Frequently Asked Questions

Students can earn their degree in a little over two years. Most graduates finish in two years and a quarter, and they are allowed up to three years to earn their degree. The maximum time allowed in this program is three academic years (nine quarters), excluding summer sessions.

Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 as a requirement of the program.

Yes, our program is fully asynchronous and can be completed anywhere with internet access. Because it is designed for working professionals, accessibility and flexibility are at the forefront of our minds when creating our coursework. Learn more on our curriculum page.

Students may complete up to three courses at a time. However, because this is a part-time program, we recommend students take one course each quarter.

36 units (nine courses at four units each).

We pride ourselves on building data science and engineering leaders through our rigorous, hands-on curriculum. Because of this, students should be prepared to devote 15 to 20 hours a week to their coursework.

No, there is no mention of “online” on the diploma or transcript. The transcript will list courses by the department name/course number in the same fashion as they are for on-campus programs. The degree designation will read, “Master of Science in Engineering.” Students are also issued a “Certificate of Specialization in Data Science.”

Yes, this program is specifically designed to be completed part-time by working professionals. Asynchronous courses make it possible to view lectures at the times that are most convenient for you.

All students must complete and pass three designated, written exam questions. Each question must be from a different graduate-level course.

These exams are offered concurrently with the final exams. You may select which of these exams you would like to count toward the Comprehensive Exam Requirement. See the curriculum page for more information.

UCLA and our engineering programs consistently rank among the top in the nation. Some of our recent rankings include:

2023 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

• No. 1 Public University
• No. 1 Online Graduate Engineering Program
• No. 3 Online Engineering Programs for Veterans
• No. 7 Best Colleges for Veterans

Times Higher Education Rankings

• No. 9 in World Reputation Rankings for 2023

Students may petition to apply credit from a maximum of two completed courses toward the MSOL: DATA SCIENCE ENGR program. Contact an enrollment specialist for details.

We offer two start dates each year: fall and spring. Learn more about our admissions process here.

Applicants for our program should have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in an engineering discipline, mathematics, computer science or physics
• Transcripts should demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate coursework
• For applicants whose GPA falls slightly below the required threshold, UCLA will also consider other aspects of the application before making an admissions decision.
• GRE test scores (may be waived for applicants who have highly competitive holistic portfolios)
• TOEFL/IELTS test scores for applicants from abroad
• Proficiency in computer programming, including Python

The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering may consider applicants with slightly lower GPAs based on other aspects of their applications. Contact an enrollment specialist to learn more about your eligibility and our decision process.

GRE test scores may be waived for applicants who have highly competitive holistic portfolios. Contact an enrollment specialist for details.

Official transcripts are sent directly from your institution’s registrar’s office to the department to which you are applying (either via mail or electronically). Required application materials should be attached via your online application. Transcripts can be submitted electronically at admissions@seas.ucla.edu or mailed to:

UCLA – MS ENGR
4732 Boelter Hall
Box 951601
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1601

You can start your application here. If you have questions or are interested in a walkthrough of the process, please contact one of our enrollment specialists toll-free at (424) 443-7385 or msengrol-ds@seas.ucla.edu.

The total program tuition for the MSOL: DATA SCIENCE ENGR program is $39,600. For a detailed breakdown, see the tuition and financial aid page.

At UCLA Samueli, we recognize that engineering professionals must carefully evaluate the cost of advanced education. With that in mind, there are several ways to finance your education, including federal student aid, institutional scholarships, external scholarships and grants, veteran and military benefits, private loans and more.

The FAFSA School Code for UCLA is 001315-00.

For more information on financial aid options, visit the tuition/financial aid page.

The FAFSA school code is 001315-00.