Why Mechanical Engineering?
Are you a creative thinker? Do you enjoy science and technology, and love to design new things and solve problems? Are you concerned about human welfare and the environment? Are you inspired to make a difference in our world?
Mechanical Engineers use the science of movement to continuously innovate and advance solutions to the problems we face in our everyday (and not-so-everyday) lives.
Whether developing advanced robotic systems, pushing the boundaries of aerospace or transportation, supporting human health with innovative medical devices, or sustaining human and environmental futures through clean energy systems, mechanical engineers apply physics and mathematics to analyze, design, manufacture, and maintain moving systems.
This broad and diverse field allows follow your own special interests and reach your full potential – and UBC is ready to help you get there.
Our Program
Our Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) program combines academic studies with hands-on learning to give students the balance between the practical and analytical skills required to become a successful engineer.
To enter the program, students first complete one year of general engineering studies at either UBC campus (Vancouver or Okanagan) or in one of the recognized engineering transfer programs at BC colleges. At the end of this general year, students apply to join our discipline. Note that only a limited number of seats are available, and applicants are selected based upon their grades and personal profile.
Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, which allows students to register as an Engineer-in-Training upon graduation.
After taking our award-winning MECH 2 program in second year, our students select one of six Options allowing them to specialize in a field of interest or stay broad and explore different areas in third and fourth year. Students also have the option of taking co-op to gain work experience during their program, and of going away on exchange.
Your Future
Mechanical engineering is an engaging and rewarding profession, and with it broad nature, the skills you will develop will qualify you for a range of opportunities. So, whether you want to travel to new and exciting places, develop original research, apply your knowledge in industry, bring technology to developing countries, or find a flexible job that fits with your personal and family goals (or any combination of these), a degree in Mechanical Engineering will put you on the path to a future that is right for you.
Diverse career opportunities
Engineers generally receive some of the highest starting salaries of graduating Bachelor’s students, and mechanical engineers in particular have a huge variety of work opportunities. Here are just some of the fields you might work in as a mechanical engineer:
- Product design and development
- Energy (oil, gas, and renewable energy)
- Engines and automotives
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- MicroElectroMechanical Systems
- Maintenance and reliability
- Consulting and management
- Naval architecture
- Aerospace
- Mining and minerals
- Pulp and paper
- Manufacturing
- Robotics
- Biomedical
- Forest products
- Machinery design
- Acoustics
After graduating from our BASc MECH program, you are eligible to enroll as an E.I.T. (Engineer in Training) with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC) or the other regional associations in the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, which will allow you to apply for designation as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) after you have gained a specified amount of work experience.
Launch into other fields
Mechanical engineering also gives you a broad foundation of knowledge that can lead to other opportunities or professions. UBC mechanical engineers have gone on to do outstanding research in engineering here and abroad, earn their MBAs, and become physicians, lawyers and successful business owners or entrepreneurs.
Opportunities like the Minor in Commerce, the Minor in Science, the Minor in Honours Mathematics and the Dual Degree program (offered with the Faculty of Arts) can add further breadth to your degree, while the Co-op program can provide you with valuable work experience.