ME-BS - Mechanical Engineering (BS)
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Program Overview
The Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University provides a rigorous mathematical, scientific, and engineering education, preparing our students to analyze and design a wide range of mechanical systems. Students study topics in math, physics, materials, structures, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, dynamical systems, control, and design methods. They use these tools to develop analytical and computational models of real-world systems, conduct experiments and interpret their findings, and design new systems to meet engineering specifications.
Students with Bachelor's degrees in Mechanical Engineering go on to rewarding careers as engineers in industry or pursue further study as graduate students. Our recent graduates are making important contributions in advanced manufacturing, aviation, biomechanics, data science, defense, energy systems, healthcare, medical devices, renewable energy, robotics, transportation systems, sustainable agriculture, and related fields. Whatever field they choose, Mechanical Engineers from Stanford have the intellectual foundation to develop technologies that address societal needs and make life better for people.
Please see the Mechanical Engineering Program Sheet, Four-Year Plans, and Flowchart for additional information and materials.
Minimum Units in the Program
Minimum University Units
All courses taken for the major must be taken for a letter grade if this option is offered by the instructor.
All courses taken for the major can be listed only under one category (no double-counting of course units is allowed).
All courses taken for the major must be taken in prerequisite order.
The minimum grade in each course from all categories (Math, Science, TiS, Fundamentals, Depth, and Technical Electives) is a C.
The minimum combined Grade Point Average for all courses (Math, Science, TiS, Fundamentals, Depth, and Technical Electives) is 2.7.
A minimum of 24 units of mathematics is required. The CME offerings of mathematics courses are strongly preferred for ME majors.
The program requires a minimum of 45 units of math and science combined. The remaining 45th unit may be either math or science.
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10 units of AP Calculus BC, with placement into course/course, is equivalent to course/course/course and acceptable in any engineering major. If 6-8 units of AP or IB credit are given, course must be taken regardless of the Math Diagnostic Placement results.
Recommended Timeline: Taken in the 1st year.
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Recommended Timeline: Taken in Autumn of the 2nd year or earlier.
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Recommended Timeline: Taken in Autumn of the 2nd year or earlier.
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To reach the 45-unit minimum for math and science.
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A minimum of 20 units of science are required.
The program requires a minimum of 45 units of math and science combined. The remaining 45th unit may be either math or science.
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Recommended Timeline: Taken in Autumn of the 2nd year or earlier.
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Recommended Timeline: Taken in Winter of the 2nd year or earlier.
To reach the 20-unit minimum for science or the 45-unit minimum for math and science.
AP Physics 1&2 and Physics 20 courses are not allowed as Science units. ACE units do not count towards the unit minimum.
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AND 2038935 - 2262061
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The following courses must be taken in prerequisite order. Recommended timeline for each course can be found on the 2025-2026 Program Sheet.
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Courses on this list may be used to satisfy the 12-unit Technical Elective requirement. Please see "Course Recommendations" on the latest program sheet for courses well-aligned with various career plans.
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Only 3 units in total from course and/or course can be counted towards the Technical Electives requirement of the BSME degree.
course units may only be used to satisfy the Technical Electives requirement if this use is successfully petitioned in advance. Petitions must include a detailed study plan with deliverables and must demonstrate approval by the independent study supervisor.
To satisfy ABET requirements for graduation, the combined units from Fundamentals, ME Depth, and Technical Electives must be at least 68 units.
Honors programs are designed to allow undergraduates with strong academic records and enthusiasm for independent research to engage in a significant project leading to a degree with departmental honors. This option is particularly valuable for students who plan to pursue a PhD because it provides research experience that helps prepare for doctoral-level work. These programs require that the student find a faculty member from the Academic Council in the School of Engineering to supervise the work, in addition to a second reader.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Honors. This program provides a unique opportunity for qualified mechanical engineering majors to conduct independent study and research at an advanced level with a faculty mentor.
Honors Criteria
GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major
Arrangement with an ME faculty member who agrees to be the thesis advisor; the advisor must be a member of the Academic Council
Apply no later than the end of the second week of the autumn quarter of your senior year
To receive departmental honors, students admitted to the honors program must, in addition to satisfying the standard requirements for the undergraduate degree, do the following:
Declare the honors program in Axess
Maintain a 3.5 GPA in the major required for admission to the honors program
Under the direction of the thesis advisor, complete at least nine units of course during the senior year
Complete an honors thesis deemed acceptable by the thesis advisor and at least one additional faculty member
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