University of California, Los Angeles

How this program compares

University of California, Los Angeles's Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence lists about $52.9K total tuition — about 23% above the $42.9K AI master's average (71st percentile in our data). It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience in Python or equivalent and quantitative coursework in linear algebra and probability.

About This Program

UCLA's Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence delivers a rigorous, engineering-focused AI degree from one of the country's premier public universities, located at the center of the Los Angeles tech and media economy. The curriculum balances machine learning fundamentals with applied engineering practice.

UCLA's brand strength and LA's expanding role in entertainment AI, gaming, and startups make the program attractive for students who want a respected credential and access to a major West Coast hiring market.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of University of California, Los Angeles's Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence most often target Machine Learning Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $120,000. Its focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision 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. AI/ML Engineer
• 2. Data Scientist
• 3. Computer Vision Engineer
• 4. NLP Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for real-world applications
• Develop deep learning architectures for tasks like image recognition and NLP
• Apply generative AI techniques including large language models
• Evaluate AI systems for ethics, bias, and societal impact

Curriculum Highlights

The 36-unit requirement includes five technical depth courses (two core AI plus three electives), three professional development courses, and a capstone project.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and AI research labs at companies like OpenAI and NVIDIA.

Admissions

Admission to University of California, Los Angeles's Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence 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