Overview
The Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering is a four year degree program that prepares graduates for successful professional practice.
About the program
There are major changes happening all around us – climate change, aging populations, environmental degradation. As a Mechanical Engineer you would be well placed to help society meet the challenges that these changes bring. You could be designing new medical devices, creating new technologies for renewable and conventional energy, developing more efficient transportation systems or more efficient processes for industry. Mechanical Engineering is considered one of the broadest fields of engineering and there are opportunities in a variety of industrial sectors. As you progress in your career as a Mechanical Engineer you are likely to be called upon to lead organizations and inspire positive change.
Also, check out our two year Mechanical Engineering Technology programs that share a common first year with our Mechanical Engineering program. The Mechanical Engineering overview page shows how these programs link together.
Who it’s for
The Mechanical Engineering program at BCIT is for those who are keen in gaining knowledge with both the theoretical and the hands-on practical skills to become a Mechanical Engineer. With emphasis on engineering fundamentals, and problem solving and life-long learning skills, the program provides an excellent environment for students to apply their knowledge in their capstone projects. The Mechanical Engineering program at BCIT gives you access to:
Great Faculty – Our faculty are dedicated to teaching. Many have extensive engineering, science, and industrial experience to share with students.
Excellent Labs – Hands-on experience with up-to-date equipment and software helps you to understand the concepts that you learn in lectures and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
Fantastic Career Choices – The training and education that you will receive prepares you for successful entry and advancing in your future careers, both in the related industries and graduate studies. As a graduate of this program, you can expect to obtain a position as an Engineer in Training (EIT) and you can expect to be well employed and respected in your career. See WorkBC’s Mechanical Engineering page on more information on careers and earnings.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
Find out more about getting started in the program!
If the Mechanical Bachelor of Engineering program interests you, review the entrance requirements. If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements and equivalents, please contact Program Advising.
If you qualify, you may want to attend an information session or spend-a-day exploring the program. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
Application processing
Applications are accepted October 1st* to March 15th.*
*or next business day
This program shares a common first year with the Mechanical Engineering Technology programs. All applicants must complete the first year of the program before continuing to either the Bachelor of Engineering degree program or to one of the technology diploma options. Entrance requirements for the first year are listed on the program entry page for each of the Mechanical Engineering Technology diploma options.
Entrance requirements
To proceed from the diploma program into level 5 of the degree program, you must have completed:
- BCIT Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Mechanical Design Option)
- MATH 3499 - Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Systems for Mechanical Engineers
- MATH 4499 - Applied Differential Equations and Vector Calculus
The number of positions in the degree is limited, so entry is competitive based on your Grade Point Average (GPA). Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
There are several pathways to qualify for the degree and the application process differs for each. Please see the options below for instructions.
You do not need to apply through the Admissions department to continue into the degree program. Qualified students are moved into the degree program by the department.
You do not need to apply through the Admissions department. The department polls level 4 students each year to determine who would like to compete for a seat in the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Engineering program.
Previous graduates who meet the entrance requirements may apply to enter level 5 of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Engineering program.
Please apply as a new applicant no later than March 15.
Email the department at bcitmecheng@bcit.ca no later than April 30 to request to be included in the next BEng competition. If you have one or more years of work experience at the technologist level, include your resume. Relevant work experience may be considered in your application. You will receive an email to confirm that your name has been added to the competition.
The department will email you the results of the competition in June. If accepted, you will be permitted to register in MATH 3499 followed by MATH 4499.
Once you successfully complete MATH 3499 and are registered in MATH 4499, apply as a new applicant no later than March 15.
Apply for readmission to level 3 of the Mechanical Design diploma.
Submit a resume with your application if you have one or more years of work experience at the technologist level. Relevant work experience may be considered in your application.
BCIT does not accept external applicants into the Mechanical Engineering degree program. If you have completed an equivalent part of this program outside of BCIT, apply for direct entry to one of the Mechanical Engineering Technology diploma programs.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Apply to program
If you are entering the Mechanical Engineering degree or diploma program for the first time, apply to Mechanical Engineering Technology, Diploma (Levels 1-4).
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through re-admission. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
If you have previously completed part of this program at BCIT and wish to re-enter the program at an advanced level, you can apply for re-admission. Re-admission is available to levels 5 - 8.
Submit the Technology/Degree Re-admission Form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Find out how much you will need to complete your Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mechanical!
