Declaring a Major in Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers two undergraduate degrees:
- • Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Mechanical Engineering
- • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Degree
During the freshmen year, students meet with engineering divisional advisors associated with their residential colleges. These advisors provide general guidance on the various engineering majors.
Peer academic advisors in each college assist the divisional advisors, providing supplementary advice from the student perspective.
Undergraduate students must declare a major during or before the spring semester of their second year. As undergrads declare their majors, they begin to consult with a major adviser in their chosen field. These departmental advisors can provide more specific assistance in navigating the degree options and finding enriching research opportunities. Sophomore (or second year) students are not allowed to register for the fall semester of their junior (or third) year if they have not yet declared a major. The major declaration deadline is listed in the academic calendar each year. Undergraduates may declare a major at any time before this deadline and may change their major by completing the appropriate form.
Instructions for Declaring A Major
1. Send a copy of your unofficial transcript, 4-year Plan of Study, and Undergraduate Declaration and Change of Major Form (obtained from ESTHER; complete sections I-IV of the form, including the Area of Specialization).
- • Refer to the current Areas of Specializations.
- • Refer to the sample 4-year Plan of Study for the recommended sequence of courses.
2. Schedule a time to meet with your assigned MECH advisor (either in person or virtually). Refer to the current MECH advisors.
3. Return the completed form in person to the Office of the Registrar or email as an attachment to registrar@rice.edu from your official Rice email address.
Learn more about Majors, Minors, and University Certificates from the Rice University Registrars office.
Faculty
In addition to this formal advising system, students are encouraged to engage the faculty at large, to consult with course instructors for advice. Start by browsing faculty profiles and research sites to learn more about ongoing research in the School of Engineering, then contact faculty whose work interests them for potential research projects.
Academic Advising
After declaring a major, academic advisors are in the department of the major chosen. Please reach out to the advisor that handles advising for your college.
Mechanical Engineering Advisors
Brown, Martel, and Lovett
- • Dr. Peter Lillehoj (lillehoj@rice.edu) (through Fall 2025)
- • Dr. B.J. Fregly (fregly@rice.edu) (starting Spring 2026)
Hanszen, McMurtry, Wiess
- • Dr. Yong Lin Kong (yk77@rice.edu)
Baker, Will Rice, Duncan
- • Dr. Denizhan Yavas (dy52@rice.edu)
Jones, Sid Richardson
Transfer Credit and Study Abroad
- • Dr. David Trevas (dat7@rice.edu)