BS Mechanical Engineering at University of California, Santa Barbara

Programme overview

If you are passionate about understanding how things work, mechanical engineering is an ideal program for you. As a Mechanical Engineering major, you’ll learn how to design and analyze machines, devices, and systems. Coursework on topics such as mechanics, structures, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and control systems will equip you with the skills and expertise to solve complex problems and design innovative solutions.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Barbara, CA, United States

What you will study

Major requirements are organised as Preparation For The Major: CHEM 1A, CHEM 1B, ENGR 3, MATH 3A, MATH 3B, MATH 4A, MATH 4B, MATH 6A, MATH 6B, ME 6, ME 10, ME 12S, ME 14, ME 15; Upper Division Major.

Career pathways

Graduate and professional pathways include Aerospace and defense; Technology development; Biomedical field; Mechanical Engineering; Materials Science; Aerospace Engineering. Top employers include Raytheon, Northrup Grumman, FLIR, SONOS, SpaceX.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to UCSB is to the university and a college (College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, College of Creative Studies), not to the individual major; applicants must meet the University of California subject requirements for first-year or transfer applicants and apply through the UC Application. Selective-major and second-choice-major rules are described by UCSB Undergraduate Admissions.

Entry term: fall. First-year and transfer applicants apply for fall 2027 through the UC Application.

First-year and transfer applications for fall 2027: UC Application filing period October 1 - November 30, 2026 (opens August 1). Application fee: $80 per campus for U.S. residents, $95 per campus for international students. Transfer applicants also submit the UCSB TAG Application September 1-30. First-year decisions mid-March; transfer decisions mid-April; Statement of Intent to Register May 1 (first-year) and June 1 (transfer).

SAT and ACT scores are not used in admission selection or scholarships; submission is optional and may be used for course placement. Students applying to College of Creative Studies majors submit a supplemental application; Dance and Music B.M. applicants complete an audition.

Graduate applicants apply through the UCSB online graduate application; the deadline is set by each department. Application fee: $135 for US citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all others, payable by credit card, check or money order. GRE required only by some programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/

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