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    University of California-Merced

    Mechanical Engineering

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Merced, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $31,107.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    $140.00
    App fee

    Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced is a 2-year, in-person MS program based in Merced, US. Tuition is $31,107 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program covers mechanical sciences including continuum mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and energy conversion. Research areas include unmanned systems, solar power, plasma science, nanomechanics, mechatronics, biomechanics, and thermal systems.

    Focus: both
    #103 U.S. News & World Report

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are optional; UC Merced has no minimum GRE score requirement.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT: overall minimum score of 80. Minimum scores on each section: Writing 19, Speaking 26, Listening 17, Reading 18.
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS: overall minimum score of 6.5. Minimum scores on each section: Writing 5.5, Speaking 8, Listening 6, Reading 6.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US) plus possible 24-month STEM OPT extension if the student’s program/major is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and other eligibility requirements are met.

    $14,712.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced is $31,107.
    Is Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced online or in-person?
    Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced is offered in-person.
    How long does Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced take to complete?
    Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced is structured around 2 years.
    What GPA is required for Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced?
    Per the program's published guidance: usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on US 4.0 scale (letter grade B)
    Is Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Mechanical Engineering at University of California-Merced is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.