Requirements
Can international students apply to MAS Programs?
International applicants please note that the Data Science and Engineering (DSE) and Wireless Embedded Systems (WES) are both part-time only master's degree programs. If you require a student visa to study in the US, you will not be eligible for these programs (a student visa requires that you be enrolled in a full-time degree program). This only applies to international students who require a student visa. Other international applicants with existing appropriate professional visas may apply if you do not require sponsorship from the university and you are able to relocate for the duration of your program. The Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering (AESE) program is a full-time degree program and international students can apply for this 12 month program.
Is an undergraduate degree in Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics required?
These are graduate level courses at the Jacobs School of Engineering. Almost all students admitted into the programs have strong computer science, engineering, or quantitative backgrounds. In rare instances, students with commensurate work experience may be considered for admission.
How much work experience is required?
Data Science and Engineering and Wireless Embedded Systems: 2 years of comparable work experience is preferred.
Architecture-based Enterprise and Systems Engineering: 5 years of commensurate work experience is preferred.
However, your undergraduate field of study will factor in, as well as a masters degree in a similar field of study.
Architecture-based Enterprise and Systems Engineering: 5 years of commensurate work experience is preferred.
However, your undergraduate field of study will factor in, as well as a masters degree in a similar field of study.
What is the minimum GPA required?
UC San Diego requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for graduate admissions. Please note however, we will take into consideration other factors if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. The factors we review are: work experience, statements of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Please contact us if you have specific questions.
Is TOEFL/IELTS/PTE required?
For international students who obtained their degrees from non-English speaking countries, a passing score in one of those examinations is required. Please note some exceptions are made for those who have been working in the United States for more than one year. Please contact us for additional details.
Is the GRE required?
If you have GRE scores, you may upload them to your application for consideration. However, we do not require the GRE.
Applications
How do I apply?
Each of the programs has an Admissions page with specific instructions for that program. Please refer to those pages for detailed instructions.
What are the application deadlines?
Please refer to the admissions page of your program of interest for application deadline information.
What does the "Early Consideration Review" date mean?
All completed applications received by the early consideration date will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the full admissions committee. Applicants will be given feedback as to their viability for the program based on the typical applicant pool who apply to the program. Particularly strong applicants may be offered admission at the recommendation of the sub-committee. All applications will be reviewed by the full admissions committee after the application system closes in July.
How do I submit my Letters of Recommendation?
You do not do this. You will submit the contact information for the people providing recommendations in the application. Your recommenders will then receive an email with instructions on how to upload their letters.
I am a current graduate student. Can I transfer to a MAS program from my program?
Yes, you can. However, all applicants must go through the same application and screening process and be approved by their program's faculty. Please keep in mind that all of our Master of Advanced Study Programs are specialty degrees, and that all classes assigned to your program are required and must be completed to obtain said degree.
Do MAS programs allow credit transfers from courses completed at either UCSD or UCSD Extension?
The MAS degrees are based on the successful completion of a series of degree-specific, required courses (with no substitutions permitted). Consequently, transfer credits/courses are not relevant to the completion of the MAS degrees.
I have applied to a MAS Program in previous years. Do I need to re-submit an application?
Yes. You must submit a new application every year.
Would I be able to audit a class before I apply to the program?
No. Classes are for enrolled students only. Please contact the Program Manager for the program you are interested in if you would like additional course information.
Is there admission to winter/spring/summer classes?
MAS programs are cohort-based, and you must begin in the fall with your designated cohort.
Programs
How long is my program of interest?
Data Science and Engineering and Wireless Embedded Systems are all part-time programs that will take two years to complete. Wireless Embedded Systems students will have a summer quarter class between their 1st and 2nd year. Data Science and Engineering students will not have classes over summer quarter.
Architecture-based Enterprise and Systems Engineering is a full-time program that runs four quarters in a row with the completion occurring in late August.
Architecture-based Enterprise and Systems Engineering is a full-time program that runs four quarters in a row with the completion occurring in late August.
MAS Full-time/Part-time options
Data Science and Engineering and Wireless Embedded Systems are only offered as part-time programs. We do not have a full-time option for these programs. Following the course schedule, you will complete the degree program in 2 years.
Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering is only offered as a full-time program. Following the course schedule, you will complete the degree program in 12 months.
Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering is only offered as a full-time program. Following the course schedule, you will complete the degree program in 12 months.
Is there a distance learning option?
At this time, the only program that offers remote attendance is the Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering Program. Attendance must be synchronous and this modality must be discussed with and approved by the program staff and faculty. If you are approved to take classes as a distance learner, you must commit to attending in-person once per quarter for the 4-day workshops. See tentative schedule for more information. http://jacobsschool.ucsd.edu/mas/aese/.
Will MAS classes work around my work schedule?
Classes are generally held every other Friday and/or Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 /5:00 / 6:00 PM PT depending on the program.
Once per quarter, AESE holds a 4-day workshop from Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM PT.
Please note that our courses are designed for in-person attendance. While on occasion you may need to miss class due to work commitments, these need to be planned in advance with faculty. Please visit the "Curriculum" page for the program you are interested in to view the calendar.
Once per quarter, AESE holds a 4-day workshop from Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM PT.
Please note that our courses are designed for in-person attendance. While on occasion you may need to miss class due to work commitments, these need to be planned in advance with faculty. Please visit the "Curriculum" page for the program you are interested in to view the calendar.
Do you offer an online degree?
Neither MAS or the Jacobs School of Engineering currently offer any online degrees. For more infomation about potential/future/pending online degrees, please email online@ucsd.edu.
Are your programs STEM-designated?
Yes, all three programs are STEM-designated, but only the Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering degree is eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) due to its full-time status. The CIP code for the AESE program is 11.1005. The Wireless Embedded Systems degree and the Data Science and Engineering degree are part-time and are ineligible for OPT.
Finance
How much do the MAS Programs cost?
For the cost of each program, please visit the "Costs" page for the program you are interested in. Please keep in mind that tuition / per unit fees increase periodically and that graduate student fees increase every year at the discretion of the university budget office.
I am a veteran. Can I get my tuition paid for with the GI Bill?
Many of our students have been able to get their tuition funded through the GI Bill. Please speak with Veterans Affairs to see if you qualify for funding:
https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/financial-aid/types/veterans/
In addition, you can request a waiver of UCSD's application fee. More information is available here:
http://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/requirements/application-fee-and-fee-waiver/index.html
Does MAS offer financial aid?
The MAS programs themselves are not able to offer financial aid.
Most of the students enrolled in the MAS programs take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs through their employers. We encourage you to explore this option with your employer.
MAS students are not eligible to pursue TA positions at UCSD. They can, however, apply to positions posted for on-campus jobs through UCSD’s student job portal, Handshake
UCSD’s Financial Aid Office has information about external resources available to graduate students.
Most of the students enrolled in the MAS programs take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs through their employers. We encourage you to explore this option with your employer.
MAS students are not eligible to pursue TA positions at UCSD. They can, however, apply to positions posted for on-campus jobs through UCSD’s student job portal, Handshake
UCSD’s Financial Aid Office has information about external resources available to graduate students.
Link to Graduate Division Application Frequently Asked Questions:
