Skip to main content
    GradsMatch
    Back to Programs
    University of California-Santa Cruz

    Computational Media MS

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Cruz, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $73,542.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    72%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    35
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is a 35-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Santa Cruz, US. Tuition is $73,542 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program provides foundational knowledge in computational media through core courses, topical courses in CM areas, and a student-defined thesis demonstrating application of integrative knowledge via supervised research. It covers interdisciplinary connections in areas like video games, interactive narrative, dynamic visualizations, VR, social media, and human-centered AI.

    Focus: research

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 11, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    optional
    Min Pre-2026: 89 (for Computational Media); 2026+: 4.5
    IELTS
    optional
    Min 7.0 overall

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $26,202.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is $73,542 across 35 required credits.
    Is Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz online or in-person?
    Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is offered in-person.
    How long does Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz take to complete?
    Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is structured around 2 years and 35 credits.
    What GPA is required for Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz?
    Per the program's published guidance: GPA (minimum 3.0)
    Is Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Computational Media MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.