Course
Electrical Engineering
Offered by Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
QS Electrical & Electronic Engineering
QS Electrical & Electronic Engineering Rank: Top 45 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: #61
UC San Diego's ECE department is highly ranked and known for its strength in wireless communications, given San Diego's status as a major US telecommunications hub (home to Qualcomm).
Key advantages
- Top public university electrical engineering programme
- San Diego's telecommunications hub (Qualcomm HQ)
- Strong wireless communications research
- Beautiful coastal campus
- Good value for money
- Diverse international cohort
- Programme & duration
- MS: 1.5 – 2 years (full-time)
- Tuition (international)
- Approx. USD $42,000 – $55,000 per year for international students (indicative; verify on official website)
- Intakes
- Fall (September)
- English requirement
- TOEFL iBT: 90IELTS: 7.0PTE: 65
- Entry requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with strong academic record. GRE optional at many programmes.
Employability & placement
Excellent outcomes into wireless communications and semiconductor roles, supported by San Diego's telecommunications industry cluster.
Student experience
La Jolla offers a beautiful coastal Southern California setting. Strong international student community.
Research strengths
Research in wireless communications, signal processing, and photonics. Strong ties with San Diego's telecoms industry.