Master Programme
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
UC San Diego's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers MS programs across thirteen disciplines, giving intensive technical preparation for advanced engineering practice or later doctoral study. Students choose a thesis plan (twelve units of research and a thesis) or a comprehensive-exam plan, and pick their graduate courses from the core list for their area, such as computer engineering, electronic circuits and systems, intelligent systems, robotics and control, or machine learning and data science. Course requirements must be completed within two years of full-time study, and a faculty adviser helps plan each student's curriculum.
University
University of California, San Diego
Country
United States
Level
Master
Field
Engineering
Duration
Up to 2 years full-time (48 units, at least 36 in graduate courses)
Language
English
Campus
La Jolla (San Diego)
Degree
Master of Science (MS) in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Intake
Fall quarter only (ECE admits once a year)
Application Deadline
Fall 2027 entry (UC San Diego Application for Graduate Admission; international applicants pay a non-refundable US$155 fee): applications open 2 September 2026 and the MS deadline is 6 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. California time. Decisions are released on a rolling basis from the end of January, with most made by early April 2027
Tuition Information
2026-27 graduate tuition and fees (state-supported program, three quarters: fall, winter and spring): US$38,087 for non-California residents, including international students, against US$22,985 for California residents. This covers UC tuition of US$13,722, the student services fee of US$1,344, campus fees, mandatory health insurance of US$6,660 (waivable with equivalent cover), a one-time US$115 enrollment services fee and US$15,102 in Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (US$5,034 a quarter). New international students also pay a one-time US$200 visa administration fee. UC San Diego's 2026-27 graduate cost of attendance adds food and housing of US$31,056 to US$31,548, books of US$729, personal costs of US$2,574 and transportation of US$3,990, for an estimated nonresident total of US$76,329 to US$76,821 a year. The program is not on UC's 2026-27 list of UC San Diego degrees that charge Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition. Rates for 2027-28 have not been published yet
Admission Requirements
- A BS and/or MS in engineering, the physical sciences or mathematics from an accredited university, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent)
- Application materials: statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all universities attended and a resume or CV (recommended). GRE not required for fall 2027. Computer engineering, electronic circuits and systems, intelligent systems robotics and control, and machine learning and data science are impacted areas you cannot switch into later, so apply to them directly
- English proficiency (international applicants): TOEFL iBT 4.5 (85 on the previous scale), IELTS 7, Duolingo English Test 120 or PTE Academic 65, or a degree with B (3.0) grades or better from a university that teaches solely in English according to the IAU World Higher Education Database