
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Why Electrical and Computer Engineering?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Santa Cruz advances engineering discoveries that benefit humankind through curiosity, open-mindedness, and inclusiveness. We are committed to providing graduate students with inspiration and high-quality education, believing that rigor, creativity, and excitement should be integral to the curriculum. For questions about the application process, contact the advising team. For inquiries about the curriculum or faculty research, contact the graduate director.
4+1 Pathway to ECE
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree path. Undergraduate students can apply to this program to earn a B.S. degree in their own major together with an M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering. Depending on the student’s progress, students can complete the combined path in five years.
Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Santa Cruz spans multiple research areas
Electronic circuits and energy systems
Photonics and electronic devices
Robotics, controls, and cyber-physical systems
Signals, image processing, and communications

Materials Science and Engineering M.S. and Ph.D.
The Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) Program at UC Santa Cruz brings together experts in materials synthesis, materials characterization, and theoretical modeling of materials to foster a collaborative environment aimed at advancing knowledge and innovation in the field. UCSC offers MSE programs in both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, enabling impactful research and interdisciplinary collaboration. These programs are supported by esteemed faculty and state-of-the-art facilities — which ensure students are well-prepared for successful careers.
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 ECE advising team
Graduate Director