Mechanical Engineering

Overview - Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers understand the world as parts in motion.

 

From cars to medical devices, all design uses mechanical engineering principles. The Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program at MIE is renowned for its applied approach, where students put theory to practice through unique experiential opportunities both in the lab and in the field. Students learn about the physical principles of design: how individual components come together, and how to manufacture objects to make them safe, economical and easy to use.

The Mechanical Engineering program includes four years of coursework — including physics, risk assessment, thermodynamics, biomechanics and sustainable energy — as well as an optional year in the Professional Experience Year (PEY) co-op program. Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program receive a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.

The first two years of the program provide students with a broad understanding of the discipline. In the third and fourth years, students are able to tailor their program to their interests and preferred areas of study by selecting technical electives from two of five streams: Bioengineering, Energy & Environment, Manufacturing, Mechatronics and Solid Mechanics & Design.

After the third year of study, students are encouraged to participate in the PEY co-op program where they have the opportunity to work full time for 12 to 16 months before returning to their final year of study. All engineering students must complete a minimum of 600 hours of practical work before graduation. Learn more about the Practical Experience Requirement.

During their final year of study, students take part in the Capstone design program. Capstone teams are paired with industry and community clients to address real-world challenges. The program culminates in a showcase featuring the prototypes and final designs created by the students.

In addition to coursework and professional development, there are many student research opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in the groundbreaking research conducted by MIE's world-renowned faculty. Students can also choose to pursue a thesis project in their final year.

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Admission Requirements

All Mechanical Engineering candidates are required to provide competitive results in math, chemistry and physics courses. Additional requirements are determined by the prospective student's education system. Visit the Discover Engineering website for more info on academic requirements.

Tuition fees

The information below is for reference only and is subject to change annually. View updated tuition fees for domestic and international students on the Student Accounts website.

Full-time

Pay annually:

  • Domestic students: $14,180/year
  • International students: $58,680/year

Part-time

Pay per course:

  • Domestic students: $1,418/course
  • International students: $5,868/course

Apply

Visit the Discover Engineering website to view important admissions deadlines and how to apply.

Program Requirements

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students are required to complete 600 hours of Practical Experience and:

  • First year:
    • 12 Core Courses
  • Second year:
    • 8 Core Courses
    • 2 Complementary Studies/Humanities and Social Science Electives
  • Third year:
    • 7 Core Courses
    • 1 Natural Science Elective
    • 2 Stream Courses
  • Fourth year:
    • 1 Core Course (Capstone)
    • 2 Stream Courses
    • 4 Technical Electives (1 of which must be a Design course)
    • 2 Complementary Studies/Humanities and Social Science Electives

Courses, Electives & Streams

View all Mechanical Engineering courses on the Academic Calendar. The U of T Engineering course timetables display the day of the week, time, location and instructor for courses offered in the Faculty. Students use the timetable to create their course schedule.

3rd and 4th year courses & options

Students tailor their upper years of study to their personal interests by selecting many of their courses from a list of electives that fall within four categories:

View all available electives on the Academic Calendar. Learn more about electives on the U of T Engineering Office of the Registrar website.

3rd and 4th year students also select stream courses from two of five areas:

Explore the Mechanical Engineering program curriculum in the 2024/25 Course & Options Selection Handbook

 

Minors & Certificates

Mechanical Engineering students can choose to pursue minors and certificates in addition to their primary program.

Learn more about the available Minors and Certificates on U of T Engineering's Office of the Registrar website.

Undergraduate Research

There are many opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in the groundbreaking research conducted at MIE. View a list of current research projects seeking student support on the Student Research Opportunities page.

In their final year of study, undergraduate students can choose to undertake a thesis project under the supervision of a U of T faculty member as part of the MIE498 course. Students can directly contact a faculty member with a thesis proposal or find a thesis topic listed on the Student Research Opportunities page. Once the topic and supervisor have been determined, the student must complete and submit the thesis enrollment form on the Forms & Policies page.

Business and Engineering Program

The Jeffrey Skoll Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides U of T engineering students the opportunity to pursue an MBA degree at the Rotman School of Management immediately after completing their BASc degree. Learn more about the Skoll BASc/MBA Program.

Mech Club & Common Room

Mech Club is the student council for Mechanical Engineering students at the University of Toronto. They help bridge the gap between students and faculty by participating in regular meetings with MIE staff and faculty. They host social events throughout the year including the annual Dinner Dance.

The Mech and Indy Club office and common room is located in Room 225 in the Mining Building, 170 College Street.

Students are encouraged to get involved with Mech Club, as well as other clubs and extracurricular activities at U of T.

Student Profile

"I chose mechanical engineering because of its versatility across industries. During my PEY Co-op position at Conavi, I was involved in mechanical-electrical systems development, micro-machining and assembly manufacturing process, device testing and more."-Harrison Chen (MechE 1T6)

"I chose mechanical engineering because of its versatility across industries. During my PEY Co-op position at Conavi, I was involved in mechanical-electrical systems development, micro-machining and assembly manufacturing process, device testing and more."

-Harrison Chen (MechE 1T6)

Helpful links

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

University of Toronto

Student information systems

  • ACORN
    • Student administrative system
    • Enrol in courses
    • Check fees
    • View timetable
  • QUERCUS
    • Course materials & info

Questions?

Email: undergrad@mie.utoronto.ca

Phone: 416-978-6420

Office: Room 109, 5 King's College Road

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm

Mailing address:

Undergraduate Studies Office, MC109
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
University of Toronto
5 King’s College Road
Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 Canada

All inquiries regarding admissions to the program (including transfers) should be directed to the Admissions Office. Students in the first year of their program should contact the First Year Office for support.

 

Michael Gruninger

Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies

© 2024 Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering