Mechanical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California offers students an in-depth understanding of the principles and applications of mechanical systems, including design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance. This rigorous program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Students will engage with coursework in thermodynamics, materials science, fluid mechanics, dynamics, control systems, and computer-aided design, fostering a comprehensive skill set essential for innovation and problem-solving in the engineering field. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratories, projects, and internships, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Mentorship from experienced faculty and collaboration with industry partners provide a bridge between academic studies and professional practice. Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of California are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce with a strong foundation in engineering principles, technical proficiency, and critical thinking abilities. The curriculum is continually updated to incorporate the latest technological developments and industry standards, ensuring that students gain relevant and current expertise. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities, students are encouraged to innovate and contribute to advancements in mechanical engineering. Commitment to sustainability and ethical engineering practices is embedded throughout the program, fostering responsible engineers who can address global challenges. Whether students aim for careers in research, development, manufacturing, or entrepreneurship, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California prepares them to excel and lead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The curriculum is structured so that most of the required courses in mathematics and the basic sciences (physics and chemistry) are completed during the first two years. In addition, two four-unit courses, an Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Graphics & Design are offered in the first year. These classes focus on basic engineering concepts and computational engineering tools required for mechanical engineers. Engineering topics are covered primarily in courses offered during the second, third and fourth years. Additional science topics (Biology) are covered in the third year. Students may also take elective courses in specialized topics such as Applied Finite Element Methods, Transport Phenomena in Living Systems, Vibrations, Environmental Impacts of Energy Production, Mechatronics, Combustion and Energy Systems, Optics and Lasers in Engineering, etc., in the senior year.

Several ME courses, including laboratory courses, incorporate design. Design addresses real-world problems whose solution requires creativity and consideration of alternatives to achieve stated objectives. The design component can occupy a significant fraction of course time and is usually conducted in teams. The culmination of the students' design experience is a three-quarter capstone design course, in which students draw upon various aspects of their previous engineering science and design knowledge to address a meaningful design problem. The first quarter focuses on engineering economics, engineering/professional ethics, and review of fundamental design concepts. In the second quarter, project (concept) analysis, preliminary evaluation (economical and technical), data and literature collection, and preliminary process design and evaluation is carried out. The third quarter of the capstone design course focuses on the final detailed technical design of the process (equipment sizing and specification, etc.), followed by prototyping and construction of hardware, and detailed technical analysis of the final design. The course concludes with a formal oral presentation and written technical report.

Focus Areas:

• Materials and Structures
  Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from ME 100B, ME 116B, ME 122, ME 153, ME 156, ME 180, ME 197
• Energy and Environment
  Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from ME 100B, ME 116B, ME 117, ME 136, ME 137, ME 197
• Design and Manufacturing
  Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from ME 121, ME 122, ME 130, ME 131, ME 133, ME 153, ME 156, ME 174, ME 180, ME 197
• General Mechanical Engineering
  Sixteen (16) units of technical electives chosen from selected from the following list, in consultation with an advisor: ME 100B, ME 116B, ME 117, ME 121, ME 122, ME 131, ME 133, ME 136, ME 137, ME 138, ME 153, ME 156, ME 176, ME 180, ME 197

Requirements

Applicants must complete a rigorous college preparatory program that includes the following academic subject requirements:

• History/Social Science: 2 years
• English/Language of School Instruction: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (4 years recommended)
• Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Foreign Language (English must be the foreign language studied if it was not the language of instruction.): 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
• College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

UC Riverside is aware that not all educational systems include academic courses in these areas, which will be taken into consideration during the application review.

• The applicant must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale. The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a-g” courses completed in 10th and 11th grades.
• If the secondary school offers a different curriculum, the applicant’s academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.
• The ACT with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test must be taken no later than December of the final year of secondary school.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the applicant’s native language, or the language of instruction at the applicant’s school, then they must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following options:

• Pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 80 or higher (iBT).
• Pass the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5 or higher.
• Achieve a score of 560 or higher on the “Writing” section of the SAT Reasoning Test.
• Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.
• Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination in English (Language A).
• Complete a transferable college course in English Composition with a C grade or better.

Also

• Academic records
• Test scores
• Estimated household income (optional)
• Citizenship status
• Application payment method

Answer Personal Insight Questions

• The personal insight questions are an opportunity for applicants to tell us about themselves in their own words, and an opportunity for us to get to know them better.
• Freshmen must answer four out of eight questions.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
• Applicants should draft their answers in a word processing program first, then copy and paste them into the UC application. (Applicants are automatically logged out of the UC application after 30 minutes.)
• The personal insight questions are just one part that we consider when making our admission decision. The important thing is that applicants express who they are, what matters to them and what they want to share with UCR!

Scholarships

• Regents Scholarship
• Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Highlander Excellence Scholarship

The University of California offers a comprehensive Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program designed to prepare students for diverse careers in engineering, research, and industry. The program emphasizes fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes. Students engage in rigorous coursework that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to solve real-world engineering problems. The curriculum typically includes courses in dynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, control systems, and mechanical design, ensuring that graduates develop a well-rounded understanding of mechanical systems.

In addition to core technical courses, students have opportunities to specialize in areas such as robotics, energy systems, aerospace, and manufacturing. The program encourages hands-on learning through laboratories, design projects, and internships, fostering skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Research opportunities are available through faculty-led projects, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge innovations and advancements.

The department often collaborates with industry partners to facilitate internships, co-op programs, and industry-sponsored projects, giving students valuable industry experience. State-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and computational resources, support the educational activities. The program aims to prepare graduates for graduate studies or immediate entry into employment in sectors like automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of California typically pursue careers as mechanical engineers, research analysts, product designers, or continue their education at the master's or doctoral level. The program is designed to cultivate engineering skills, leadership, and creativity needed to innovate in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Overall, the program is recognized for its rigorous academic standards, innovative research, and strong industry connections, positioning graduates for success in the global engineering community.