Fifth Year B.S./M.S. Program
The 5th Year Masters Program is open only to UC Berkeley undergraduates who have majored in Mechanical Engineering, the Mechanical Engineering/Nuclear Engineering Joint Program, or the Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science & Engineering Joint Program. Graduates earn a Master of Science degree.
The program allows students to broaden their educational experiences at Berkeley by allowing them to expand their knowledge of the major and also take a portion of their courses outside of their major. Specifically, the latter can come from the following categories:
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Statistics
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- School of Information
- School of Business
- School of Public Policy
A strong priority is given to courses that are technical in nature. Other courses can be petitioned to the Vice Chair through the MechE Student Services Office.
In contrast to a more traditional engineering masters degree, its requirements are solely coursework; it does not have a research component, and it is a two-semester degree (traditional masters are usually 3-4 semesters). Extensions on normative time (i.e. two semesters) will not be given on the basis of research or outside work/internships for this program. This two-semester program is not intended for applicants that desire to continue to the Ph.D.; such individuals are advised to apply directly to the M.S./Ph.D. or Ph.D. program. However, graduates of this program are free to apply to Ph.D. programs elsewhere as it is the exact same degree as a traditional masters.
The 5th Year M.S. program is self-supported.
For full details, please see the 5th Year Masters Handbook and the Degree Requirements.
Changing degree goal? Use the 5th Year BS/MS Change of Degree Goal form.