Average GPA of all applicants/admittees: 3.75 (A=4.0)
The vast majority of applicants have a background in computer science. Other majors represented include electrical engineering, math, statistics, and physics. For undergraduate work, we recommend 2 years of calculus (through differential equations and introduction to discreet structures), 1 year of physics (mechanics; Oscillations, Waves, Electric and Magnetic Fields); and a statistics course. Additional recommended coursework in Computer Science include: Operating Systems Principles, Computer Network Fundamentals, Computer Systems Architecture, Software Engineering, Programming Languages, Compiler Construction, Data Management Systems, Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Intro to Computer Graphics, Intro to Algorithms and Complexity.
Many CS graduate courses have prerequisites which consist of CS upper division undergrad classes (which are only offered at 4 year institutions and not at community colleges). Therefore we recommend students review the Computer Science course catalog, look at the CS grad classes offered and look at the prerequisites for those classes. If you have not taken the class then the instructor may not allow you to take that course. While you may take CS upper division undergrad classes, note it may delay/impact you being able to finish within the 2 years.
An applicant without a strong computer science background may be a very competitive applicant. Having professional experience as well as having taken courses that are equivalent to prerequisites for upper division undergraduate coursework, and the upper division courses themselves, would be most helpful. Applicants best illustrate their professional experience by succinctly describing their skills and projects in the statement of purpose, and submitting letters of recommendation that relate their achievements and skills to their potential for success in their degree and career objectives.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to take CS courses at U.S. 4-year state universities due to the priority rules favoring admitted, full-time degree seeking students, community colleges typically offer only the prerequisites of the prerequisites, and extension programs offer mainly application courses and not courses equivalent to upper-division courses. However, every course taken and/or work skill achieved leads to a more competitive application. UCLA does not offer a transitional or pre-admission program, and does not consider applications for a second bachelor’s degree. Courses offered by UCLA Extension that have the exact same course number as the courses offered in UCLA undergraduate and graduate degree programs provide good preparation.
MSCS Program
The Computer Science Department has a regular Master of Science Program, which is designed to nurture the next generation of computing professionals with the required depth and breadth of computer science knowledge. The MSCS program is a part of the Computer Science department. To apply for the MSCS program, please click HERE .
MEng Program
Samueli School of Engineering has a one-year Master of Engineering (MEng) self-supporting, professional degree designed to develop future engineering leaders. The MENG degree addresses the needs of both students and industry, tailored to those who wish to pursue technical management positions, with both high-tech skill set and management savvy. The MEng program is not part of the Computer Science department. To apply for the MEng, go to https://www.meng.ucla.edu/admissions/
MSCS vs. MENG
The Computer Science Department offers Master’s of Computer Science (MSCS) Program, which is a 2-year program and has existed over 50 years. MEngr program is a new, one-year program. The MENG degree addresses the needs of both students and industry, tailored to those who wish to pursue technical management positions. Both MSCS and MENG programs include a capstone project with technological concentration.
Can I apply to both programs since they are housed in different departments?
No, you may only apply to one program.
What are the differences between the MEng program and the MSCS program?
The Department of Computer Science Master Program (MCSC) is a 2-year program that has existed for over 50 years. The Master of Engineering Program (MENG) is a 1-year program that is starting its 2 nd year
Number of Applications for 2022 Admissions Cycle
Capstone
MENG Capstone topic is selected by the course instructor.
MSCS Capstone topic is student-driven in which the students decide the topic and find their capstone advisor (must be CS faculty). The MSCS Capstone project is advised by faculty in the Department of Computer Science.
Thesis
Students in the MSCS program (Master’s in Computer Science) could choose a thesis option, instead of Capstone. The MS thesis option is designed to provide in-depth research opportunities with CS faculty. MENG does not provide a thesis option.
In fairness to applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application materials such as test scores and transcripts are submitted after the December 15 deadline. As long as you ordered the scores by the test maker (i.e. ETS, IELTS) to be sent to the correct school and program (it is the student’s responsibility to make sure they did) by the deadline it’s fine. Modifications/edits to the admissions application or materials (i.e. statement of purpose, personal history, etc) are not allowed. The number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to upload all the required documents (i.e. letter from Program Director confirming program participation for eligible programs, letter from financial aid officer from university/college you are currently enrolled in, statement from the registrar’s office confirming certain information, etc) as stated on the Fee Waiver Criteria webpage , in your online application before submitting your admissions application (the deadline to submit your admission application is December 15).
