Contiguous Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathway: Computer Science and Engineering
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers a combined bachelor's degree and master of science degree path. Undergraduate students in computer science can apply to the path in order to earn a B.S. degree or a B.A. degree together with an M.S. degree in computer science and engineering. It is expected that the combined path can be completed in five years.
The five-year bachelor's/master's path offers a competitive edge to students who are completing their undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz, by enabling those with advanced preparation to move directly from the undergraduate to the graduate program. The path assists qualified enrolled students with a simplified graduate application process that does not require students to take the graduate record examination (GRE) if they have an overall GPA of 3.5 or above by the end of their junior year standing, and makes it possible to complete an M.S. degree with just nine courses beyond the bachelor’s degree.
The path prepares students for leadership positions in industry. The School of Engineering has many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research. Upon advancement to graduate standing, students are eligible for financial support as graduate research assistants and teaching assistants.
Particularly motivated students can complete both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees in 15 quarters. However, advance planning is essential. Interested students should contact the Graduate Student Affairs Office and their faculty adviser early in their college career—no later than the end of their junior year. Students in this path retain undergraduate status until the completion of all undergraduate requirements, but may begin graduate coursework in advance of graduate standing.
Admission to the Contiguous Five-Year Bachelor’s/Master’s Path
The undergraduate degree requirements are the same as those for all computer science majors. Admission to the five-year contiguous path is gained by formally applying to the Computer Science and Engineering Masters program. The application deadline is usually in December or early January. UC Santa Cruz undergraduate students majoring in computer science may have the graduate record examination (GRE) waived if their overall GPA is 3.5 or above after their third quarter of junior year standing. Contact the graduate advising office for more information.