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    University of California-Santa Cruz

    Computer Science and Engineering MS

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Cruz, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $73,542.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    44%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    48
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is a 48-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 requires 48 credits including core courses in research and teaching, algorithms, programming languages, and computer architecture, plus breadth, electives, and capstone. It offers Thesis Plan I for research-focused students and Capstone Plan II for industry preparation.

    Focus: both

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 26, 2027
    Fall 2028
    Jan 26, 2028

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Pre-2026 TOEFL scores: 89 (for Computer Science and Engineering); 2026 and ongoing TOEFL scores: 4.5
    IELTS
    required
    Min minimum overall score of 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $26,202.00
    Annual living cost

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    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 Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is $73,542 across 48 required credits.
    Is Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz online or in-person?
    Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is offered in-person.
    How long does Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz take to complete?
    Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz is structured around 2 years and 48 credits.
    What GPA is required for Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz?
    Per the program's published guidance: GPA (minimum 3.0)
    Is Computer Science and Engineering MS at University of California-Santa Cruz STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Computer Science and Engineering 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.