The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program and assist you in developing a budget for your two years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 1: $680, Level 2: $280, Level 3: $425, Level 4: $315
Level 5: $875, Level 6: $1,000, Level 7: $875, Level 8: $1,000
(general estimated cost as of 2020, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Mechanical Engineering term structure
Each year of the program is divided into two terms – the fall term runs from September to December (15 weeks) and the winter term runs from January to the end of May (20 weeks) with a one week spring break in the middle. In the 3rd year, the Winter term runs from January-April (15 weeks), leaving a 4 month break between terms for work experience (optional).
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
CHSC 1105 | Engineering Materials 1 | 4.0 | |
COMM 1169 | Technical Communication 1 for Mechanical Engineering | 3.0 | |
MATH 1491 | Basic Technical Mathematics for Mechanical | 5.0 | |
MECH 1001 | Introduction to Mechanical Engineering | 1.5 | |
MECH 1102 | Engineering Graphics 1 | 6.0 | |
MECH 1141 | Statics | 4.0 | |
MECH 1171 | Computer Applications and Programming | 4.0 | |
Level 2 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
CHSC 2205 | Engineering Materials 2 | 5.5 | |
MATH 2491 | Calculus for Mechanical | 6.5 | |
MECH 1210 | Manufacturing Processes | 5.5 | |
MECH 2202 | Engineering Graphics 2 | 6.5 | |
MECH 2240 | Strength of Materials | 5.5 | |
MECH 2241 | Dynamics | 5.5 | |
PHYS 2149 | Physics for Mechanical | 5.5 | |
Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
ELEX 2845 | Electrical Equipment | 4.0 | |
MATH 3499 | Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Systems for Mechanical Engineers | 5.0 | |
MECH 3325 | Fluid Mechanics | 4.0 | |
MECH 3340 | Machine Design 1 | 4.0 | |
MECH 3346 | Computer Aided Engineering | 6.0 | |
MECH 3356 | Fluid Power | 4.0 | |
MECH 3360 | Engineering Management | 4.0 | |
Level 4 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
COMM 2269 | Technical Communication 2 for Mechanical Engineering | 4.0 | |
ELEX 2835 | Instrumentation for Mechanical Systems | 4.0 | |
MATH 4499 | Applied Differential Equations and Vector Calculus | 6.5 | |
MECH 0460 | Ethics for Technologists | ||
MECH 4422 | Thermal Engineering | 5.5 | |
MECH 4440 | Machine Design 2 | 6.5 | |
MECH 4450 | Mechanical Control Systems | 2.5 | |
MECH 4490 | Engineering Design/Projects | 6.5 | |
Level 5 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
CHEM 7105 | Chemistry for Mechanical Engineering | 4.0 | |
CHSC 7147 | Materials Engineering | 3.0 | |
ENGR 3800 | Introduction to Professional Engineering | 3.0 | |
MATH 7195 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 4.0 | |
MECH 7120 | Thermodynamics | 4.0 | |
MECH 7142 | Mechanics and Mechanisms | 4.0 | |
MECH 7171 | Engineering Programming | 4.0 | |
Level 6 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
ELEX 7345 | Electronics and Microcontrollers | 5.0 | |
ELEX 7350 | Control and Dynamic Systems | 3.5 | |
ENGR 7480 | Environment, Energy and Engineering | 4.0 | |
LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
MATH 7295 | Numerical Methods | 3.0 | |
MECH 7225 | Fluid Mechanics 2 | 4.0 | |
Practicum (optional) | Credits | ||
Students have the option to complete the Mechanical Engineering Practicum over the summer. | |||
MECH 6090 | Mechanical Engineering Practicum | 3.0 | |
Level 7 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
MECH 7240 | Mechanics of Solids | 4.0 | |
MECH 8120 | Heat Transfer | 4.0 | |
MECH 8135 | Mechanical Engineering Laboratory | 5.0 | |
MECH 8145 | Mechanical Vibrations | 4.0 | |
MECH 8190 | Capstone Project 1 | 5.0 | |
and | |||
Select either LIBS 7005 or LIBS 7007 to meet the impact of technology on society breadth requirement or obtain transfer credit by providing evidence of this requirement being met through courses taken elsewhere. | |||
LIBS 7005 | Technology, Invention and Power | 3.0 | |
or | |||
LIBS 7007 | Technology and Society | 3.0 | |
Level 8 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
BUSA 7250 | Management Skills and Applications | 3.0 | |
ENGR 7880 | Engineering Law Ethics and Professionalism | 3.0 | |
MECH 8230 | System Design | 4.0 | |
MECH 8290 | Capstone Project 2 | 5.5 | |
and | |||
Select one of two courses: | |||
MECH 8242 | Concurrent and Reliability Engineering | 4.0 | |
or | |||
MECH 8250 | Building Systems | 4.0 | |
and
|
|||
Total Credits: | 236.5 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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- Next up Program Details
Program Details
The program information below provides a synopsis of the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering program and how graduates can attain the designation Professional Engineer.
