MS Computer Engineering at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

The MS in Computer Engineering covers core computer science and electrical engineering topics and prepares students to design complex systems involving hardware, software, electronics and signals, for communications, networking, desktop and embedded computing. Research areas include compilers and system software, computer architecture, digital design and automation, embedded and real-time systems, high-performance computing and VLSI circuits and systems.

Faculty: Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering | Department: Department of Computer Science and Engineering / Electrical and Computer Engineering (Computer Engineering programme) | Duration: 2 years (normative time); 48 quarter units | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

Requires 48 quarter units: 12 units of core (options include CS 201, CS 202, CS 203, CS 220, EE 213, CS 217/EE 217 and CS 251/EE 255), 16 units of technical electives, 20 additional units and a 1-unit professional development colloquium. The capstone is a comprehensive exam (default), project or thesis.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum 3.2 GPA in the junior and senior years and at least 3.5 in any graduate study; GRE General Test (taken within the last five years) per the program's applying page; letters of recommendation submitted electronically. Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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