the time of submission of the petition should not delay graduate by more than one additional term.
Requirements for simultaneous degrees must be supported by a grade point average of at least 3.00 GPA.