academic
PROGRAMS
School of Engineering offers seven graduate programs and seven undergraduate majors, including the ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING major that opens in Fall 2023!
majors
bioengineering
The bioengineering undergraduate major prepares students for employment in professions that require seamless application of engineering design and problem-solving to biological and biomedical systems.
civil engineering
The undergraduate major in Civil Engineering prepares students for careers in both private and public organizations concerned with managing air quality, water quality and supply, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, infrastructure, energy systems, public health, and the long-term social, economic, and environmental welfare of our society.
computer science & engineering
This discipline constitutes one of the strongest industrial sectors in the state and the nation, offering a broad spectrum of career opportunities – opportunities available for graduates are growing rapidly in industries such as software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, machine learning/AI, informational technology, and database administration, to name a few.
eLECTRICAL engineering new!
Electrical Engineering (EE) is an important, essential discipline in engineering. It provides knowledge for designing, constructing, and analyzing electrical and electronic systems which have broad and deep impact on a wide range of domains. EE has revolutionized human lives and continues to do so at a fast pace, e.g., electrification, electric vehicles/trains, autonomous vehicles, electric devices and gadgets, cell phones, Internet, integrated chips, computers, TVs, and the list goes on.
environmental engineering
Environmental engineers search for creative and economical ways to use resources efficiently, limit the release of residuals into the environment, develop sensitive techniques to track pollutants once released and find effective methods to remediate spoiled resources.
materials science & engineering
Future technological progress of any kind will always be driven by the available materials. Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) students learn about the structure of materials, how materials are made, the properties that the materials have, and how to identify the properties needed for a new application.
mechanical engineering
Due to the variety of fields relevant to this profession, the undergraduate program covers areas in dynamics, materials, thermal/fluids, vibrations, controls, computer aided engineering, design and manufacturing. The innovative curriculum at UC Merced also provides hands-on education that exposes students to engineering fundamentals, laboratory work and the use of computational tools to solve realistic engineering problems.
minor
management analytics and decision-making
The MAD Minor will immerse you in interdisciplinary courses that foster analytical skills, communication skills, and critical thinking about managing data and analytics in complex environments. You will cultivate skills for managing people, data, and the natural world – the interface of all three can help you explore sustainable growth in human and built environments.
majors
bioengineering
The bioengineering undergraduate major prepares students for employment in professions that require seamless application of engineering design and problem-solving to biological and biomedical systems.
civil engineering
The undergraduate major in Civil Engineering prepares students for careers in both private and public organizations concerned with managing air quality, water quality and supply, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, infrastructure, energy systems, public health, and the long-term social, economic, and environmental welfare of our society.
computer science & engineering
This discipline constitutes one of the strongest industrial sectors in the state and the nation, offering a broad spectrum of career opportunities – opportunities available for graduates are growing rapidly in industries such as software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, machine learning/AI, informational technology, and database administration, to name a few.
ELECTRICAL engineering new!
Electrical Engineering (EE) is an important, essential discipline in engineering. It provides knowledge for designing, constructing, and analyzing electrical and electronic systems which have broad and deep impact on a wide range of domains. EE has revolutionized human lives and continues to do so at a fast pace, e.g., electrification, electric vehicles/trains, autonomous vehicles, electric devices and gadgets, cell phones, Internet, integrated chips, computers, TVs, and the list goes on.
environmental engineering
Environmental engineers search for creative and economical ways to use resources efficiently, limit the release of residuals into the environment, develop sensitive techniques to track pollutants once released and find effective methods to remediate spoiled resources.
materials science & engineering
Future technological progress of any kind will always be driven by the available materials. Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) students learn about the structure of materials, how materials are made, the properties that the materials have, and how to identify the properties needed for a new application.
mechanical engineering
Due to the variety of fields relevant to this profession, the undergraduate program covers areas in dynamics, materials, thermal/fluids, vibrations, controls, computer aided engineering, design and manufacturing. The innovative curriculum at UC Merced also provides hands-on education that exposes students to engineering fundamentals, laboratory work and the use of computational tools to solve realistic engineering problems.
minor
management analytics and decision-making
The MAD Minor will immerse you in interdisciplinary courses that foster analytical skills, communication skills, and critical thinking about managing data and analytics in complex environments. You will cultivate skills for managing people, data, and the natural world – the interface of all three can help you explore sustainable growth in human and built environments.
anthony
rodriguez
Year: 4th year Major: Materials Science and Engineering Hometown: Bell, near Los Angeles
There are two projects that are very memorable to me during my time at UC Merced. One is a project I worked on while I was an intern at Castle Air Museum, and the second is being a part of the Merced nAnomaterials Center for Energy and Sensing (MACES) program, which allowed me to get involved with an atomic force microscope (AFM) in Professor Mehmet Baykara’s lab. The project at Castle Air Museum involved the panel restoration of an F-100, F-102 and B-58 aircraft. And the second project gave me the chance to install, troubleshoot and conduct research on 2D materials with an AFM.
What I learned academically from working in the Castle Air Museum project was being able to apply what I learned in my courses (concept, fundamentals of engineering, etc.) to real-life problems and get hands-on experience. But personally, this gave me more insight and narrowed down my options on what type of career I would like to pursue/grow upon in the aerospace industry. I also met two incredible mentors with tons of experience and wisdom — Navy Dave and Pat.
