Abel Lebon and Graduate Studies at UCLA's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department at UCLA Samueli School of Engineering is a prominent institution for graduate studies, offering comprehensive services and resources for both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students. The department aims to educate future leaders in the science and art of mechanical and aerospace engineering. This article will explore the various aspects of graduate studies within the MAE department, drawing upon information provided to offer a detailed overview for prospective and current students.

Overview of the MAE Department at UCLA

Established as a separate entity in 1984, the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at UCLA boasts a faculty of 34 full-time professors who also serve as Graduate Advisers to approximately 335 graduate students. Admission to the department is highly competitive, with recently admitted applicants demonstrating strong academic records. The department focuses on Fall Quarter admissions only, emphasizing the importance of adhering to application deadlines.

Graduate Student Affairs Office Services

The Mechanical and Aerospace Graduate Student Affairs Office provides a complete range of services for new and continuing M.S. and PhD students. These services include:

Academic counseling
Admissions process assistance
Degree conferral requirements

The office's mission is to support students throughout their academic journey, from initial application to graduation.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

General Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and possess the academic preparation necessary for graduate-level coursework in MAE. The university mandates a minimum scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent.

Application Components

The UCLA Application for Graduate Admission is the standard form for applying. Key components of the application include:

Transcripts: Applicants are advised to upload an official transcript from their institution to avoid processing issues. All official transcripts must bear the actual seal and/or signature of the Registrar. International students may need to submit supplemental documents such as degree certificates, diplomas, or transcripts in the original language of instruction.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably from academic references as recent as possible. For Ph.D. applicants with an M.S., letters from professors who served on their M.S. committee are particularly valuable.
Statement of Purpose: The online application includes a section for a "Statement of Purpose," where applicants must describe their intended area of study. This statement should be precise and brief, helping the Admissions Committee match applicants' interests with faculty expertise. It should specify the branch of Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering that interests the applicant (e.g., structural and solid mechanics, systems and control, heat and mass transfer).
GRE General Test: The General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test is required for admission to both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Applicants should use the correct institution and major codes to avoid errors.
TOEFL/IELTS: A TOEFL score of at least 560 on the paper and pencil test or at least 87 on the internet-based test is the minimum required for applicants to graduate programs at UCLA. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the primary spoken language of daily life and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempted from both the TOEFL/IELTS requirement and the English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE).

Important Considerations for Application Submission

Deadlines: The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department considers applications for Fall Quarter admission only.
Application Fee: The application fee is $135.00 for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents and $155.00 for all other applicants. Fee waivers are available to those who meet UCLA's established guidelines.
Completeness: Applicants should ensure that all required materials are submitted or uploaded before submitting their application. The department cannot guarantee that applications with materials submitted after the December 1 deadline will be reviewed.

Academic Expectations

Entering students are expected to have completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Students entering the Ph.D. program are expected to have completed the requirements for the master’s degree with at least a 3.25/4.0 grade-point average. Exceptional students, however, can be admitted to the Ph.D. program without having an M.S. degree but would be required to complete the M.S.

International Students

International applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, transportation, and living expenses for the first year of their studies at UCLA. Admitted applicants who apply for a J-1 visa will be issued the DS2019 form after they submit a Statement of Intent to Register accepting admission at UCLA.

Financial Support

Several forms of financial assistance are available to graduate students in the MAE department:

Research Assistantships: These are awarded directly by individual faculty members who obtain contracts from government agencies and industry. Students assist in research, which typically leads to a thesis.
Fellowships: Exceptional Fall applicants, and sometimes continuing students, are offered fellowships that include a stipend and tuition coverage.
Teaching Assistantships: These are primarily reserved for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering graduate students, with preference given to doctoral students.

Unless officially notified in writing of an award from the department or the Graduate Division, students should not expect any financial support from UCLA.

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Additional Information for Admitted Students

Admitted applicants will receive information and instructions concerning registration, including a link to the Statement of Intent to Register and a Statement of Legal Residence, as part of the offer of admission letter. Upon arrival at UCLA, admitted applicants may be required to take the UCLA English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE). Depending on the results of the ESLPE, students may be required to complete English as a Second Language courses beginning in their first term at UCLA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The MAE department addresses numerous frequently asked questions on its admission webpage and the UCLA Graduate Education Admissions FAQs. These FAQs cover various topics, including:

Application requirements
Admission deadlines
Document submission
Transferring coursework
Financial aid

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review these resources to address their queries.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Pre-Application Reviews: The department does not offer pre-application reviews.
Conditional Admission: The department does not make "conditional admission" offers.
Admission Deferrals: The department does not offer admission deferrals.
Applying with a Master's Degree: Applicants who already have a master’s degree in MAE or similar disciplines are generally not considered for admission into the M.S. program but are welcome to apply to the Ph.D. program.

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