It is the applicant’s responsibility to redact or block out all U.S. Social Security numbers before submitting the document that have social security numbers on it. If a U.S. Social Security number is visible on the document, the UCLA Graduate Division cannot accept it and the CS department cannot redact or block out this information for an applicant.
Due to the heavy volume of applicants, If you submit your fee waiver materials to the CS dept after the deadline we cannot guarantee it will be reviewed. This information on Fee Waiver criteria is on our webpage and the UCLA Graduate Division’s webpage all year long thus applicants are fully aware of deadlines for the application and fee waiver materials months prior to the admissions application deadline.
If you do not meet the criteria for a Fee Waiver as specifically stated on the Fee Waiver requirement page then unfortunately you do not qualify for a fee waiver (no exceptions).
No. All application materials must be submitted before admission consideration is given.
No. Due to the overwhelming number of qualified applicants, a transitional or pre-master’s program is not offered.
You will not be considered for admission into the M.S. program if you already have or enrolled in a master’s degree in computer science or similar discipline such as information sciences or data systems. As with many computer science departments, the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
Due to the high volume of applicants and in fairness to all applicants and limited number of spots each year, we do not allow transfers into our MS program.
You are welcome to apply to the Ph.D. program.
Applicants who are in their last year of study for a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for graduate admission. The CS MS and PhD programs begin in September. As long as an applicant’s degree is conferred by August, then they are eligible to apply. (For example: Your last year of study is in the 2024-2025 academic year. If you are graduating Spring 2025, you are eligible to apply for Fall 2025 admission. Your application deadline is December 15, 2024.)
Applicants should upload their transcripts showing any courses in progress. Please do not email us sending us updated Fall grades. If an applicant is recommended for admission, they will be asked to send the department updated official transcripts (and diploma, if applicable) showing degree conferral.
In order to ensure your GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores synch up with your online application make sure your last name, first name, middle name (if any) and email address match exactly on your ETS registration and on your online graduate admissions applications. If you leave out your middle name or use a different email address the scores might not synch up to your graduate admissions application and we cannot guarantee your scores will be received by the deadline. As long as you ordered the scores to be sent to the correct school and department by the deadline you’re fine. You will be contacted if any document or application material is missing or needed. Please do not email or call to inquire about receipt of documents as it will delay our efforts to process application material. Our office is able to match test reports and transcripts for nearly all applicants however it takes time due to the volume of applicants. An applicant is denied admission consideration due to an incomplete file only if they do not respond to our request to submit missing material. Ph.D. decisions will be emailed to all applicants in early February. M.S. decisions will be emailed out in March.
In fairness to applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the December 15 deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to take all necessary tests and submit the test scores by the deadline (this information is on our website all year). Please note it may take weeks for scores to synch up after the application has been submitted (as long as everything was submitted by the deadline it should be fine). Please do not contact us to see if we receive your scores, it will reflect on your application checklist eventually. Please make every effort to submit material by the deadline. Unofficial test scores may be emailed to the Computer Science Department. Modifications/edits to the admissions application or materials (i.e. statement of purpose, personal history, etc) are not allowed. As with many computer science departments, the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
Fee waiver criteria may be found here. Please note it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the materials required for a fee waiver (i.e. Program Chair letter, financial aid office letter, SSN redacted from tax documents, etc) are uploaded in their application before they submit their application. This cannot be modified/edited once an application has been officially submitted. If you do not meet the criteria as stated on the Fee waiver webpage then you are not eligible for a fee waiver (no exceptions).
If you are a Ph.D. or M.S. applicant, you will receive an email notification concerning your admission status by late April.
No. The department does not offer admission deferrals. The number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
Yes. Re-applicants often have strengthened their candidacy. You would need to submit a new online application. Your test scores will be available as long as they have not become outdated.
The deadline to submit application material is December 15. In fairness to applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the December 15 deadline. Please make every effort to send/upload materials and submit your application by the deadline. In order to ensure your GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores synch up with your online application make sure your last name, first name, middle name (if any) and email address match exactly on your ETS registration and on your online graduate admissions applications. If you leave out your middle name or use a different email address the scores might not synch up to your graduate admissions application and we cannot guarantee your scores will be received by the deadline. The number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
The faculty begin reviewing Ph.D. applications in December and M.S. applications in January.
If you are a Ph.D. or M.S. applicant you will be notified by late April.