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. For the Convergent Systems Engineering (CoSE) program, the Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering (AESE) specialization is full-time and international students can apply for this 12-month program. However, the Cyber Physical Social Systems (CPSS) and the Value Supply Chain (VSC) specializations are both part-time only and follow the same guidelines as above.
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.
Convergent Systems Engineering: 5 years of commensurate work experience is preferred for AESE, 2 years for CPSS and VSC.
However, your undergraduate field of study will factor in, as well as a masters degree in a similar field of study.
Convergent Systems Engineering: 5 years of commensurate work experience is preferred for AESE, 2 years for CPSS and VSC.
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?
We do not require the GRE. However, if you have GRE scores, you may upload them to your application for consideration.
Applications
How do I apply?
Please refer to the Admissions pages for detailed instructions.
What are the application deadlines?
Please refer to the Admissions page for application deadline information.
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. In addition, all of the MAS degrees are based on the successful completion of a series of degree-specific, required courses (with no substitutions/transfers allowed).
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 with a fixed curriculum in a specific sequential order, so new cohorts are only admitted in the fall quarter.
Programs
How long is my program of interest?
Data Science and Engineering (DSE) and Wireless Embedded Systems (WES) 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.
The Convergent Systems Engineering program has three specializations that differ in program length. The Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering (AESE) specialization is full-time that runs four quarters in a row with the completion occurring in August. The Cyber Physical Social Systems (CPSS), and Value Supply Chain (VSC) specializations are part-time that will take two years to complete, including two summers.
The Convergent Systems Engineering program has three specializations that differ in program length. The Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering (AESE) specialization is full-time that runs four quarters in a row with the completion occurring in August. The Cyber Physical Social Systems (CPSS), and Value Supply Chain (VSC) specializations are part-time that will take two years to complete, including two summers.
MAS Full-time/Part-time options
Data Science and Engineering (DSE) and Wireless Embedded Systems (WES) 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.
For the Convergent Systems Engineering (CoSE) program, the Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering (AESE) is offered as a full-time program (but delivered in a format that allows professionals to continue their full-time jobs). The Cyber Physical Social Systems (CPSS) and Value Supply Chain (VSC) specializations are both offered as part-time programs.
For the Convergent Systems Engineering (CoSE) program, the Architecture-based Enterprise Systems Engineering (AESE) is offered as a full-time program (but delivered in a format that allows professionals to continue their full-time jobs). The Cyber Physical Social Systems (CPSS) and Value Supply Chain (VSC) specializations are both offered as part-time programs.
Is there a distance learning option?
At this time, the only program that offers remote attendance is the Convergent Systems Engineering program with prior program manager approval. However, remote attendance must be synchronous, and there are four, 4-day classes over the course of the degree where in-person/on-campus attendance is required.
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.
Convergent Systems Engineering holds four 4-day workshops 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.
Convergent Systems Engineering holds four 4-day workshops 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 information about online degrees at UCSD, please visit UCSD's online education site.
Are your programs STEM-designated?
Yes, all of out 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. Wireless Embedded Systems (WES), Data Science and Engineering (DSE), Cyber-Physical Social Systems (CPSS) and Value Supply Chain (VSC) are all 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" section on the program page in which you are interested. 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: