Materials Science & Engineering / Mechanical Engineering Joint Major

Bachelor of Science (BS)

The joint major programs are designed for students who wish to undertake study in two areas of engineering in order to qualify for employment in either field or for positions in which competence in two fields is required. These curricula include the core courses in each of the major fields. While they require slightly increased course loads, they can be completed in four years.

Students interested in the mechanical behavior of materials have the option of pursuing a joint major in Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The curriculum addresses key fundamentals of both disciplines, preparing students in materials selection and design for structural and functional applications. Students completing this joint major enter professional positions in the aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing industries, and much more or top graduate programs.

Admission to the Joint Major

Admission directly to a joint major is closed to freshmen and junior transfer applicants. Students interested in a joint program may apply to change majors during specific times in their academic progress. Please see the College of Engineering joint majors website for complete details.

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Materials Science

MEASURED CURRICULAR OUTCOMES

The program is designed around a set of curricular outcomes. 

1. Be able to apply general math, science and engineering skills to the solution of engineering problems.
2. Be aware of the social, safety and environmental consequences of their work, and be able to engage in public debate regarding these issues.
3. Be able to apply core concepts in materials science to solve engineering problems.
4. Be knowledgeable of contemporary issues relevant to materials science and engineering.
5. Be able to select materials for design and construction.
6. Understand the importance of life-long learning.
7. Be able to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze data.
8. Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities of a materials scientist and engineer.
9. Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
10. Be able to communicate effectively while speaking, employing graphics, and writing.
11. Possess the skills and techniques necessary for modern materials engineering practice.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR GRADUATES

Stated succinctly, graduates from the program will have the following skills: 

1. Know the fundamental science and engineering principles relevant to materials.
2. Understand the relationship between nano/microstructure, characterization, properties and processing, and design of materials.
3. Have the experimental and computational skills for a professional career or graduate study in materials.
4. Possess a knowledge of the significance of research, the value of continued learning, and environmental/social issues surrounding materials.
5. Be able to communicate effectively, to work in teams and to assume positions as leaders.

1. Be able to communicate effectively, to work in teams and to assume positions as leaders.

Mechanical Engineering

Learning Goals

The objectives of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program are to produce graduates who do the following:

1. Vigorously engage in post-baccalaureate endeavors, whether in engineering graduate study, in engineering practice, or in the pursuit of other fields such as science, law, medicine, business or public policy.
2. Apply their mechanical engineering education to address the full range of technical and societal problems with creativity, imagination, confidence and responsibility.
3. Actively seek out positions of leadership within their profession and their community.
4. Serve as ambassadors for engineering by exhibiting the highest ethical and professional standards, and by communicating the importance and excitement of this dynamic field.
5. Retain the intellectual curiosity that motivates lifelong learning and allows for a flexible response to the rapidly evolving challenges of the 21st century.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering graduates have the following:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.
3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
7. An ability to communicate effectively.
8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
9. A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

• finish secondary school and
• earn a certificate of completion, which allows admission to a university in their home country or country of graduation

In addition:

Students who have completed the IGCSE or O-level exams have not yet met the requirements for admission at UC Berkeley. The university requires further study, either completion of the two-year A-level program with a minimum of three academic exams, the IB diploma program, or another similar academic curriculum.

Students from countries requiring entry into military service upon completion of secondary education should not submit an application until the obligation has been met. UC Berkeley cannot defer admission to a later term.

Students may have to meet additional admission requirements and follow certain guidelines for filling out the undergraduate application, depending on country or educational system.

Apply to Berkeley by filling out the UC application. You can begin working on the application as early as August 1, and must submit the application November 1-30. You can apply to as many UC campuses as you like with one application, and each campus will receive your application and official test scores. If you have difficulties, contact the UC Application Center at [email protected] or (800) 207-1710.