Overview of Changes
- Effective Fall 2026, MEng coursework will require 48 units of AAGS subjects + 18 units from EECS elective list for the 6-1/6-2/6-3/6-4/6-5/6-7/6-14 MEng programs (6-7 students can also use subjects from the Biology Restricted Elective list, and 6-14 students can use subjects that satisfy a Course 14 undergrad requirement).
- Effective Spring 2027, students entering one of these programs are expected to have no more than 48 units of coursework left in their MEng program, and to have completed at least one AAGS subject already, before the first MEng semester. Students may petition for entry via the MEng entry portal if they are unable to meet these requirements, and we expect to be flexible with these petitions during a transitional period of 1-2 terms.
Both of these changes are designed to give students more flexibility in their MEng program and enable them to complete their MEng in the expected 2-3 semesters.
FAQ
How do the new requirements compare to the old ones? Previously students had to complete 42 units of AAGS subjects + two subjects (24 units) from the MEng restricted elective list. With the new requirements, we’ve essentially shifted six units from electives to AAGS subjects, and broadened the list of allowed electives (there are far more subjects on the EECS elective list than there were on the MEng restricted elective list).
Why is EECS making this change to requirements? To give students more flexibility. In practice, students using the previous requirements took 48 units of AAGS subjects rather than 42, since almost every AAGS subject is twelve units. The new requirements reflect that reality while also broadening the list of allowed electives, making it easier for students to accumulate their MEng units ahead of time and avoid a units shortfall at the time of their MEng graduation.
Who is subject to these requirements? All students entering the MEng program in Fall 2026 or later. However, because virtually all students in the previous MEng program also satisfy the new requirements, we have moved everyone to the new requirements.
How can I view my checklist under the new requirements, even if I haven’t begun the MEng yet? Use the drop-down menu under “Department Requirements” in your EECS checklist to change your checklist to the appropriate program (for example, if you are a 6-5 student using the 2024 curriculum, your undergrad program is labeled as 6-5_2024, and the corresponding MEng program is 6-P5_2024).
How will the new requirements impact graduate units for double majors? In short, this process will continue to work as it always has.
MEng students who were double majors sometimes use a requirement from their other major to fulfill an MEng requirement, such as an elective. The subject may not double count for graduate units. However, as long as students have excess units beyond the GIRs, we can pull those subjects into the graduate unit count, as we always have. We encourage MEng students who are double majors to reach out to the EECS Undergraduate Office for personalized advice!
Why is EECS changing the entry requirements? This change ensures that students can complete their coursework in two semesters, even if they are holding RA or TA funding (which limits students to two subjects per term). Students must plan ahead as undergrads; you cannot start the MEng at all if you haven’t completed enough units, or taken an AAGS.
I’m worried I won’t be able to meet the entry requirements; does this mean I can’t do the MEng? Please come talk to the EECS Undergrad Office! It’s important to plan ahead for your MEng so that you can complete it in the expected timeframe, and the Undergrad Office can help you plan for that. Students who are unable to meet the MEng entry requirements will be able to petition for entry, and for the first 1-2 terms we expect to be quite flexible on what is allowed.