University of California, San Diego

How this program compares

At an estimated $86.4K in total tuition, the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence sits about 101% above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database — placing it in the 92nd percentile on cost among the 394 we track at this level. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0, programming experience, and coursework in algorithms, data structures, and probability is required. GRE scores are optional, and relevant research or professional experience strengthens applications.

About This Program

UC San Diego's MS in Computer Science with an AI specialization is offered by a CSE department consistently ranked among the nation's best, with particular strength in machine learning, computer vision, and systems. San Diego's growing biotech and tech sectors give the program a strong applied dimension.

Students benefit from UCSD's deep research bench and proximity to a thriving Southern California innovation economy, making it a strong fit for those targeting research-adjacent or applied AI engineering roles.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of University of California, San Diego's MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence most often target Computer Vision Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $140,000. Its focus on Computer Vision and MLOps/AI Engineering maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. AI Research Scientist
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Systems Architect

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for predictive analytics and decision-making.
• Develop AI agents using large language models for autonomous reasoning and task execution.
• Apply probabilistic methods and search algorithms to solve complex AI problems.
• Optimize systems for training and deploying large-scale AI models.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum covers core AI and machine learning foundations, supplemented by breadth requirements in computer systems and elective topics like deep learning and generative AI.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and tech firms like NVIDIA and Meta.

Admissions

Admission to University of California, San Diego's MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions