ME Undergraduate Program

The Departmental Academic Areas correlate with research programs and facilities that are among the best in the world. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks our programs among the top ten in the nation.

The Department offers a broad range of outstanding Undergraduate Courses (undergraduate flowchart PDF) and Research Facilities. Our Undergraduate Program features a hands-on Senior Design Projects program. The Design Projects Program coordinates the completion of the two-semester capstone design sequence required of all UT-Austin mechanical engineering seniors. To get a better idea of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree requirements, please refer to the official Undergraduate Catalog. The Undergraduate Office encourages all our students to be familiar with their rights and responsibilities, tips on staying on track with the program, and other important terms that will make for a successful undergraduate experience. For more information in the department, check our about section.

The Undergraduate Office wants to help you be successful in managing your academic career; therefore, we strive to provide unofficial information and advice to aid you in meeting this responsibility. Since you bear the ultimate responsibility for your own academic progress, it is imperative that you be aware of policies, procedures and guidelines that affect your academic career. We recommend that you consider the following publications and web sites as an important part of your "desk reference" materials:

• Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Student Guide
• Cockrell School of Engineering Current Student Home
• The University of Texas at Austin Student Home
• The University of Texas at Austin General Information
• The University of Texas at Austin Catalogs
• The University of Texas at Austin Course Schedule

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a student at the University of Texas at Austin is the first step in achieving success as a member of this university community. A court decision in 1984 ruled that "ultimate responsibility for knowing the rules of The University of Texas rests with the student", overthrowing of the legal principle of In Loco Parentis prevalent in the mid-60s. See the University's Academic Policies and Procedures for the official policy.

How to avoid falling behind in the Program

Every semester you must be advised before you can register for classes. Once you've nearly completed all of your basic sequence coursework, you'll need to be sure to apply for major sequence in order to continue the Mechanical Engineering program. When you are ready to take career gateway electives, you must have your electives approved before the 12th class day of the first semester you take them. Students who choose Business Foundations as their option to fulfill the Career Gateway Electives need to plan on taking the prerequisites required.

Key terms:

14-Hour Rule: the minimum courseload per semester for all engineering students.
Advising: takes place immediately before registration each semester. Check the Course Schedule for dates.
Advising Bar: prevents the student from registering for courses until they have participated in advising. Can only be lifted during advising period.
Basic Sequence: prerequisites taken during the first 3 semesters.
Major Sequence: In order to take these courses, you must apply for and be accepted into major sequence.
Career Gateway Electives: courses typically taken in the last three semesters of the program. These courses give you insight into the specialized areas within Mechanical Engineering.