Bachelor's/Master's Program

Undergraduate UCSD CSE majors who maintain a distinguished record may apply to the master's program through the Five-Year Bachelor's/Master's Program. Acceptance into this program is an honor which carries with it practical benefits, one of which is the simplification of the graduate application process (no GREs are required). In addition, advanced students have access to graduate level courses and opportunities to do graduate level research under the direct supervision of UCSD's faculty before completing their bachelor's degree. Furthermore, with adequate planning, students accepted into this program will be able to complete the requirements for the master's degree within one year following receipt of the bachelor's degree.

CSE Five-Year Bachelor's/Master's Program and Admission Requirements

Exceptionally promising undergraduate students in the Computer Science and Engineering Department who are enrolled in the B.S. or B.A. Computer Science or B.S. in Computer Engineering degree programs, and who maintain a distinguished scholastic record through the junior year are eligible to apply for the Five-Year Bachelor's-Master's Degree Program. The number of students admitted during the fall, winter, and spring quarters will be based upon the availability of openings in the program. Because the program may become impacted for a particular time period, student requests for admission may be deferred to a later quarter.

BS/MS QUESTIONS

• All questions for the BS/MS Application Requirements and BS/MS Program are supported through the BS/MS email account cse-gradinfo-bsms@ucsd.edu

• Prospective Applicants for Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and all Future Application Quarters: Questions are supported through email only at cse-gradinfo-bsms@ucsd.edu only. 

• SPRING 2025 Admitted Incoming BS/MS: FAQs HERE

• FALL 2025 Admitted Incoming BS/MS: FAQs HERE

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.4

• GPA of 3.4 in seven of the upper-division core courses (28 units).

• CS26 majors following the fall 2023 curriculum:
  • GPA of 3.4 for the following: Complete 3 Core Upper-Division courses (CSE 100/100R, CSE 101, and CSE 110)   *AND* 4 Upper-Division Electives courses from the CSE Department (total of 7 courses, 28 units). 

Additional Policies:

• A student is permitted to have *in-progress* upper-division core courses at the time of application (transcript update must be submitted immediately once grades are posted that quarter). Updated transcripts with grade results are required for the application at the end of the quarter, with grade results posted for the in-progress upper-division core courses.

• Transfer students are welcome to meet with a CSE MS Advisor (cse-gradinfo-bsms@ucsd.edu) regarding completion of this requirement

• Students are recommended to apply during the junior year of their undergraduate study to meet the five-year BS/MS timeline. In some cases, the admissions committee may consider applicants that are senior level in the undergraduate program.

• Note:  Meeting or even exceeding these minimum requirements does not guarantee admittance to the program. Successful applicants are often further distinguished by a high level of accomplishment outside of their coursework, either through extensive industry internships or research experiences.

• Applications must be submitted by the published deadlines below. Grades for courses in progress will be reviewed before final action can be taken on the application.

• Undergraduate students in the Computer Science and Engineering Department who are enrolled in the B.S. or B.A. Computer Science or B.S. in Computer Engineering degree programs

• Admitted BS/MS students in BS/MS programs are required by Graduate Division policy to begin graduate enrollment in the immediate quarter after the final undergraduate quarter is completed.

• NOTE: Admitted BS/MS Students interested in this program can enroll in graduate courses before being officially admitted to the graduate program. However, taking graduate courses does not guarantee admission. Once a petition is approved, up to five completed CSE graduate level courses can be counted toward the units required for a Master's degree. Be advised that courses taken while in this program may be used to fulfill the degree requirements for only one of the programs, i.e. the Bachelor's of Arts, the Bachelor's of Science, or the Master's of Science. Courses must be listed in the official final degree as extra coursework not completed for the UG major or college requirements (or BS degree). Courses may not be used for more than one program. Courses must be B- or above and eligible under the MS breadth, depth, electives requirements in order to be considered for the petition. CSE 298/CSE 293 are not eligible to be petitioned or transferred if completed during UG program. 

Application Deadlines for BS/MS Program 

Note:  UCSD undergraduates from any major (including CSE) may apply directly to the MS Program.  The application process and deadlines are different.

Application Requirements

1. Application: Complete and Submit the Graduate Online Application  **Students should apply no later than the fourth quarter prior to the receipt of the bachelor's degree; i.e. have at least three quarters remaining in the bachelor degree program. Exceptions or extensions to the application deadlines will not be considered.

2. Statement of Purpose : An applicant's statement of purpose is very important. Please be concise and as specific as possible in preparing your statement. Provide information that will aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your potential for completing the M.S. program of study in CSE. Applicants are recommended to include information about internship/work or research/project experience.  For guidelines on how to write a statement of purpose, please visit the UCSD Career Services Center.

3. Letters of Recommendation : One (1) letter of recommendation is required, but additional letters are encouraged (BS/MS Applications only, updated 4/29/24).  It strongly recommended that the letters of recommendation be completed by individuals who are in a position to analyze your ability and academic promise.

4. Official Transcripts : Please upload transcripts from UCSD and all institutions or colleges you have attended since high school regardless of the length of attendance.

5. Resume: Applicants should include relevant research/project or internship/work experience.

Student Advising 

For questions, You can contact the BS/MS Admissions Advisor via email at cse-gradinfo-bsms@ucsd.edu

Many students are not sure how attending graduate school can advance them along their career path. If you have questions about how gaining an advanced degree can benefit you, or about which schools and programs might be best for you, advisors in the CSE Student Affairs Office can offer you insightful information.

The CSE Admissions Advisor can assist you with the following:

• Preparation for graduate school
• Assistance with your statement of purpose, letters of recommendations and waivers, tentative plan of study, and transcripts
• Final notification of acceptance

The CSE Undergraduate Advisors can assist you with the following:

• Putting together a four-year plan to follow for your undergraduate degree
• Making graduate school part of your graduation goals
• How to prepare during your freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years for graduate school
• How your grades, research, internships and extra-curricular activities affect your application
• Reviewing undergraduate degree requirements for completeness
• Enrollment permission into CSE graduate courses as an undergraduate student