Due to the high volume of email inquiries, applicants will not receive a personalized response. Over the last few years, we have found that for 99% of the responses to these inquiries can be found on this FAQ admission webpage.Most questions can be answered by simply reviewing or searching a topic, such as GRE, TOEFL, official transcripts, personal statement and document status on the above webpages.
In the rare instance when a question is not answered on one of the above webpages or in the general response below, a personalized email response may be provided. As noted in the above webpages, applicants are asked not to make email or phone inquiries about the receipt of documents. Doing so will delay our efforts to process application material.
**Google DeepMind Fellowship For CS MS Fall 2024 Applicants Only**
ELIGIBILITY
The spirit of this fellowship is to support URM or women students who would otherwise not be able to pursue a graduate degree in AI/ML.
The fellowship will only be awarded to students who are offered and accept admission to the M.S. program in Computer Science at UCLA. To be eligible for this fellowship, you must satisfy ALL of the following requirements:
* You must apply to our MS program (deadline December 15, 2023). If admitted you must start the MS program Fall 2024 (you do not need to be admitted first to apply to the fellowship). If you are starting/have started the MS program before Fall 2024 you are not eligible to apply.
* You must reside in the United States (no exceptions) in Fall 2024 and for the duration of your M.S. study.
* You would be unable to take up the offer of admission to our program without financial assistance.
* You have a demonstrable interest in artificial intelligence and/or machine learning.
The intent of this fellowship is to provide access to higher education for students who might otherwise find it difficult or impossible to successfully pursue graduate study. In addition, individuals from cultural, racial, linguistic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, including women, that are currently underrepresented in graduate education in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning are especially encouraged to apply.
Deadline to apply is December 15, 2023. The link will go live mid-September.
To apply for this fellowship please visit:CS MS Google DeepMind Fellowship Application
**GRE Requirement for Fall 2025-2026 Admissions Application Cycle Only**
Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2025-2026 academic year (applications are due December 15, 2024) are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. The applications with GRE scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.
Application/Admission Requirements and Data
Does the department provide “pre-application” reviews?
It is the prospective applicant’s responsibility to do their research and review this page, frequently asked questions, to determine their admission competitiveness, and academic and research fit with the university/program they are applying to. Due to the volume of applications and in fairness to all our applicants, we do not provide application feedback or “pre-application” reviews.
What are the application requirements?
An applicant for admission must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, must have the necessary academic preparation to complete graduate level courses in computer science, and must be able to score competitively on the GRE test. The university requires at least a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used. We expect at least a 3.50 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the junior and senior years, and at least 3.50 in any graduate study.
The GRE will not be required for the 2024-2025 Admissions cycle. Previously there are no minimums required for GRE.
International students must submit a TOEFL with a score of at least 87 (computer-based) or 560 (paper-based), or an IELTS with a score of at least 7.0.
Conditional admission is not offered. A transitional or pre-master’s program is not available.
Do you accept applications for admission for study beginning winter or spring quarter?
No. The Computer Science Department accepts applications for fall quarter only. Applications should be submitted only between mid-September and the deadline of December 15.
How many applications did you receive last year and how many students were admitted?
Following are data for applicants admitted for study beginning Fall 2022.
| M.S. | Ph.D. | |
| Applicants | 3,200 | 906 |
| Admittees | 140 | 47 |
Average GPA of all applicants/admittees: 3.75 (A=4.0)
My academic background is not in computer science. Am I eligible to apply to your graduate program?
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 degreedesigned 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 tohttps://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 2ndyear
Number of Applications for 2022 Admissions Cycle
- MCSC (MS program in the Computer Science Department) had over 4000 applications and 150 offers were made.
- MENG (MEng program in School of Engineering) had 573 applications and 220 offers were made.
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.
Will my application be reviewed if any application material is submitted after 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 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.
How can I apply for a Fee Waiver?
Fee Waiver criteria may be found here:https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/faqs/
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 applicationbefore 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 feewaiver (no exceptions).
Are “conditional admission” offers made to applicants?
No. All application material must be submitted before admission consideration is given.
Is a transitional or pre-master’s program offered?
No. Due to the overwhelming number of qualified applicants, a transitional or pre-master’s program is not offered.
May I apply to the M.S. program if I already have earned or will soon earn a master’s degree?
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.
Have you received my transcripts (or GRE, TOEFL)?
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 he or she does 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.
Will My Application and Application Material(s) Be Reviewed if I submit it After 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. 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).
When will I be informed of my admission status?
If you are a Ph.D. or M.S. applicant, you will receive an email notification concerning your admission status by late April.
If I am admitted, may I defer my admission to a future term?
