About B.s. Computer Science in University of California San Diego
This is CSE’s core major, preparing students to contribute to the profound societal changes being brought about by innovations in computing. Courses and research are centered on exciting areas like algorithms, computer architecture, computer vision & graphics, cryptography & security, databases, embedded systems, machine learning (AI), mobile computing, programming languages, software engineering, and systems & networking. Students interested in a hardware emphasis might also consider Computer Engineering (CS25). The CSE program provides three majors in all, with numerous electives, allowing flexibility to explore your academic and career interests.
The lower-division course requirements are designed to provide a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, programming methodology and skills, and computer organization. Upper-division core courses deal with the theory and design of algorithms, hardware, and software. Electives allow students to gain additional breadth and/or depth in computer science and engineering.
GPA (Grade-Point Average) Requirement
To be eligible for admission to UC San Diego, you must earn the following minimum GPAs:
- California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
- Non-California residents & International applicants must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than "C."
Your GPA is based on the above college preparatory (A-G) courses taken during 10th and 11th grades. Students admitted to UC San Diego have GPAs that exceed these minimums.
UC San Diego will not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions through Fall 2024. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.
International Students
If your native language is not English and your secondary/high school education was in a country where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) and have your scores reported to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 83 is required for the TOEFL, or a minimum score of 7 is required for the IELTS. Learn more on the International Students page.
University of California Cost of Attendance
An expected budget for overseas students wishing to study in the United States is as follows for potential university aspirants enrolling in the forthcoming sessional term:
| Cost of Attendance |
On-Campus (USD) |
Off-Campus (USD) |
| Tuition |
14,480 |
14,480 |
| Housing and Meals |
14,680 |
13,942 |
| Books and Supplies |
1,124 |
1,124 |
| Transportation |
1,363 |
1,537 |
| Personal Expenses |
723 |
1,287 |
| Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition |
29,754 |
29,754 |
| Total |
62,124 |
62,124 |
The cost of attendance for graduate programs varies by program. However, the estimated cost is presented below:
| Fees |
Amount (USD) |
| Student Services Fee |
1,128.00 |
| Tuition |
11,442.00 |
| University Center Fee |
304.38 |
| Recreation Facility Fee |
351.00 |
| GSA Fee |
36.00 |
| Student Transportation Fee |
193.74 |
| Health Insurance |
3,900.00 |
| Nonresident Supplemental Tuition |
15,102.00 |
| Total |
32,457.12 |
