All first-year Mechanical Technology students will rank their second year program preference in April, following program information sessions held by the department and the Program Heads for each option.

Please note that acceptance into your first or any option choice is not guaranteed and could be competitive. The selection process is competitive if the option is over subscribed.

Process:

1. All students complete the common first year.
2. In early to mid April, all students attend the general option selection informational meeting, and any optional program specific information meetings of interest.
3. A survey will be sent out asking first year students to rank their option preference (1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, 4th choice).
   • Incorrectly completed surveys will receive lower priority and will be considered after initial placements are completed.
   • Students who did not submit the survey by the due date will have an option assigned to them. 
4. After final exams and final grades are posted, the department will review survey results.
5. Department will notify students of their accepted option by late June.

Criteria for Option Placement:

If the number of applicants for an option exceeds capacity the following criteria will be used:

1. Completion of all courses in first year by the end of the Winter term (Jan-May).
2. Grade point average (GPA) obtained in the first year of the program. GPA is based on all attempts in all first year courses in the program. Courses completed at BCIT are the only courses used to calculate GPA.
3. The number of second year courses in which a student is eligible to register.

Second Year Options (Click on the links to learn more about major course topics, typical job titles, etc)

• Mechanical Manufacturing Diploma option
• Mechanical Systems Diploma option
• Mechanical Design Diploma option
• Bachelor of Engineering Degree Path

Frequently Asked Questions

I took courses at another institute and received transfer credit for them. Are the grades included in my GPA? 
No, only equivalent courses in part-time studies with the same MECH course number are counted. Non-MECH courses (e.g. MATH or PHYS), or non-BCIT courses for which equivalent or transfer credit was granted, are not counted.

I took equivalent courses at BCIT. Are the grades included in my GPA?
It depends. Only equivalent courses in part-time studies with the same MECH course number are counted. Non-MECH courses (e.g. MATH or PHYS), or courses for which equivalent or transfer credit was granted, are not counted.

I took some of the first year MECH courses in part-time studies. Will the grades be included in my GPA?
Yes, courses in part-time studies with the same MECH course number are counted, however, equivalent non-MECH courses (e.g. MATH or PHYS), or courses for which equivalent or transfer credit was granted, are not counted.

I only want the Mechanical xxx option. Do I have to fill out all four choices?
Yes, students are required to rank all options from 1-4.

I am enrolled to complete some of my first-year courses over the summer. How will this affect option selection?
Option selection takes place in April/May each year so summer courses are not considered. If an option is full, the department will start to look at other criteria to determine which students will get the seats. First, the department will look at GPA. Secondly, the department will look at the number of second year courses that the student is eligible for. If there was a first-year pre-requisite that has not been completed yet, this would be a factor in option selection.

I really want the degree program but feel that my GPA in first year is too low. What can I do?
To qualify for the degree path, you need to have completed all first-year courses and have a minimum GPA of 70%. Typically, the actual GPA cut-off is higher due to demand. If you don’t qualify or don’t feel that your GPA will be high enough, you should complete one of the three diploma options and then apply for one of the seats that are reserved for returning diploma graduates. You need a minimum overall GPA of 70% in all of diploma courses to qualify for one of the reserved seats. The number of seats is limited, therefore, if there are more applicants than seats, you will compete for a seat based on your overall GPA. The degree program will take longer, but you have the potential to graduate with two diplomas and a degree.

What GPA is required to get into the degree path?
There is a minimum of 70% to get into the degree path. The actual GPA cut-off varies each year depending on the number of applicants and their GPA.

I need a break from the program. Can I take a year off and do the option selection next year?
Yes, but there is a process. First, you need to withdraw from the program (talk to your program head).
When you are ready to return, apply on the BCIT website to the Mechanical Engineering program as a re-admit student and submit payment for the application fee. Acceptance is not guaranteed and would depend on factors such as seat availability and GPA. Make sure that you contact the department so you can participate in the option selection process.

I am currently in second year and expect to complete a diploma (e.g. Manufacturing) this year. I want to complete another diploma (e.g. Design) next year. Should I fill out the Option Selection survey?
No, the Option Selection survey is for first year students. For graduating students, a separate survey called the Double Diploma survey will be sent out around the same time.

What if I failed a course? How will this affect my option selection?
You can still compete for a diploma option, however, if an option is oversubscribed, your priority will be lower than students who completed all courses.

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