No. The department does not offer admission deferrals. The number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
If I am not admitted, may I re-apply the following year?
Yes. Re-applicants often have strengthened their candidacy. You would need to submit a new online application and new supplemental material. Your test scores will be available as long as they have not become outdated.
May I apply to both M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs?
You may apply to either the Ph.D. program or the M.S. program but not both. Admission to the Ph.D. program is more selective than for the M.S. program. In general, the admissions committee does not consider Ph.D. applicants for admission into the M.S. program and vice versa. While a Ph.D. degree prepares students not only for careers in research and academia, those who apply for a Ph.D. degree typically demonstrate significant achievement in and/or potential for advancing knowledge through independent research and teaching.
While a M.S. degree prepares students not only for careers in the industry, those who apply for an M.S. degree typically demonstrate interest in developing and applying technical skills and translational knowledge. M.S. applicants should be aware that the selection process is rigorous for M.S. students who later apply for admission into the Ph.D. program.
May I apply to the M.S. program if I already have earned or will soon earn a master’s degree?
You will not be considered for admission into the M.S. program if you already have a master’s degree in computer science or similar discipline such as information sciences or data systems or currently enrolled in an MS degree in a related field. As with many computer science departments, the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.
Am I required to have a master’s degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?
No. In the Ph.D. classes beginning study Fall Quarter 2013 and Fall Quarter 2014, 48% and 32%, respectively, had earned only a bachelor’s degree.
If I am a Ph.D. applicant, may I earn an M.S. degree while completing my Ph.D. at UCLA?
Yes, but only if you have not previously earned an M.S. degree in computer science or a related field. You may petition for an M.S. degree as you fulfill the M.S. degree requirements. The Ph.D. Written Qualifying Exam (WQE) may be substituted for the M.S. comprehensive exam or thesis. Degree requirements are listed at the Computer Science Department website.
Does Computer Science offer a distance learning program?
The computer science M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs do not incorporate distance learning courses. However, the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science does offer anonline M.S. in Engineering.
Does Computer Science offer a part-time program?
No. Students must be registered and enrolled each quarter for a minimum of 12 units. Unless granted a formal leave of absence, students are expected to register every term, including the term in which their degree or certificate is to be awarded. The filing fee may be used in lieu of registration if all formal requirements for the degree, except for filing the thesis or taking the comprehensive examination, are met prior to the first day of instruction of the term.
How long does it take to earn an M.S. or Ph.D. degree?
The number of terms to complete a degree program varies from student to student. On average, the M.S. degree is earned in 5 quarters (F, W, Sp, F, W, S) but som may need 6 quarters (2 full years) to finish. The MS program is an in-person 2 year full-time program.
The normative length of time for Ph.D. students to complete their degree is 6 years.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
**GRE Requirement for Fall 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle Only**
Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2023-2024 academic year (applications for this cycle are due December 15, 2022) are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. The applications with GRE scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.
Average GRE scores are posted above here.
What is UCLA’s GRE institution code? What is the GRE department code?
UCLA’s GRE institution code is 4837. The GRE department code is 0402. If you are unable to submit the department code, we will still be able to receive your score report.
I have completed a master’s degree. Do I need to take the GRE?
**GRE Requirement for Fall 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle Only**
Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2025-2026 academic year (applications for this cycle are due December 15, 2024) are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package. However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration. The applications with GRE scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.
Is the GRE computer science subject test required?
No. The admissions committee does not review scores of this exam.
Does either the university or the department require a minimum GRE score?
No. There is no minimum GRE score requirement. However, the most competitive applicants earn average or above average scores compared to the computer science applicant pool.
I will not receive official GRE scores until after the application deadline.
As long as you complete the exam before the December 15 deadline, we will accept the scores. You may email your unofficial verbal and quantitative scores to the Computer Science Department. Friendly reminder GRE are not required for admissions.
In order to ensure your 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.
If you plan to take or have already taken an additional exam, please make sure that ETS has already sent your first exam report to UCLA before December 15.
When do GRE results expire?
The test must have been taken within five (5) years of the submission date of the UCLA Graduate Division online application. For example, if you took the exam on October 30, 2015, you would need to complete the UCLA Graduate Division online application no later than October 30, 2020.
For multiple GREs, which scores do you use?
For Fall 2024-2025 GRE scores are not required. The department will see all scores from all reports. If you plan to take or have already taken an additional exam, please make sure that ETS has already sent your first exam report to UCLA before December 15.
Will you receive my GRE report if I did not provide the department code or provided an incorrect department code?
