Graduate Studies

The UC Davis College of Engineering consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the nation.

We integrate teaching, research and service to society to offer highly qualified students the opportunity to advance the leading edge of engineering knowledge and find answers to society’s most challenging problems. At UC Davis, engineering serves as a vital bridge that connects areas of study to solve complex problems. Faculty and graduate students make important contributions to research understanding and societal well-being to serve California, the nation and the world.

  • One of the largest engineering schools in California
  • Award-winning, highly productive faculty researchers
  • A uniquely friendly, open society of rigorous scholarship
  • An exceptionally collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • Record levels of research funding
  • Robust partnerships with industry and national laboratories
  • Ranked 3rd in the nation among top 50 engineering programs for percentage of female faculty
  • Ranked 6th among U.S. universities based on their contributions to society (Washington Monthly 2010)

Graduate Programs/Groups

Financial Support

Contact the department you are interested in for more information about financial support and refer to UC Davis Office of Graduate Studies Student Financial Support.

Other sources of financial support include:

The TOPS program (Toward Outstanding Postgraduate Students) awards fellowships in the form of research assistant positions plus full-fee waivers for disadvantaged students. Nonresident tuition fellowships are available to select students as well.

UC Davis is a member of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science, Inc. (GEM) awarding M.S. and Ph.D. fellowships.

How to Be a Good Graduate Student

Biswanath Mukherjee, Child Family Professor of Computer Science, presents on what it takes to be a successful graduate student. Beyond the basic mechanics of scholarship, Muhkerjee's talk touches on the diverse elements of an exceptional and satisfying academic career. Download Slides

Gearing Up for Graduate School

Pre-Graduate Preparation, Coursework, and Advising

The program offers encouragement, and resources for undergraduates who seek information and guidance on graduate school planning and entry. If you are an undergraduate thinking ahead to grad school, we encourage you to:

  • explore and examine long-term possibilities for life post-graduation.
  • Set short and long-term goals
  • be proactive in preparing for their futures now to ensure broader choice and greater opportunity later.

Program Resources and Services

  • One-on-one pre-graduate developmental advising appointments; all class levels
  • Graduate application assistance for UC Davis undergraduates and prospective graduates
  • Statement of Purpose tutorials and edits
  • Pre-graduate informational presentations for student organizations
  • Undergraduate research / pre-graduate training resources and referral
  • Pre-graduate scientific and intellectual mentoring resources and referral
  • Resources on post-graduate careers in academia and industry
  • Resources for locating graduate funding

Engineering 98/198: Gearing Up for Graduate School Seminar

A course open to all majors and grade levels, to help prospective graduate students gear up for success.

Program Contact

Kim Reinking