Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering in San Jose
Explore computer science and engineering at WUC’s San Jose campus in Silicon Valley. The MSCSE is a 36-unit master’s program, completed in about 14 months full-time, with hybrid coursework and $11,880 tuition before additional fees. No GRE or GMAT is required.
MSCSE Program Highlights
14 mo
Length of Study
Full-time · 3+ courses / semester
$330
Per Unit
$11,880 total tuition
36
Total Units
12 courses, including the CSE590 capstone
No GRE
Required
GMAT also not required
About the MSCSE Program
The Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering (MSCSE) program is designed to provide breadth of understanding in the core topics of computer science, in-depth advanced material, and a range of topics in the research areas of the faculty.
A balance of theory and practice prepares students to perform research as well as training them to become practicing computer scientists or software engineers in business, industry, or government. A thesis option is available to prepare students for doctoral studies or other research-oriented career paths.
Many of our MSCSE faculty also work at leading Silicon Valley companies, including Apple Inc., bringing real-world expertise directly into the classroom.
Class registration: continuing students register each term through the MSCSE class registration page; term dates are listed in MyWUC.
Quick Facts
- Length: 14 months
- Tuition: US $11,880
- Per unit: $330
- Total credits: 36 semester units
- Testing: No GRE / GMAT required
- Format: Hybrid format: 10.5 of 36 units delivered online (CSE500 and CE530 fully online; CS560, CE520 and CSE590 hybrid; all other courses in person)
Questions? (408) 913-9393 · mscse@wuc.edu
CSE Curriculum & Courses
Foundation (3 required)
- CSE500 — Computer Architecture
- CSE510 — Operating System
- CE500 — Fundamentals of Embedded Engineering
Computer Science core (all 4 required)
- CS500 — Advanced Structured Programming & Algorithms
- CS520 — Data Modeling and Implementation
- CS560 — Advanced Internet Programming and Design
- CS570 — Introduction to Machine Learning & Data Mining
Computer Engineering core (all 4 required)
- CE520 — Real-time Systems and Programming
- CE530 — Embedded Design in Network Environment
- CE535 — Embedded Software Design in Linux
- CE550 — Parallel Computer Architecture & Programming
Capstone: CSE590 — Capstone & Thesis. Prerequisites (for applicants whose bachelor’s degree is not in Computer Science or Computer Engineering): Introduction to Circuit Analysis · Program Design and Analysis in C Language · Object-Oriented Programming in C++ · Introduction to Unix/Linux · Introduction to Networking · Java and Internet Applications. Each may be satisfied by completing the course or passing a challenge exam; requirements are confirmed with an academic advisor at admission.
Enrollment: full-time = 9+ units per semester; maximum 15 units (more requires Dean approval). Up to 50% of program credits may be transferred. Sample full-time plan: Fall (CSE500, CSE510, CE500) → Spring (CS500, CS520, CS560) → Summer (CS570, CE520, CE530) → Fall (CE535, CE550, CSE590).
Key Capstone Project Areas
Apply your program coursework to a real research problem. Choose from areas suggested by the Capstone Project Review Committee.
Artificial Intelligence
- AI Healthcare / TCM chatbot
- Customer-focused e-commerce with AI bot
- Website evaluation using opinion mining
- Facial recognition · attendance / surveillance
- Fare payment software
- Intelligent transportation system
Data Science & Big Data
- Geographic preferences in consumer buying
- Fast recovery of deleted commercial data
- Computerized registration / insurance application
- Cashierless & cashless transaction systems
- Machine vision (open-source) applications
- Warehouse & inventory control system
Machine Learning & Automation
- Autonomous driving & automation
- Self-driving car engineer capstone
- ML for autonomous-driving pipelines
- Autonomous driving + surveillance / security
Explore the CSE Student Project Showcase
MSCSE Admission Requirements
- Education: Baccalaureate degree from a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accredited institution (or foreign equivalent).
- Verification: Degree conferral verified by WUC. Official transcripts, sent directly from the issuing institution, must be received before admission is finalized.