The most memorable project that I’ve worked on was during my first summer as a UC LEADS scholar back in 2019. It was my first time conducting stem cell research in Professor Kara McCloskey’s lab and my project was to create microvasculature from stem cells via microfluidic devices. I grew so much throughout this experience, both as a person and as a researcher. As a researcher, I learned that mistakes in lab are inevitable, that there is no such thing as “no results,” and I learned that patience is key. Personally, I learned that I am a hands-on learner, that I want to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, and I learned that I AM capable of success. Overall, having the chance to conduct research and be mentored by faculty allowed me to see my potential and inspired me to take what I learned and share it with other first-generation underrepresented minorities, such as myself.
DIANA CRUZ
4th year | Biongineering major
sydnee
villa
4th year | Materials Science and Engineering major
The MSE Department at UC Merced has allowed me to continue my success not only at the university but well beyond into my career. I believe the coursework,research opportunities, and mentorship from the department have provided the essential tools needed to get through the rigorous job search process and allowed me to get to the next chapter in my career. I am ecstatic to start this new chapter in the industry, and I feel quite prepared to take on this new adventure
graduate programs
ph.d. | m.s.
bioengineering
A vibrant research and training program for master-level and doctoral students who want to explore cutting-edge solutions to a variety of life sciences problems ranging from fundamental biological processes to biotechnological, clinical and healthcare applications in which the overarching principle is to apply the newest methods and approaches for scientific inquiry.
electrical engineering & computer science
UC Merced's fast-growing Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) graduate group offers individualized, research oriented courses of study. Students pursue interdisciplinary cutting-edge reseach in EECS, leading to either master's of science or doctoral degrees. Our world class faculty members pursue research in computer engineering and electrical engineering topics.
environmental systems
Tackle the most challenging problems facing our planet – water, soil, climate, energy and resources. Through understanding the Earth as an integrated system of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere that intersects human society, ES students are uniquely poised to address critical research needs of the environment and its sustainability.
materials & biomaterials science & engineering
Apply the tools of nanotechnology to create transformative nano materials with exciting new properties through the implementation of nano-scale and/or bio-inspired devices for applications in human health, green energy, artificial intelligence, and environmental sensing. MBSE students will be exposed to, and benefit from, a thoroughly multidisciplinary training that synergistically incorporates elements from engineering, physics, chemistry and biology.
mechanical engineering
A multidisciplinary research and training program for M.S. and Ph.D.-seeking students who want to be at the forefront of new methods of solving mechanical problems at various length and time scales.
management of complex systems
The Ph.D. in Management of Complex Systems (MCS) is designed to educate a new generation of management scholars with depth in analytical methods and a focus on complexity as the driving force behind issues in management of human-technology systems and in management of coupled human-natural systems.
master of management
management of innovation, sustainability and technology
This 12-month program complements an undergraduate degree with a competitive set of practical, project-based management skills for addressing the cross-functional challenges commonly faced by professionals in for-profit and non-profit enterprises and public organizations. Particular focus is paid to management problems associated with the San Jaoquin Valley.
graduate programs
ph.d. | m.s.
bioengineering
A vibrant research and training program for master-level and doctoral students who want to explore cutting-edge solutions to a variety of life sciences problems ranging from fundamental biological processes to biotechnological, clinical and healthcare applications in which the overarching principle is to apply the newest methods and approaches for scientific inquiry.
electrical engineering & computer science
UC Merced's fast-growing Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) graduate group offers individualized, research oriented courses of study. Students pursue interdisciplinary cutting-edge reseach in EECS, leading to either master's of science or doctoral degrees. Our world class faculty members pursue research in computer engineering and electrical engineering topics.
environmental systems
Tackle the most challenging problems facing our planet – water, soil, climate, energy and resources. Through understanding the Earth as an integrated system of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere that intersects human society, ES students are uniquely poised to address critical research needs of the environment and its sustainability.
materials & biomaterials science & engineering
Apply the tools of nanotechnology to create transformative nano materials with exciting new properties through the implementation of nano-scale and/or bio-inspired devices for applications in human health, green energy, artificial intelligence, and environmental sensing. MBSE students will be exposed to, and benefit from, a thoroughly multidisciplinary training that synergistically incorporates elements from engineering, physics, chemistry and biology.
mechanical engineering
A multidisciplinary research and training program for M.S. and Ph.D.-seeking students who want to be at the forefront of new methods of solving mechanical problems at various length and time scales.
management of complex systems
The Ph.D. in Management of Complex Systems (MCS) is designed to educate a new generation of management scholars with depth in analytical methods and a focus on complexity as the driving force behind issues in management of human-technology systems and in management of coupled human-natural systems.
master of management
management of innovation, sustainability and technology
This 12-month program complements an undergraduate degree with a competitive set of practical, project-based management skills for addressing the cross-functional challenges commonly faced by professionals in for-profit and non-profit enterprises and public organizations. Particular focus is paid to management problems associated with the San Jaoquin Valley.
Selina Brinkmann will graduate in May with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is UC Merced’s first student to earn a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
Brinkmann, who is from Germany, earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Siegen where she focused on successfully reducing noise pollution of wind turbines. She started at UC Merced in 2019 joining Professor James Palko’s lab researching sustainable water management for agriculture.
The class sizes are small, and it is easy to get in touch with a professor. I was intrigued by the focus on renewable energies and sustainability. No other campus has such a big focus on it.
