Prospective Student Resources

How do I apply to the UCSB Computer Engineering Program?

Visit the University of California Admissions website for information about:

• How to apply: dates & deadlines, check majors, apply online, personal statement, application fees
• Freshman: requirements, CA residents, how applications are reviewed, freshman admission profiles
• Transfers: requirements, major preparation paths, transfer admission guarantee, how apps are reviewed
• International: TOEFL/IELTS exams, passports & visas, finances, living accommodations, admissions contacts
• Campuses: UCSB Campus Admissions
• Paying for UC: What does UC cost?, financial aid, scholarships, tax credits & savings plans, payment plans

Visit UCSB Admissions & Publications and Videos or information about: Why UCSB, Our Location, Visit UCSB, Cost, Applying & Connect with UCSB

How much does it cost per academic year at UCSB (Fall, Winter, Spring Quarters)?

The UCSB Financial Aid Office has an online cost of attendance form that calculates costs for the academic year. The Cost of Attendance webpage includes residency (CA resident / non-resident) and housing (commuter, off-campus and university) options.

Should I take any computer programming classes to prepare for the CE Program curriculum?

If you have never had a computer programming class, the Computer Science Department offers an optional course, CMPSC 8, which will prepare you for the introductory programming sequence in CE.

What's the current job outlook for computer engineers?

According to the "2017-18 PayScale College Salary Report - Highest Paying Bachelor Degrees by Salary Potential" is listed with an early career pay at $70,300 and mid-career at $116,000.

For additional information, the College of Engineering has an excellent Career Services web page that helps undergraduates and graduate students locate jobs and internships.

Who do I contact if I have curriculum questions?

To receive a Computer Engineering degree from UCSB, students must satisfy three sets of requirements: major, college and university. As a first point of reference for curriculum questions, go to the CE Curriculum webpage. For additional questions, contact the following:

• MAJOR (Computer Engineering degree requirements): ECE Student Affairs Office - Trailer 380, Rm 101 | (805) 893-8292 | ugradinfo@ece.ucsb.edu
• COLLEGE (College of Engineering general education requirements): College of Engineering Office of Undergraduate Studies - Harold Frank Hall, Room 1006 | (805) 893-2809 | coe-info@engineering.ucsb.edu
• UNIVERSITY (UC, Santa Barbara general education requirements): College of Engineering Office of Undergraduate Studies - Harold Frank Hall, Room 1006 | (805) 893-2809 | coe-info@engineering.ucsb.edu

Not sure? Contact the ECE Student Affairs Office - Trailer 380, Rm 101 | (805) 893-8292 | ugradinfo@ece.ucsb.edu

Who do I contact if I am a transfer student?

The College of Engineering Undergraduate Studies Office handles all Prospective Transfer Students inquiries.

Who do I contact If I am interested in undergraduate research opportunities?

The College of Engineering's Undergraduate Research Opportunities web page has information such as How & When to Get Started, Research Programs and more.

Also, consult directly with CE faculty members who a have similar interests so they can steer you in the right direction. Both faculty research interests and research areas are available on the CE Program website under Areas of Research.

Why is the Computer Engineering Program called a "Program"?

The Computer Engineering Program acts, in many respects, like a separate department but it is not totally independent. The Computer Engineering curriculum is jointly administered by the Computer Science Department and the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, thus making it a program rather than a separate department. Computer Engineering students receive a comprehensive program of study - 50% of instruction is from Computer Science and 50% of instruction is from Electrical & Computer Engineering.

The UCSB Computer Engineering B.S. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

What percent of CE Program students become involved in hands-on computer systems design work?

100% - all Computer Engineering students are required to complete a Senior "Capstone" design project as part of their senior elective plan.

Are there internship and job opportunities available for computer engineering students?

Santa Barbara and the Goleta area are known as being a part of the technology corridor between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Many technology companies are located in our area and contact us seeking students who are interested in participating in internship and employment opportunities. The ECE Student Office regularly sends out Umail email notifications to students about these opportunities.

Students are also advised to initiate direct contact with companies and to discuss internship and employment interests with faculty members since many have their own research labs and also have contact with local industry.

UCSB Career Services has an official website for jobs, internships, and campus interviews called Handshake. In addition, Handshake serves as a gateway to subscription services that are free for UCSB students. Also, check out the College of Engineering's Internships & Career Services web page that has information about careers, internships (research and industry) and networking opportunities.

Annual Career Events occur throughout the year and are a great opportunity to see which companies are looking for interns. This is also an excellent chance to network for employment after graduation.

Can I participate in the University of California's study abroad program?

Yes - the UCSB Office of the Education Abroad Program (EAP) is dedicated to making the experience of such study available to as many qualified UCSB students as possible. EAP allows students to continue to progress toward their degrees while living and studying in some of the best academic institutions around the world.

For more information about EAP, contact the College of Engineering liaison, Frances Fouch - francesf@engineering.ucsb.edu.

Can I participate in the UCSB Technology Management program?

Yes - students can participate in UCSB Technology Management Program (TMP).

The Technology Management Program's educational programs include classes in management, entrepreneurship, new product development, marketing, and much more taught by world-class scholars, highly successful business lecturers and entrepreneurs.

The program's New Venture Competition (NVC) has launched new ventures including several EE and CE senior year projects.

What is the advantage of the combined Bachelor of Science / Master of Science degree program?

Computer Engineering students may obtain both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree either in Electrical & Computer Engineering or in Computer Science by taking applicable courses in the last half of their senior year. Students interested in the BS/MS Program may apply in the Spring quarter of their junior year after they have taken their junior level courses For the BS/MS program in ECE. Please see the ECE student office for more information. Check with the Computer Science department for the BS/MS program in Computer Science deadline and requirements. The applicant should have a good GPA and faculty recommendations. Roughly the top 25% of Computer Engineering students may be eligible to apply for the BS/MS Program.

Does UCSB, the College of Engineering and ECE have campus tours?

The University holds its Spring Insight Open House every April.

For additional information about visiting UCSB go to the UCSB Visitor Center webpage for information about:

• Reservations
  • Campus Walking Tours
  • Admissions Presentations
  • UC Application Workshops
  • Virtual UCSB: webinars/ chats
• Self-Guided Podcast and App Tours
• Visitor Center Hours / Schedule

In October and November, UCSB offers an "Engineering at UCSB: Presentation & Tour." To register for the one-hour info session and 90-minute guided walking tour of campus, visit Admissions Tours and Presentations.

Also, the College of Engineering (CoE) and the ECE Department offer student advising by appointment only.

• CoE: admissions@engineering.ucsb.edu
• ECE: ugradinfo@ece.ucsb.edu