Mechanical Engineering Transfer Pathway

Course expectations

• Single variable calculus for STEM majors (one-year sequence)
• Multivariable calculus
• Linear algebra
• Differential equations
• General chemistry (one-year sequence with labs)
• Calculus-based physics (one-year sequence with labs)
• Computer programming (one course)
• Engineering graphics and design
• Circuits with lab
• Statics

Full sequences can take two to four terms to complete (depending on whether your institution is on semesters or quarters), so you'll want to start them early. To check which of your community college courses satisfy the Pathway course expectations at multiple UC campuses, refer to the UC Transfer Pathways Guide for a summary list. Use ASSIST to find the specific classes offered at your community college that will satisfy the expected coursework at a particular UC campus. In addition to the coursework above, you will need to fulfill minimum requirements expected of all transfer applicants to UC. In particular, students are required to complete two English reading and composition courses no later than the spring term prior to transfer. If you’re interested in transferring to the Berkeley campus, be sure that these two transferable English reading and composition courses articulate to Berkeley’s required courses.

If you're working on an Associate Degree in mechanical engineering at your community college, there's a lot of overlap with UC Transfer Pathway coursework. When you have options, try to select courses for your Associate Degree that meet both your community college and UC requirements. The difference between what UC expects and what some community colleges require is linear algebra, a full sequence of chemistry with lab and circuits with lab; however, UC does not expect materials science and engineering. 

Applicable majors

The Mechanical Engineering Pathway applies to the degree programs listed below. More degree programs may be added in the future so you should check back periodically to see if your major has joined this list.

• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Berkeley
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Davis
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Irvine
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Los Angeles
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Merced
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Riverside
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at San Diego
• Mechanical engineering, B.S. at Santa Barbara

Campus GPA requirements

Admission to different UC campuses and majors varies in competitiveness depending on how many students apply and how many slots are available. As a result, the minimum GPA and grade requirements for particular courses may vary from campus to campus. Make sure to look on the campus admissions websites to find minimum expected grade point averages for the major you are interested in.