Overview

The Mechanical Engineering programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides a comprehensive graduate education designed for students seeking advanced expertise in the field. This master's degree offers two distinct pathways, Plan I and Plan II, allowing students to tailor their academic journey toward either original research or professional project work.

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The curriculum is structured to ensure a deep understanding of core engineering principles while providing the flexibility to explore modern, cross-cutting fields such as manufacturing, energy systems, and integrated sensors. Both study plans require the completion of 42 quarter units of credit to graduate.

Why Mechanical Engineering at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The department is distinguished by its focus on high-impact research areas and state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated wind tunnel and mechanical test lab. Students benefit from an environment that encourages expertise in diverse sectors like aerostructures, composite technology, and environmental sensing. The programme's flexibility allows for significant customisation within various STEM specialisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14430 per year
National fee: USD 14430 per year
Local fee: USD 14430 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is organised around major STEM areas and specific credit requirements. Students must select a primary field of study to guide their coursework and research activities. Modules and focus areas may include:

Bioengineering & Systems Biology
Computational Science & Engineering
Dynamic Systems, Controls & Robotics
Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Transport
Microscale Engineering
Solid Mechanics, Materials & Structures
Graduate Seminar
Research & Thesis Work

Plan I students complete 18 units in their major field alongside 12 units of dedicated thesis research. Plan II students focus more heavily on taught content, completing 18 units in their major field and 18 units of science and engineering electives, concluding with a specialised three-unit project.

Careers with Mechanical Engineering

Graduates from this programme are prepared for high-level roles across a variety of technical industries. The training provided supports careers in sectors such as transportation, reliability engineering, and microscale systems design. The department maintains an active alumni network and an Industrial Advisory Board to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with professional demands in engineering and technology.

Programme Structure

Students must choose a major field from among five stem areas presently offered by the department:

Bioengineering and Systems Biology

Computational Science and Engineering

Dynamic Systems, Controls and Robotics

Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Transport

Microscale Engineering, including MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS), Bio-MEMS, and Microfluidics

Solid Mechanics, Materials and Structures

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Mechanical Engineering View 356 other Masters in Mechanical Engineering in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The Graduate Record Examination (General Test only) is required of all applicants

The Mechanical Engineering Department ONLY accepts applications for the Fall Quarter.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at UCSB serves the needs of international students and scholars, including assistance with visa status. International students apply through the UCSB Graduate Division, and upon acceptance to the MS or PhD program, OISS will assist with immigration documents and procedures.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Out-of-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Mechanical Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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