Admissions

How and when can I apply?

• Please refer to the Admissions page for application deadlines and requirements. To apply for this program use this link: UC San Diego Graduate Application Management.
• Once in the application, on the Program Selector page, please use the drop down menus to select the correct program, as follows:
  • Degree Type: Master of Advanced Studies
  • Program Interest: Data Science & Engineering

Is the GRE required to apply for this program? 

• No, the GRE exam is not required to apply to the MAS-DSE program. If an applicant has already taken the GRE they may elect to include their scores when submitting the application for review.

What majors are eligible for this program?

• Any undergraduate major is eligible to apply to this program; however, it is expected that most students admitted to the program will have an undergraduate degree in a field that provides a good mathematical foundation, for example Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Quantitative Social Sciences, Computational Life Sciences or Computational Health Sciences. However, uses for Data Science can also be found in many other fields, and applications will be considered provided prerequisites are met.

What prerequisites or prior knowledge do I need to have to apply?

• Successful applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad and at least a B average (3.0 GPA), or its equivalent. 
• We expect that incoming students will have completed an introductory programming course, multivariate calculus, and linear algebra. Students without this background, will need to explore this content on their own. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions, or to receive a list of recommended resources.

Is the program available to international students?

• International students are not typically eligible to apply to this program due to its part-time nature which would preclude eligibility for F-1 visa status for study within the United States. However, interested international students should contact our office to express interest in an accelerated version of this program which may be eligible for F-1 visa status, and subsequent employment authorization in the United States through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, subject to applicable laws and policy. Email mas-dse@ucsd.edu for more information.

How many courses are required to graduate? How many courses can you take per quarter?

• The MAS-DSE program requires 11 quarter-length courses at 2-4 units each, for a total of 38 units.
• The normative time to degree completion is 6 academic quarters (2 years), with summers off.

Do UC San Diego faculty teach the courses in this program?

• Tenure-track faculty from the department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute will serve as the primary instructors for the MAS-DSE program. These faculty are experts in data science, all of whom hold a PhD in their respective fields.
• As well as this, we have Doctoral-level instructors with the requisite industry and teaching experience, including researchers from the San Diego Supercomputer Center who actively teach in the program.

Is this program fully accredited?

• Yes! The MAS-DSE program has undergone extensive review and has been approved by the Academic Senate of the University of California, San Diego campus, the system wide Coordinating Committee on Graduate Affairs (CCGA) and the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), and it is Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - WASC Senior College & University Commission.
• Students should feel confident that this degree program carries the academic rigor, support, and prestige expected of a University of California graduate degree.

What kind of laptop, software, or equipment is needed for this program?

• More specifics on the technology requirements will be provided to admitted students; but generally, a student will need:
  • A laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and microphone (built-in or external)
  • Access to reliable, fast internet; and an up-to-date web browser
  • Primary hard drive for storing large datasets

• Online Application: UCSD Application for Graduate Admission
• Application Fee -
  • US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Undocumented Applicants: $135.00
  • International Applicants: $155.00
• Transcripts**
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of recommendation, 2 are required (3 are preferred) and your application won’t be reviewed until all three letters have been received. Furthermore, if you’re having trouble securing one from a recommender, it is advisable to make another selection.
• CV/Resume
• International applicants only: Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated through one of the exams approved by UC San Diego's Division of Graduate Education such as TOEFL, IELTS, DET, PTE. For more information see: English Language Proficiency

** Transcript Note

Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, clearly showing coursework and degrees earned. Transferred credit summaries alone aren't sufficient. Admitted applicants must submit a final, official, degree-posted transcript before enrollment.

• Carefully review the Graduate Division's Transcript Guidelines
• Do not mail documents to the department.
• Official transcripts must include the registrar’s signature and institutional seal.

How much does this program cost?

• Total cost for this program at the typical pace is approximately $48,000 over the six academic quarters. The total cost will vary depending whether the student maintains their own health insurance coverage and any increases in university-wide fees.
• The MAS-DSE program tuition for AY2026-2027 is $1,135 per unit. The program is 38 units of study. Additional university-wide fees of approximately $810 per quarter are also assessed. More information is available here: UCSD Self-Support Program Fees. UCSD Self-Support Program Fees.
Tuition for the MAS-DSE program is all inclusive, and includes meals on class days, parking, and any course materials.
• Tuition and fees are subject to change in accordance with university policy.

Is there out-of-state tuition, or additional tuition for international students?

• Non-California residents and international students are not charged a Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition cost. The cost of this program is the same for in-state, out-of-state, or international students.

Do you have financial aid available?

• Applicants will be considered for merit-based scholarships upon acceptance into the program. These scholarships range in value but may cover up to 20% of the tuition amount. Students are encouraged to apply for admission early for the best opportunity of available funds.
• Military affiliated students should explore VA educational benefits. UC San Diego has a dedicated Veterans Benefits Office to assist with this. Please see: Military Affiliated Students for more information.
• Additionally, UC San Diego graduate students may apply for need-based aid or federal student loans by completing a Free Application for Federal student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based aid is administered through the Financial Aid Office. Please visit the Financial Aid website for eligibility requirements and more information.
• This program is ideal for working professionals; therefore, students are encouraged to work with their supervisors, benefits coordinators, and work administrators on tuition reimbursement or educational assistance programs at their place of employment to supplement paying for the program.