- Testing: No GRE or GMAT scores required.
- Prerequisites (for applicants whose bachelor’s degree is not in Computer Science or Computer Engineering): Introduction to Circuit Analysis · Program Design and Analysis in C Language · Object-Oriented Programming in C++ · Introduction to Unix/Linux · Introduction to Networking · Java and Internet Applications. Each may be satisfied by completing the course or passing a challenge exam; requirements are confirmed with an academic advisor at admission.
- GPA: Minimum GPA 2.5 (most recent degree, or final two years of full-time study)
- Academic standing: Good academic standing
- Legal residency: Legal residency documentation (B1/B2 not accepted)
- English proficiency (non-native speakers): TOEFL iBT 80 / IELTS 6.5 / Duolingo 105 / Cambridge FCE or CAE grade C / CEFR B2 / PTE Academic 53, or two years of full-time study in English in the U.S.
- Foreign degrees: NACES or AICE evaluation
Tuition & Length
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total tuition | US $11,880 |
| Per unit | $330 |
| Length of study | 14 months (full-time) |
| Total units | 36 semester credits (12 courses) |
| Composition | 3 foundation + 4 CS + 4 CE + 1 capstone |
| Application fee | $150 |
| Books (estimated) | $400 |
| Student service fee | $30 per semester |
| Graduation fee | $390 ($100 if no ceremony) |
| Tuition + estimated books + application fee | $12,430 |
Apply for MSCSE Today
Review MSCSE requirements, speak with an academic advisor and submit the official admissions form when your documents are ready.
Talk to Us
Admission Office
(408) 913-9393
grad-admissions@wuc.edu
Academic Advisor
(408) 913-9393
mscse@wuc.edu
Campus Address
3150 Almaden Expy., Suite 111
San Jose, CA 95118
Related: Admission · MSAHM · ESL · Academic Overview
Plan for the full cost of attendance
Published tuition covers program tuition. Books are estimates. Student service fees are charged each semester; graduation, installment and other applicable fees are separate. Living expenses, transport and any prerequisite coursework are also separate. Ask Admissions for an itemized estimate for your study plan and refer to the current catalog and enrollment agreement.
MSAHM tuition + application fee + estimated books: $53,175 ($51,525 + $150 + $1,500). MSCSE tuition + application fee + estimated books: $12,430 ($11,880 + $150 + $400). These subtotals exclude other applicable fees.
Review tuition, other fees and refund information →Questions before you apply
Questions from Bay Area applicants
Are GRE or GMAT scores required?
No. The MSCSE program does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants must meet the published academic, language and documentation requirements.
Can I apply with a bachelor’s degree outside computer science?
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree is not in Computer Science or Computer Engineering complete designated prerequisites or pass challenge examinations. Requirements are confirmed with an academic advisor before starting the program.
Is this an entirely online degree?
MSCSE uses a hybrid format: 10.5 of 36 units are delivered online, with the remaining instruction in person. Confirm your current course timetable before planning Bay Area travel. Distance-education courses require students to be physically in California.
What is the duration and tuition?
The full-time program is about 14 months and 36 semester credits. Tuition is $11,880 ($330 per unit), before additional fees and books. Review tuition and fees.
Where can I learn about faculty and projects?
Review CSE faculty backgrounds and the curriculum and capstone areas on this page. Ask the academic advisor about current project supervision and course availability.
Does the Chinese program page mean MSCSE is taught in Chinese?
No. MSCSE is taught in English. The Chinese website helps applicants understand the program; it does not change the language of instruction or English-proficiency requirements. Review admission requirements.
What should I confirm before commuting from elsewhere in the Bay Area?
Request the current course timetable and identify in-person dates, online sessions and capstone requirements. The published hybrid format does not establish a fixed number of campus trips per week. See the campus-visit and commute checklist.
Page updated October 12, 2026. Confirm the current intake, timetable and fee schedule with Admissions before making arrangements.