What will I learn?
Your successful engineering career will be based upon a mechanical engineering program that will allow you to develop the skills you require to:
- Model – develop and construct mathematical, physical and conceptual models for the purposes of analysis and design
- Design and develop – employ technical knowledge, design methodology, and apply appropriate tools and resources to design, simulate, visualize and develop components, systems and processes to meet specified performance criteria
- Select materials – select appropriate engineering materials based on their properties
- Investigate experimentally – design and conduct experiments, devise appropriate measurements, analyze and interpret data and form reliable conclusions
- Build and test – demonstrate proficiency in a substantial range of workshop and laboratory procedures with a strong grasp of engineering principles and workshop safety
- Pursue sustainability – ensure that the design, development and specification of materials and components are in balance with the needs of the environment
- Manage projects – apply project management techniques
- Forecast and manage budgets – incorporate cost considerations throughout the planning and execution of projects
A typical week
For the first two years you will spend approximately 30 hours in lectures, tutorials and labs each week. An additional 25-30 hours each week will likely be spent preparing, completing assignments and studying. During the final two years of the program the in-class hours are reduced to approximately 25 hours per week, and a corresponding increase in your own study time is expected.
Program length
Four years full-time beginning in September each year.
Grading
The passing grade for each course is 50%. For more details, see the course outlines on the Courses page
Safety requirements
Your safety is our priority. Students will be required to use a variety of machinery and abide by safety requirements including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety footwear, safety eye and face protection, respiratory protection, protective clothing, and other protective equipment as required. To protect from entanglement, students will have to remove jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches and secure loose clothing and hair. Details will be covered in the program.Accreditation
The Mechanical Engineering program at BCIT leads to two credentials: a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology after year two, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering after year four.
The Mechanical Engineering program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).
Completion of a Mechanical Engineering degree and enrolling as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with a provincial engineering licensing body are the first steps to achieve licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Continue your education
Advanced Training
Degree graduates are qualified to continue with graduate studies, nationally or internationally. Other educational institutions may have additional entrance requirements.
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Graduating & Jobs
What’s in it for me?
A rewarding career as a Professional Engineer
Professional Engineers are well paid, in demand, and well respected, both in industry and in society. The BCIT B.Eng. (Mechanical) opens the door for your career as a Professional Engineer.
A broad range of employment possibilities
Mechanical Engineering is one of the most diverse engineering disciplines. Employment opportunities for Mechanical Engineers can be found in all aspects of industry. For example, industries related to energy, design, manufacturing, automation, modeling and simulation, space exploration, research and development.
A stepping stone to graduate studies in Engineering
With a B.Eng degree in Mechanical Engineering from BCIT, graduates interested to further their education in engineering can pursue a Masters degree followed by a Ph.D. There are several reasons for doing this:
- To specialize in a particular area in which you’re interested in working
- To prepare for advanced engineering jobs
- To prepare for careers in research and development
- To prepare for a university career
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
You have a great team of committed faculty, staff and industry advisors supporting your learning!
BCIT instructor passion for teaching helps enable students to succeed in their mechanical engineering studies.
Our instructors are highly qualified mechanical engineers and applied scientists who have many years of teaching experience. Many of them are Professional Engineers, have worked for years in industry and continue to maintain close ties with industry. Our instructors’ backgrounds include:
- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system design
- Mechanical component design
- Research and development in advanced technology, such as aerospace and hybrid vehicles
- Mechatronic system development
- Control systems development
- Computer-aided design and manufacturing
- Energy systems, thermo-fluids, and renewable energy efficiency
Faculty
Martin Strange, BEng, P.Eng.
