Applications for Fall 2023 MAE Graduate Admission are closed (as of 12/14/22)
Fall 2024 Applications for MAE Graduate Admission will open: September 2023
There is only one deadline and it applies to ALL applicants for the MAE graduate programs; there are no exceptions. We CANNOT accept late applications. Admission is for the FALL QUARTER ONLY.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) --Admissions for answers to most questions. We receive a high volume of Admissions questions via email, and most questions are answered either by the FAQ listed previously, or the FAQ on the UCSD Graduate Admissions website: https://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/admission-faq/index.html. Because of the high volume of emails, we are not able to answer every query. We do our best to respond to questions that are not addressed by either list of FAQs.
Please see https://gradapply.ucsd.edu to apply or log in.
Applicants need not have completed their Undergraduate programs in order to apply. However, when an applicant's grades or preparation appear to be marginal, the department or the Graduate Division may defer action upon an application until a supplementary record or evidence of the receipt of a degree becomes available.
How to apply
Go to the online graduate application. Read and follow all instructions.
Graduate Application and Admissions Information
What you will need to apply
- Academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended since high school.
- A Statement of Purpose (MAE has no specific Statement of purpose guidelines different from what is provided by the UCSD Graduate Division)
- Three Letters of Recommendation (only include 3 letters, additional letters are not required) from individuals who can attest to the academic or professional competence and to the depth of the applicant's interest in pursuing graduate study. We accept online Letters of Recommendation only. For the online Letter of Recommendation process, you must provide the email address of each Recommender in your application.
- A Curriculum Vitae (Graduate School Resume)
- International applicants only: Scores for the TOEFL or IELTS Academic Training exam to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
NOTICE: GRE scores are not required for Fall 2023 MS or PHD applications.
Applicants for Fall 2023 Admission to MAE Graduate Programs (MS and PhD) will not need to provide a GRE score with their applications for Admission.
MAE has waived the GRE test requirement for all applications to our graduate programs (Fall 2023 Admission), meaning that as an applicant you may decide if you want to submit your GRE scores as a part of your application. Applications are evaluated as a total package. Each application is evaluated for excellence and best fit via recommendation letters, research experience and interest, tenacity and curiosity, leadership abilities, and prior academic achievements.
MAE accepts self-reported (unofficial) GRE scores at the time of application and admissions review. If you provide self-reported GRE scores in your application, you will be required to provide official scores when you matriculate. Offers of admission are not binding until official test scores have been received and verified by the UCSD Graduate Admissions Office.
Our graduate programs are GRE Optional, meaning that Faculty admissions evaluators can see whether an applicant has submitted GRE scores and what the scores are when they are submitted. If you have already taken the GREs and count them as reflective of your abilities, feel free to submit them. If you choose not to submit test scores, you will not be viewed negatively.
GRE scores are good for five (5) years.
When ordering your GRE score reports, use UCSD's institution code 4836. The department codes are not necessary. GRE score reports are typically received electronically within 5-7 business days from the order date.
More information about the GRE may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website.
Minimum Requirement: We do not have a minimum requirement. PhD and MS applicants that are offered Admission typically provide a quantitative GRE score within the 85 - 90 percentile and above.
Transcripts
We will accept unofficial transcripts at the time that you apply. The transcript MUST have your name on it and the name of the institution, in English. If you are offered admission, you will be required to provide an official transcript at that time.
Minimum GPA
The MS and PhD program has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, the typical GPA for admission is 3.50 or higher.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator
UC San Diego will be able to accept either the in-person English Language Proficiency scores, or internet-based test scores. More information can be found on our English Language Proficiency page.
The university-wide minimum score for the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is the same as the in-person TOEFL iBT minimum. Information regarding the TOFEL iBT Special Home Edition can be found on the ETS Website.
The university-wide minimum score for the IELTS Indicator is the same as the in-person IELTS minimum. Information regarding the IELTS Indicator can be found on the IELTS website.
All international applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English must take the TOEFL. Those with the status "permanent resident" do not need to take the TOEFL. Test scores can be self-reported on the application website. If nominated for admission, the official scores must be sent in to the Office of Graduate Admissions in order to receive the official admission offer.
Minimum TOEFL requirements for admission are: IBT 85, paper-based 550; IELTS 7.
Application: Information and forms are available from the TOEFL Services, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, or from United States embassies, consulates, and related centers; and the San Diego State University Testing Office, Student Services Building, Room 2549, 5300 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California 92182-0577. Telephone: (858) 594-5216. There is also lots of helpful information at www.ets.org.
MS and PhD Degree
Students can apply directly to the PhD program without an MS degree.
Applicants with previous Graduate Registration at UCSD
If you are applying to an MAE Graduate program and were previously registered as a graduate student at UCSD then you may start a new application. You can complete the application, but you should not submit it. Please contact Graduate Advisors: mae-gradadm@eng.ucsd.edu to notify them of your application.
Second Degree in MS or PhD
UC San Diego will not admit a student into the MS program if the student already possess an MS in the same or related field (engineering, physics, math, for example).
UC San Diego will not admit a student into the PhD program if the student already possess a PhD in the same or related field (engineering, physics, math, for example).
There are no exceptions granted. If you're unsure if your current MS or PhD fall within this, please ask us.
Housing
Housing is not guaranteed for graduate students. Contact the UCSD Graduate Housing Office for options. You can also check for off-campus housing options.
Admission and Registration
Official admission to graduate study at the university is contingent upon review of an applicant's record, receipt of final undergraduate transcript showing degree(s) awarded, an affirmative recommendation by the department and action by the UC San Diego Graduate Division. The dean of the Graduate Division or the department may deny admission if an applicant's scholastic record is undistinguished, if the preparation is judged inadequate as a foundation for advanced work, or in the event that no further students can be accommodated for a given quarter. Only the official Certificate of Admission from the dean of the Graduate Division constitutes formal approval of admission to a graduate program at UCSD.
Official notification of admission by the dean of the Graduate Division will be emailed well in advance of the beginning of the quarter for which application has been made.
Admission to graduate standing does not constitute registration for classes. A student is not officially registered for classes until the entire registration procedure is completed each quarter. Please contact the department for details.
Costs
Budget and Costs for International Graduate Students
Questions?
mae-gradadmissions@eng.ucsd.edu (specify MS or PhD in your email)