Mechanical Engineering – First Year Option Selection Process

All first-year Mechanical Engineering students will choose their preferred second-year option in April.
Before selecting, students will attend a general Option Selection Information Session led by the Program and Option Heads.

Please note:
Acceptance into your first choice (or any specific option) is not guaranteed. If an option is oversubscribed, placement will be competitive.

Process:

Step 1: Complete the common first year.
Step 2: Attend the general Option Selection Information Session (early to mid-April).
Step 3: Complete the online survey ranking your preferences.
Important: Students who do not submit the survey by the deadline will be assigned an option.
Step 4: After final grades are posted, the department reviews all submissions.
Step 5: Students will be notified of their assigned option by late June via myBCIT.

Criteria for Option Placement:

First-Year GPA
Your GPA is calculated using all attempts of first-year Mechanical Engineering courses completed at BCIT.
Second Year Course Eligibility
Priority may be given to students who are eligible to register in the most second-year courses.

We do our best to place students into their highest possible choice whenever space allows.

Please review the second-year options below for more information about each pathway, including course content and potential career opportunities:

Frequently Asked Questions

I completed equivalent or part-time courses at BCIT. Are those grades included in my GPA?
Your GPA is calculated using all attempts of Mechanical Engineering Technology courses completed at BCIT. Part-Time/ Flexible Learning courses are not included in the GPA calculation, unless they are the same course name and number as the equivalent course (MECH 2240, for example).

I took courses at another institute and received transfer credit for them. Are the grades included in my GPA?
No, non-BCIT courses are not counted.

I only want a specific option. Do I have to fill out all four choices?
Yes, students are required to rank all options from 1-4. We do our best to place students into their highest possible choice whenever space allows.

I am completing some of my first-year courses over the summer. How will this affect option selection?
Option selection takes place in April/May, so summer courses are not considered. If an option is oversubscribed, placement is based on first-year GPA and eligibility for second-year courses. If you are missing a first-year prerequisite at the time of selection, this may impact your eligibility and priority for certain options.

Please ensure you submit a Course Credit/Exemption form to the Records office once you have completed your Flexible Learning course.

I’m interested in the degree program, but I’m concerned that my first-year GPA may not be high enough. What are my options?
To enter the degree stream directly after first year, you must complete all first-year courses. Admission is competitive, and students must have a minimum GPA of 70% to be considered.

If you choose to complete one of the three diploma options first, you may apply for one of the limited seats reserved for returning diploma graduates.

All available pathways are outlined at the link below:

Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering, Full-time – BCIT

I need a break from the program. Can I take a year off and do the option selection next year?
Yes, first, you must formally withdraw from the program. Please speak with your Program Head to begin this process.
When you are ready to return, you will need to apply through the BCIT website as a re-admit student to the Mechanical Engineering program. Acceptance is not guaranteed and depends on seat availability and your GPA.

What if I failed a course? How will this affect my option selection?
You are still eligible to compete for a diploma option. However, if an option is oversubscribed, priority will be given to students who have successfully completed all first-year courses.

I’m in second year and finishing my diploma this year (e.g., Manufacturing), but I want to complete another diploma next year (e.g., Design). Should I complete the Option Selection survey?
No. The Option Selection survey is only for first-year students. If you are graduating and planning to pursue a second diploma, you will receive a separate Double Diploma survey around the same time.

For more information, contact the Program Assistant at bcitmecheng@bcit.ca or the First Year Program Head (current students only).