Program Head, BEng, Mechanical Engineering
Tel: 604-432-8332
Email: mstrange@bcit.ca
Mohammad Alemi, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical Manufacturing
Tel: 604-456-8044
Email: malemi3@bcit.ca
Vahid Askari, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-431-4906
Email: vaskari@bcit.ca
Tayfun Aydin, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8926
Email: Tayfun_Aydin@bcit.ca
Henry Chang, PhD, P.L.Eng
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8923
Email: Henry_Chang@bcit.ca
Olivian Ciobanu, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6831
Email: ociobanu@bcit.ca
Skai Edwards, MSc, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical Systems
Tel: 604-432-8541
Email: skai_edwards@bcit.ca
Johan Fourie, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-453-4013
Email: Johan_Fourie@bcit.ca
Shervin Jannesar, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical First Year
Tel: 604-456-1252
Email: sjannesar@bcit.ca
Lee McClelland, BASc
Faculty
Tel: 604-456-8032
Email: lee_mcclelland@bcit.ca
Koorosh Nikfetrat, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6829
Email: Koorosh_Nikfetrat@bcit.ca
Cyrus Raoufi, PhD, P.Eng.
Program Head, Mechanical Design
Tel: 604-432-8331
Email: Cyrus_Raoufi@bcit.ca
David Stropky, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-451-6827
Email: David_Stropky@bcit.ca
Mehrzad Tabatabaian, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-456-1104
Email: Mehrzad_Tabatabaian@bcit.ca
Rageey Youssef, PhD, P.Eng.
Faculty
Tel: 604-432-8638
Email: Rageey_Youssef@bcit.ca
Assistant instructors
Ranbir Ajji, DiplT
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8663
Email: ranbir_ajji@bcit.ca
Brian Ennis, BTech, MEd
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-451-6830
Email: Brian_Ennis@bcit.ca
Paul Lee, BEng
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8755
Email: paul_lee@bcit.ca
Ali Mohammad-Vali, BEng, P.Eng.
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-432-8971
Email: ali_mohammad_vali@bcit.ca
Maejor Sidhu, MEng, P.Eng.
Assistant Instructor
Tel: 604-451-6708
Email: maejor_sidhu@bcit.ca
Technical staff
Christopher Townsend, DipIT
Technician
Tel: 604-451-6724
Email: ctownsend@bcit.ca
Staff
Jeanie Chan, P.Eng, MASc, BEMP
Associate Dean
Tel: 604-432-8280
Email: Jeanie_Chan@bcit.ca
Courtney Neish
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8274
Email: Courtney_Neish@bcit.ca
Melissa Hart
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-451-6868
Email: Melissa_Hart@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
An advisory board of experts in this field, from some of B.C.’s top companies, helps us keep our program and courses up to date with the latest research and industry trends.
Erwin Bartz
Murray Latta Progressive Machine Inc.
Richard Crauford
Janox Fluid Power Ltd.
Ken Jensen
Wexxar Packaging Inc.
Todd Macey
Kadant Carmanah Inc.
Steve Pratt
Greenlane Renewables
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Testimonial
Mehran Zargham, Project Manager- Fleet PMO, BC Ferry Services
Mehran Zargham entered BCIT’s Mechanical Engineering program in 2011 and right away was motivated to become a dedicated and involved student. During his first and second year, he joined BCIT’s Engineers Without Borders (EWB), helping it grow from being merely a campus club to becoming an initiative recognized by EWB’s National Office in Toronto.
In his second and third year of studies, Mehran was the president of the Mechanical Engineering Student Society (MESS) and team member of the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Baja project. The objective of Baja is to design, test, and build a recreational off-road vehicle (yes, from scratch!) and compete with it in an annual competition alongside other universities from across North America. Mehran was part of the first team that put BCIT’s Baja team on the map.
During his third year, he spent four months in an international Internship in Shanghai China with Lloyds Register, a London engineering firm, and applied his skills in machine design and strength of materials to conduct shaft alignment, fatigue, and torsional vibrational analysis for designing ships.
After graduating from the degree program in 2015 Mehran worked as a project engineer for a Meridian Marine Inc., a shipbuilding company, where he delivered one of BC’s innovative renewable energy projects–Water Wall Turbine–which, with the help of tidal energy, delivered electricity to Dent Island. Around that time, Mehran applied to UBC’s Masters of Engineering (MEng) program, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Working part-time to complete the project for Meridian Marine Inc., Mehran was able to finish his master’s degree. Before graduating he received a job offer from Lloyd Register to work around the world as a surveyor.
Mehran spent the next year and half working in Toronto, London, Southampton, Venice, and many other cities, where he gained valuable experience. He came back to Vancouver after getting hired as a project manager for BC Ferries, where he is currently working. Mehran is responsible for managing multiple ship refits in planning, executing, and closing stages, and he works closely with his project team to develop preliminary and detailed business cases and deliver projects on time.
Mehran stated, “BCIT, with its practical approach to learning and the caring professors, helped me gain the necessary knowledge and skills to land on my dream career path.”
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