University of California, Los Angeles

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0.[1] International students are required to submit TOEFL (87 iBT) or IELTS (7.0) scores.[1

About This Program

This program provides advanced knowledge in computer science principles, offering both a thesis track for research focus and a non-thesis track for professional mastery.

Career Outcomes

Thrive as Machine Learning Engineer in Cross-Industry AI with software systems expertise

• 1. Software Engineer
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Systems Architect
• 4. Data Scientist

What You'll Learn

• Design and analyze scalable algorithms and data structures for complex computational problems
• Develop secure, distributed software systems and understand modern software architecture principles
• Apply machine learning and AI techniques to real-world applications including deep learning and computer vision
• Evaluate trade-offs in systems design, network protocols, and database optimization for performance and reliability

Curriculum Highlights

The nine-course requirement includes breadth requirements in core CS areas, specialized graduate electives, and either a research thesis or a comprehensive examination.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and major technology and finance firms globally.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0.[1] International students are required to submit TOEFL (87 iBT) or IELTS (7.0) scores.[1

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters required[1]
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required[1]
• Application Fee: $155[1]
• Passport Copy: Required[1]

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
• GRE/GMAT: Not specified; check UCLA for current policy
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 87+ / IELTS 7.0+)[1]