UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
Mechanical Engineering (Change of Major)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 7-10 students admitted per yearCompetitive Admission
- Requires minimum 3.3 core GPAAcademic Requirement
- Specific core coursework must be completedCurriculum Prerequisite
- Petition window is end of second year, fall quarterStrict Timeline
- Success often requires a 3.5+ core GPATarget GPA
This program page outlines the process for current University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) students to change their major to Mechanical Engineering. It is specifically for first-year students and details the requirements, timeline, and competitive nature of this change of major process. Admission is not guaranteed and prospective students are encouraged to have a backup plan.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is this Mechanical Engineering program for?
- This program is specifically designed for current University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) first-year students who wish to change their major to Mechanical Engineering. It is a competitive process with strict requirements.
- What are the academic requirements to change majors into Mechanical Engineering?
- You must complete a minimum of eight specified core courses, including ENGR 3, ME 14, and ME 17, with a minimum 3.3 core GPA. Your core GPA must remain above 3.3 to be eligible.
- When can I petition to change my major to Mechanical Engineering?
- You can only petition to change your major at the end of the Fall quarter of your second year. There are no exceptions to this strict timeline.
- How competitive is the admission to this major?
- Admission is highly competitive, with typically only 7-10 students admitted per year. Success often requires a core GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- What is the unit limit for changing majors?
- You must ensure you have completed fewer than six academic quarters or 105 units at the time of application to be eligible.
- Where can I find information on tuition and fees?
- Fees are updated yearly, and specific tuition and living cost details are not provided. For campus-based fees, refer to the Registrar's Office website for the relevant academic year.
Entry requirements
Current UCSB student (non-engineering or changing from another engineering major)Must be at or below 105 units by the time change of major courses are completed. Contact Mechanical Engineering Advisor in Fall quarter of first year. Petition only accepted at the end of Fall quarter of second year. Must complete 8 core courses (minimum 3 must be ENGR 3, ME 14, ME 17) with a minimum 3.3 core GPA. Courses preferred at a UC, but California Community College and CSU courses with direct articulations are accepted. Grades from CCC/CSU calculated same as UC courses. Core GPA must remain above 3.3 to remain eligible.
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT (taken before Jan 2026)80 or better
TOEFL iBT (taken Jan 2026 or later)4.5 or better
Duolingo English Test (DET)115
UC-transferable college course in English compositionC or better
Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency and received by the December test date prior to enrollment. TOEFL, IELTS, and DET scores are valid for two years and must be available in July prior to enrolling. UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Fees are updated yearly. Specific tuition and living cost information is not detailed on the provided pages. For details on campus-based fees, refer to the Registrar's Office website for the relevant academic year.
How to apply
1. Check Unit LimitEnsure you have completed fewer than six academic quarters or 105 units at the time of application.
2. Contact AdvisorIn your first Fall quarter, contact the Mechanical Engineering Advisor (meugrad@engineering.ucsb.edu) to express interest and start a core GPA spreadsheet.
3. Complete Core CourseworkComplete a minimum of eight specified core courses (including ENGR 3, ME 14, ME 17) with a minimum 3.3 core GPA. These can be from UC, California Community College, or CSU campuses with direct articulations. Use assist.org to verify articulation.
4. Report GradesAfter each quarter, report your grades for the selected core courses to the Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Advisor via email.
5. Maintain GPAMaintain a minimum core GPA of 3.3 through the Fall quarter of your second year. Dropping below this GPA makes you ineligible.
6. Petition for Change of MajorYou can only petition at the end of the Fall quarter of your second year. No exceptions will be made. Admission is based on core GPA, completed courses, and available space.
7. Receive Admission InformationIf admitted, you will receive information and the necessary petition to officially become a Mechanical Engineering student.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this Mechanical Engineering program for?
+
This program is specifically designed for current University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) first-year students who wish to change their major to Mechanical Engineering. It is a competitive process with strict requirements.
What are the academic requirements to change majors into Mechanical Engineering?
+
You must complete a minimum of eight specified core courses, including ENGR 3, ME 14, and ME 17, with a minimum 3.3 core GPA. Your core GPA must remain above 3.3 to be eligible.
When can I petition to change my major to Mechanical Engineering?
+
You can only petition to change your major at the end of the Fall quarter of your second year. There are no exceptions to this strict timeline.
How competitive is the admission to this major?
+
Admission is highly competitive, with typically only 7-10 students admitted per year. Success often requires a core GPA of 3.5 or higher.
What is the unit limit for changing majors?
+
You must ensure you have completed fewer than six academic quarters or 105 units at the time of application to be eligible.
Where can I find information on tuition and fees?
+
Fees are updated yearly, and specific tuition and living cost details are not provided. For campus-based fees, refer to the Registrar's Office website for the relevant academic year.