Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions

With 11 world-class graduate programs, College of Engineering students can explore interests across multiple disciplines and engage in various areas of research. Find out what it takes to join our master's and doctoral programs and start your journey in becoming part of the next generation of engineering leaders.

Applications for the academic year will open in September of the preceding year. Application deadlines vary by program (between December 1 and January 15).

Apply Today 

What is a Graduate Degree?

Broadly speaking, graduate education provides a student with advanced training and education within a specific topic. Depending on your ultimate goals, the experience may encompass coursework, research, and teaching. Earning a graduate degree is essential for working in research, product development, and academia. A graduate degree may also enable you to advance an industry career more quickly.

Graduate study is generally centered around a “problem” or “question” that YOU decide and frame, usually under the guidance of a faculty member. Graduate education is concerned less with completing a broad array of courses and developing general knowledge (like a bachelor’s degree). Instead, as a graduate student, you will complete a smaller number of courses, spend more time conducting various kinds of academic research, and write a thesis/dissertation in the model common to that discipline. In some engineering fields, a graduate degree is strongly encouraged, or even required, in order to advance further as a practicing engineer.

You may choose to pursue a graduate degree immediately after completing a bachelor’s degree, or you can choose to attend graduate school after working for a few years.

Types of Graduate Degrees

The UC Davis College of Engineering awards both Master’s and Doctoral degrees within our 11 graduate programs.

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Advanced study in fields related to science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Coursework may include traditional seminars, lab work, field work, and/or research. Usually culminates in a thesis or capstone project.
  
  All College of Engineering graduate programs offer an M.S. degree. 
  
  The following College of Engineering graduate programs offer an M.S. degree that can be completed in about one year: 
  Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Master of Engineering (M.ENG.)
• Advanced study in fields related to science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Coursework may include traditional seminars, lab work, and/or field work. Generally little or no research required. Culminates in a capstone project. 
  
  The following College of Engineering graduate programs offer an M.ENG. degree: 
  Biological Systems Engineering
  Chemical Engineering 
  Materials Science and Engineering
  Medical Device Development
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)
• Expert education and training in fields related to science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Coursework may include traditional seminars, lab work, and/or field work. Extensive original research required. Culminates in a dissertation. 
  
  All College of Engineering graduate programs offer a Ph.D. degree.

Here are a few ways to generally compare and contrast a master’s and a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree:

Master's 

Time to completion

• In as little as 9 months for select professional master's programs (project/exam)
• About 2 years for a thesis (research) based degree

Costs

• ~$21,000; Visit Finance & Business for current graduate tuition and fees (does not include living costs)
• You may be expected to pay out-of-pocket. It’s possible to offset your costs by working as a Teaching Assistant or a Graduate Student Researcher. Visit Student Academic Employment and Appointments for more information. 

Thesis

• A thesis, exam, or capstone project is required.

General Information

• More knowledge in your field of study
• A wider range of career opportunities
• “Specialize” within a topic of your choice
• Enhance problem-solving and analytical skills

Ph.D. 

Time to completion

• 4 – 5 years

Costs

• We pay for your tuition, fees, and living stipend!
• Full tuition, fees, health insurance, and a living stipend are provided for all admitted Ph.D. students. Students are generally expected to be supported by a faculty member by their second year.

Thesis

• Dissertation required

General Information

• Independent research conducted under the mentorship of a faculty member
• Traditional academic environment
• Expertise within a specific subject area
• Usually the highest degree you can attain in most fields

*Degree requirements vary by program. Consult with an advisor for details.