Graduate Programs
The UCI Samueli School of Engineering provides a vibrant academic environment for students interested in science and the engineering, new technologies, and their application for the benefit of society. Please see the 2021-22 Dean's Report for the latest news and highlights. We offer three different types of graduate degrees (Ph.D., M.S., and Professional Master's) within and across different departments. Our school currently ranks 21st among public and 38th among all U.S. graduate schools in engineering, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Find the Right Degree for You!
Students can choose the degree and program that fits their background, interest, and long-term professional goals. A general comparison among the types of graduate degrees is provided in the table below.
|
Degree |
Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) |
Master of Science (M.S.) |
Professional Master's (M.Eng or MECPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Research |
Research / Technical |
Technical Skills with Career Support |
|
Target Careers |
Academia and/or Industry R&D |
Technical Pathway to PhD |
Leaders and Technical Managers in Industry, Entrepreneurs, Intrapreneurs |
|
Duration |
4-5 Years |
1-2 years |
9 or 15 months |
|
Final Deliverable |
Ph.D. Dissertation |
M.S. Thesis or Comprehensive Exam |
Capstone Project (most connected to Industry) |
|
Financial Aid |
Fully funded for at least 4 years. Details vary depending on the department |
Federal Loans (Domestic Students Only), TA or GSR limited opportunities |
M.Eng Fellowships and funding, Federal Loans (Domestic Students Only), Employer Support |
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