University of California, Berkeley Mechanical Engineering

You are here: Home / Five Year Handbook / 2.8 Frequently Asked Questions
  • This is a terminal, full-time Master’s degree program.
  • This is a coursework-only program.
  • This is a two-semester program.  Extensions are only granted on extenuating circumstances or through DSP accommodations.
  • Admission to the program is highly competitive.
  • Graduates earn a Master of Science degree.
  • Students in this program are generally not allowed to take semesters off to do internships.  Admission deferrals due to internships are also rare and are subject to approval by the Vice Chair of Graduate Studies.
  • The program is geared toward students who intend to join industry after receiving their Master’s degree, rather than pursuing a PhD and/or academic career.
  • During the duration of the program, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester (these courses cannot include 299 and 298 courses).
  • Students must pass an Oral Comprehensive Exam to graduate.
  • Degree requirements can be found here.
  • This is a self-funded program.  Students in the program are not allowed to serve in GSI/Reader Positions in Mechanical Engineering.