To avoid delays up to several weeks in matching your report to your application, it is important to use the correct institution code, 4837, and the correct department code, 0402. If you did not use the correct codes, we eventually will be able to match your report to your application but not guaranteed to do so by the deadline. We recommend that you upload student reports to the Graduate Division application and email a copy of your student report to the Computer Science Department.
May I request that ETS send my score report to UCLA before I submit the online application?
Yes. We will be able to match your score report to your online application.In order to ensure your 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.
How many transcripts are required and where do I send them?
All applicants are required to upload ONE(1)official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Official transcripts should be uploaded to your online application only. If you are officially offered admission, please send us your official transcripts/degree certificate/diplomas.
Applicants who are attending or have graduated from a U.S. institution that transmits transcripts electronically may request to have official transcripts emailed to: gradadm@cs.ucla.edu but can also upload the official transcript in their online application.
Official transcripts are defined as original documents issued by the institution that bear the actual signature of the Registrar — not a photocopy — and the seal of the issuing institution. Do not, however, send the original of an academic record that cannot be replaced; upload a properly certified copy instead.
International applicants should refer to the “Requirements for International Students” section of the Graduate Division webpage for information about submission of foreign academic records. We do not request or review WES evaluations.
Most applicants are in the process of completing a degree. If offered admission, the final transcript indicating the date of the degree conferral may be submitted during the summer. Applicants from India and China who have graduated must submit official copies of their degree certificates along with their final official transcripts and diploma:
| If you are receiving your bachelor’s degree from a university in China | If your bachelor’s degree has been awarded, please upload your final official transcripts both in English and Chinese (make sure the GPA scale is included when you upload these documents), the official degree certificate both in English and Chinese and the official diploma in both English and Chinese in your online application. If you are still enrolled and have not been awarded your degree from your university in China, please be sure to upload your latest official transcripts both in English and Chinese in your online admissions application (make sure your university’s GPA scale is included when you upload these documents). |
| If you are receiving your bachelor’s degree from a university in India | If you have received your bachelor’s degree from a university in India, please be sure to upload a copy of your final official transcripts along with a copy of your official diploma that shows when your degree was officially conferred and awarded. Please note theconferral certificate is NOT the same as the official diploma. If you have not been awarded your degree and are still enrolled in a university in India, please be sure to upload a copy of your official transcripts in your online admissions application (make sure your university’s GPA scale is included when you upload these documents). |
| If you are receiving your bachelor’s degree from a University outside the U.S. (and not from India and China) | If you have been awarded your degree, please be sure to upload your official transcript both in English and the native language from the country the university is located in, and a copy of your official diploma both in English and the native official language from the country the university you attended in your online application. If you are currently enrolled and have not been awarded your degree from your university, please be sure to upload your official transcripts in both English and the native official language from the country the university you are attending in your online application (make sure your university’s GPA scale is included when you upload these documents). |
Official transcripts are due December 1 along with the application. We will make every effort to review late transcripts received between December 1 and December 15, but we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the review.
UCLA students and alumni
Please note: UCLA students and alumni do not need to submit official copies of UCLA transcripts. We have access to your records.
Graduate Student Affairs Office
UCLA Computer Science Department
Engineering VI, room 291
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1596
I have requested that transcripts be sent to you, but I am concerned that you will not receive them by the deadline of December 1. If they arrive late, will I still be considered for admission?
Typically, late letters and late transcripts received through December 15 will be reviewed, but it cannot be guaranteed. You may upload unofficial transcripts to the Graduate Division online application. This may expedite the department’s initial review of your application; however, a departmental admission recommendation cannot be made to the Graduate Division without receipt of official transcripts.
For International Applicants Only
How do you evaluate transcripts issued in a language other than English?
International credentials issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. Please submit ONE (1) set of official transcripts in both English and the native language. International applicants should refer to theGraduate Division webpagefor information about submission of academic records.
My university does not assign grades on a 4.0 grade scale. Should I calculate my GPA?
Make sure the grading scale is on the official transcripts uploaded in your online admissions application. Staff in the Computer Science Graduate Student Affairs Office review and convert, as necessary, the marks or grades of all applicants. The Graduate Division online application asks applicants to submit their grade point average on the scale used by their institutions.
My official transcripts do not contain all the requested information such as the month and year of award. Do I need to submit a diploma?
A complete academic history must include attested or certified copies of official documents that provide the following: 1) individual subjects or classes with marks or grades; 2) class placement or overall grade; 3) degree certificate that includes degree received and degree conferral date; and 4) institutional marks/grading scale.
Most applicants are in the process of completing a degree. If offered admission, the final transcript indicating the date of the degree conferral may be submitted during the summer. Applicants from India and China who have graduated must submit official copies of their degree certificates along with their final official transcripts.
