Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the program compare to online Masters and traditional MS programs?

Features

Master of Advanced Study at UCSD Jacobs

Traditional Masters degrees

On-line Masters degree

Program designed for

Engineering professionals seeking expanded competencies and hands-on instruction in a focused topic

Students seeking broader graduate education

Working professionals

Degree Completion Requirements

Capstone design project on real-world problem

Research thesis (with oral defense), written exam, or oral exam

Written tests

Cohort

Experienced engineers  (2+ years)

Recent undergraduates

Virtual colleagues of mixed engineering experience

Curriculum

Interdisciplinary Focus Applied to Industry Needs

Broad traditional disciplines

Broad traditional disciplines

Course Schedule

Fridays-Saturdays, alternating weekends

Monday-Friday during the day

At student's convenience; limited or no face-to-face interaction

Who is your target audience? We are seeking engineering professionals with more than 2 years of work experience. We are open to considering applications from engineers with less than 2 years experience however, engineers with 2 years or less must submit GRE scores in lieu of work experience.

How are applications reviewed? – A committee composed of faculty from the two participating departments will review applications and make recommendations concerning admissions. Final admissions decisions are the purview of the Dean of Graduate Study.

How soon are applicants notified of admission/rejection? – Barring unforeseen circumstances, admissions decisions will be made within four weeks after receipt of complete application.

Will students be able to brush–up or fill in skill gaps? – Depending on the area of deficiency, faculty may recommend specific materials, books, lectures, online video, courses etc., which might assist students with preparation for the program.

Can students take the program over several years if desired? – It is best for a student to complete the program within the designated timeframe as extending the time to degree may jeopardize the team nature of the program, especially the capstone courses. Unforeseen circumstances do arise which may call for an extension, however this would be reviewed on a case by case basis and with the approval of program directors.

Who owns the IP that results from capstone design projects completed in the program? – MAS students are not employees of UCSD, and therefore the university does not have ownership rights to IP generated by students in the program. The student and/or his or her employer may have rights to such IP. Since each company's IP policy is unique, the student should become familiar with his/her company's policy before undertaking a design project.