How is UC Merced's mechanical engineering program?

I'm currently exploring my options for mechanical engineering programs, and I'm curious about UC Merced. Can someone provide info on the quality of the program, research opportunities, and anything unique to the school? Thanks for your help!

UC Merced's mechanical engineering program is relatively young compared to other UC campuses, but it has made significant strides in recent years. The program offers a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, covering areas such as solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and dynamics. Students are also able to select electives that cater to their specific interests.

One of the unique aspects of UC Merced is its strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research, which means students in the mechanical engineering program often have opportunities to collaborate with other departments and programs, such as materials science and environmental systems. This approach can lead to more innovative research and application of engineering principles.

The school also emphasizes research opportunities quite heavily. As an undergraduate in the mechanical engineering program, you can get involved in faculty-led research and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs. The student-to-faculty ratio at UC Merced is relatively low, which helps facilitate closer interactions between students and faculty, both in and out of the classroom.

Additionally, UC Merced offers valuable resources for engineering students, such as academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring programs. There are also student organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which provide students with opportunities to network, collaborate on projects, and develop their professional skills.

While UC Merced may not be as well-known as some of the older UC campuses, its mechanical engineering program offers a solid education, a supportive environment, and a growing reputation. If the interdisciplinary focus and strong research background appeal to you, it's definitely worth considering UC Merced for your mechanical engineering studies.