BS/MS Program

*Applications for Fall 2028 will reopen in Spring 2027

Questions? Please contact mae-gradadmissions@ucsd.edu

MAE BS/MS Admissions Policies

  • Students admitted to the BS/MS program cannot start the M.S. program prior to Fall Quarter.
  • The MAE BS/MS program is only open to Undergraduate Students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego.
  • MAE undergraduate students cannot apply to the BS/MS program in their senior year. An application must be submitted through our regular Graduate Admissions process by the listed deadlines. 

MAE BS/MS Admissions Process

MAE undergraduate students must complete an application through the portal with Graduate Admissions during the Spring Quarter. The following materials are required for consideration:

  • UCSD Transcript, unofficial documents are sufficient for review

  • Transcripts for all institutions attended after high school

  • 1 recommendation from an MAE faculty member, submitted through the MAE BS/MS Recommendation Form (see form for instructions)

  • Statement of Purpose (There is no MAE-specific prompt, please follow the guidelines set by UC San Diego Graduate Admissions. Please do not exceed two pages). 

not required:

  • GRE scores, TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation

Applicants will not be able to submit or pay for their application until a decision has been made. Applications will be reviewed and decisions will be shared during the Summer Session following the BS/MS application period. You will be contacted on the email that is linked to your Application. 

If the committee recommends admission, applicants will need to submit their application and pay the fee to receive their official offer in the new year.  

  • US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Undocumented Applicants: $135.00
  • International Applicants: $155.00

If the committee recommends denial, applicants are instructed to not take action on their BS/MS application. Applicants who are still interested in the program may submit an application for the regular Graduate Admissions process. 


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The MAE department offers a continuous Bachelor's/Master's degree program for undergraduate students in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego who maintained a strong academic record in their major and cumulative coursework requirements. This is an internal admissions program, with no exceptions for students outside of the department. An application must be submitted through the regular Graduate Admissions process to be considered for admission. 

Applicants who receive an acceptance into the BS/MS program may transition directly to the MAE M.S. program, once their B.S. degree is conferred. Students may choose between the Plan I Thesis Defense and Plan II Comprehensive Exam track, but must secure a faculty advisor themselves if they wish to complete the Plan I track. Applicants are encouraged to apply for their specific MAE specialization during the application period.

The Department does not provide funding for MS Students, but they are eligible for financial support including campus-wide fellowships and Academic Student Employment positions. 


ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligible applicants are undergraduate students in the UCSD Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering B.S. program, who are intending to earn their degree within the following academic year. Applicants should have a 3.0+ cumulative GPA at the time of applying, but eligibility does not guarantee acceptance into the program. If applicants receive an acceptance, they must maintain a 3.0+ cumulative GPA through conferral of their B.S. degree. Students who do not satisfy these requirements may be re-evaluated for continuation in the program. 

Students must also have completed 3 quarters at UCSD by the time applications are reviewed in Summer. 


TIMELINE & DEADLINES

Academic Year

Fall Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

Summer Session

 

Junior Year

   

Applications for the BS/MS program due by the deadline above.

Admission decisions shared with applicants.

Admitted applicants will be contacted on submitting the application to the UCSD Graduate Division.

Senior Year*

*last academic year of BS program

 

Applicants receive official offers to the program from the UCSD Graduate Division.

Students should meet with their UG College Advisor to ensure they will meet their graduation requirements by Spring.

Students must complete the Bachelor’s degree by the end of Summer to register as a Master’s student in the Fall. Final transcripts should also be sent to Graduate Admissions. 

MS Program

(Year 1)

Start MAE MS program

     

Questions? Please contact mae-gradadmissions@ucsd.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Once my BS/MS application is completed (ready to submit), what should I do?

There is an error message that will prevent submission, as it is not required during this time. Please ensure the relevant sections are completed, and do not take further action. Once you have received your decision, you will receive additional information on the next steps.

How can I confirm my application is ready for review if we cannot submit applications?

Applicants may contact mae-gradadmissions@ucsd.edu for an update. You will also receive an email soon after the deadline to confirm your application is complete and sent for review. 

If I finish my B.S. degree before Spring Quarter, is it possible to start the M.S. program earlier?

Students may not begin the M.S. program earlier than Fall Quarter.

Am I eligible to register for graduate courses once I am accepted into the BS/MS program?

Students must submit TEA (Triton Enrollment Authorization) requests for instructor approval, and space is often limited. If you would like to waive units for the M.S. program, you need to ensure the units were not used to satisfy your undergraduate degree requirements (unused electives). Additional details may be found on this the Graduate Division's page on Policies and Procedures.  

Undergraduate advisors may not swap courses once your DDA is approved. Please ensure your courses are slotting in the correct places prior to graduation. 

Is a letter of recommendation required for a complete application?

No, a letter of recommendation is not required. MAE Faculty must fill out the Google Form, which is used in lieu of the letter of recommendation. 

 

 
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the M.S. Program Coordinator (mae-gradadmissions@ucsd.edu) if you have any questions.