Computer Science and Engineering
Why Computer Science and Engineering?
Computer scientists and engineers study the design and architecture of digital systems, their properties, and their application. Computing is the field driving the societal, industrial, and technological advances of this century — from transforming what humans can do (through information technology, data science, e-commerce, and more), to how they communicate (via the web, social networks, mobile devices, and virtual/augmented reality).
Computing at UC Santa Cruz has gained international recognition. With our proximity to Silicon Valley and outstanding research, we are a leader in computing research and education. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science and Engineering. For more information about our graduate programs, contact the graduate advising team.
Computer Science & Engineering Breadth Requirements
In the CSE MS program, students must complete a set of breadth requirements which includes one course from three different breadth categories for a total of three courses (15 credits). There are ten breadth categories that students may choose from when completing their breadth requirements.
Please refer to your program’s degree requirements in the UCSC General Catalog or contact your Graduate Student Advisor if you have any questions.
4+1 Pathway to CSE
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers a five-year bachelor’s/master’s pathway, which gives a competitive edge to students who are completing their undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz. The pathway enables those with advanced preparation to move directly from the undergraduate to the graduate program and complete an M.S. degree with as few as seven courses beyond the bachelor’s degree. Baskin Engineering undergraduate students from any major can apply to the pathway.
Computer Science and Engineering at UC Santa Cruz spans multiple research areas
Algorithms, logic, and complexity
Computer hardware, including architecture, VLSI (chip design), FPGAs, and design automation
Computer security and privacy
Cyber-physical systems
Distributed systems
Database systems
Machine learning
Natural language processing
Networks
Pervasive computing and human-computer interaction
Programming languages
Robotics
Storage systems
Visual computing, including computer vision, visualization, and graphics
Natural Language Processing M.S.
The UCSC Computer Science and Engineering Department also offers a professional M.S. degree in Natural Language Processing (NLP). This program offers in-depth coursework in natural language processing, machine learning, and data science. Please note that professional degrees have higher fees than regular graduate programs.
Please check the registrar’s website for the most recent tuition and fee information, and refer to Graduate Admissions for the current application due date.
Meet your CSE advising team
Drop-in advising hours
Tuesday – Thursday, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, in person
Prospective students, including pathway students, please first send your questions to bsoe-ga@rt.ucsc.edu before scheduling an appointment
Graduate Director
Graduate Student Advisor
(Last names A – J)
Appointments (30 minutes):
Wednesdays & Thursdays,
9:30am – 11:30am
cse-gradadvising+fernanda@ucsc.edu
(813) 459-4157
Graduate Student Advisor
(Last names K – L)
Appointments (30 minutes):
Wednesdays & Thursdays,
9:30am – 11:00am
cse-gradadvising+anna@ucsc.edu
(408) 919-8952
Graduate Student Advisor
(Last names M – Z)
Appointments (30 minutes):
Tuesdays & Fridays,
9:30am – 11:30am
cse-gradadvising+zoe@ucsc.edu
(813) 459-5455
Program Learning Outcomes
Computer Science and Engineering (M.S.)
Recipients of a Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering degree at UCSC are expected to have the following characteristics and experiences:
- Ability to communicate concepts and results to a technical audience in the form of a technical paper and/or an oral presentation to a review committee.
- Proficiency with the fundamental knowledge in algorithms, programming languages, and architecture.
- Proficiency with fundamental knowledge in at least one area of research.
- Ability to apply reasoning, problem solving, and technical skills to solve problems with minimal guidance.
Computer Science and Engineering (Ph.D.)
Recipients of a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering degree at UCSC are expected to have the following characteristics and experiences:
- Ability to communicate concepts and results to a technical audience in the form of conference papers, journal papers, and/or oral presentations.
- Mastery with the fundamental knowledge in algorithms, programming languages, and architecture.
- Proficiency with fundamental knowledge in several specialized areas of research and expertise in at least one area of research.
- Ability to apply reasoning, problem solving, and technical skills to solve problems with minimal guidance, and to conduct independent and innovative research.