UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · UNITED STATES
Computer Science and Engineering Graduate Programs
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- PhDDegree Offered
- MSDegree Offered
- MASDegree Offered
- MDSDegree Offered
- Five-year BS/MS or BA/MSCombined Program Option
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department offers advanced graduate studies leading to Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. These programs delve into the fundamental aspects of computation, with a balanced emphasis on theory, hardware, and operating systems. The computer engineering specialization specifically focuses more intensely on hardware and the design of computer systems. For current UCSD undergraduates, a five-year combined Bachelor of Arts (BA)/MS or Bachelor of Science (BS)/MS program is available. The department also provides specialized Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programs tailored for engineering professionals and an online Master of Data Science (MDS) program.
Frequently asked questions
- What degrees are offered in Computer Science and Engineering at UCSD?
- UCSD's CSE department offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. They also offer specialized Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programs and an online Master of Data Science (MDS).
- What are the estimated tuition and living costs for international students in the PhD program?
- The provided tuition and living cost data is specific to the MBA program at the Rady School of Management and may not directly apply to CSE graduate programs. For that program, non-California residents faced an estimated annual cost of attendance of $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus) for 2026-27.
- What are the general application deadlines for the PhD program?
- The application period typically opens in September/October for Fall admission, with application deadlines usually in December for Fall admission. Specific dates can vary by program.
- What academic qualifications are required for admission to the PhD program?
- A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field is typically required. Students with degrees in other areas may be considered if they have sufficient preparation in relevant subjects.
- What documents are needed for the graduate application?
- Required documents generally include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GRE scores (if required), TOEFL/IELTS scores for non-native English speakers, and financial documentation.
- What are the career prospects after completing the CSE PhD program?
- Graduates from UCSD's CSE doctoral program have pursued careers in academia, industry, and government. Specific placement statistics are not detailed in the provided information.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA BA or BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field is typically required. Students with undergraduate degrees in other areas may be considered if they possess sufficient preparation in relevant subjects.
Admission to the graduate program requires sufficient preparation in computer science and related fields. Specific prerequisite courses or knowledge areas are detailed in the admissions FAQ, which is not fully provided here.
Fees
Tuition (international)For the Full-Time MBA program, non-California residents (international students) pay an additional supplemental tuition of $12,245 per year. Total estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents is $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus) for the 2026-27 academic year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Please note this data is specific to the MBA program at the Rady School of Management and may not reflect other CSE graduate programs.
Tuition (home)For the Full-Time MBA program, California residents pay $63,501 per year, which includes tuition, fees, and health insurance. Please note this data is specific to the MBA program at the Rady School of Management and may not reflect other CSE graduate programs.
LivingEstimated annual living expenses for graduate students (food & housing) are $31,056 (on campus) or $31,548 (off campus) for the 2026-27 academic year. This estimate is part of the broader cost of attendance for the Full-Time MBA program at the Rady School of Management.
Tuition and fees are subject to change and may vary by program. Some instruction may be delivered remotely, but tuition and fees remain the same. The provided figures are estimates and actual costs may differ. The data for tuition and living costs is primarily drawn from the Rady School of Management's Full-Time MBA program and might not directly apply to all CSE graduate programs.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific admission requirements for the MS or PhD program in Computer Science and Engineering, including academic prerequisites and any specific course expectations.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores (if required). International applicants may need to provide additional documentation.
3. Submit Application OnlineComplete and submit the online graduate application through the UC San Diego Graduate Admissions portal by the specified deadline.
4. Financial DocumentationBe prepared to provide financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to fund your studies, as per university and visa requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What degrees are offered in Computer Science and Engineering at UCSD?
+
UCSD's CSE department offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. They also offer specialized Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programs and an online Master of Data Science (MDS).
What are the estimated tuition and living costs for international students in the PhD program?
+
The provided tuition and living cost data is specific to the MBA program at the Rady School of Management and may not directly apply to CSE graduate programs. For that program, non-California residents faced an estimated annual cost of attendance of $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus) for 2026-27.
What are the general application deadlines for the PhD program?
+
The application period typically opens in September/October for Fall admission, with application deadlines usually in December for Fall admission. Specific dates can vary by program.
What academic qualifications are required for admission to the PhD program?
+
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field is typically required. Students with degrees in other areas may be considered if they have sufficient preparation in relevant subjects.
What documents are needed for the graduate application?
+
Required documents generally include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GRE scores (if required), TOEFL/IELTS scores for non-native English speakers, and financial documentation.
What are the career prospects after completing the CSE PhD program?
+
Graduates from UCSD's CSE doctoral program have pursued careers in academia, industry, and government. Specific placement statistics are not detailed in the provided information.