Santa Clara University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $57.7K puts this master's program at the 74th percentile on cost — about 34% above the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with coursework in signals and systems, linear algebra, and probability. Relevant programming experience and GRE scores are often recommended but may be optional.

About This Program

This graduate program provides a balanced foundation in digital signal processing theory and modern implementation methods, suitable for professionals in diverse engineering disciplines. Coursework concentrates on Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

Budget planners should note $57.7K estimated total tuition (74th percentile among AI master's programs, above the $42.9K average). Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 65 AI-related programs we track in California, of which about 37% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 58% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Analyze continuous and discrete-time signals using Fourier, Laplace, and Z transforms.

Career Outcomes

Santa Clara University positions this master track for Machine Learning Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $120,000. Its focus on Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing (NLP) maps directly to how employers in engineering ai screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. Signal Processing Engineer
• 3. AI Systems Engineer
• 4. Embedded Systems Developer

What You'll Learn

• Analyze continuous and discrete-time signals using Fourier, Laplace, and Z transforms.
• Apply machine learning techniques to signal processing tasks like classification and regression.
• Design algorithms for statistical inference and optimization in noisy data environments.
• Implement deep learning models for applications in communications, imaging, and control systems.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum includes core courses in digital signal processing, probability, and linear algebra, with elective concentrations in machine learning, image processing, or theory and methods.

Top Employers

Top employers include tech companies like Google, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Intel, as well as research labs and defense contractors.

Admissions

Admission to Santa Clara University's MS in ECE - Signal Processing and Machine Learning generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions