Explore Our Graduate Programs
Click each program to learn more.
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Bioengineering
Degrees: M.S., Ph.D., online option, B.S.+M.S. option
Graduate advisor email: big@engr.ucr.eduBioengineering prepares graduate students to apply engineering principles to human health, medicine, biotechnology and biological systems. Students join the Bioengineering Interdepartmental Graduate Program, known as BIG, an immersive and interdisciplinary graduate experience that connects students with faculty across four colleges, industry partners and research centers across the UC system.
The program is a strong fit for students interested in biomedical innovation, biotechnology, regenerative medicine, imaging, neuroengineering and computational biology. Graduate students gain access to collaborative research opportunities, including work connected to UCR’s Center for Advanced Neuroengineering and the broader health and life sciences ecosystem.
Core research areas:
- Biomaterials and regenerative medicine
- Biomedical imaging
- Computational bioengineering
- Neuroengineering
- Molecular and cellular engineering
Good fit for students interested in:
- Medical devices
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical imaging
- Regenerative medicine
- Neural engineering
- Health-focused research
- Alumni outcomes featured in brochure
Alumni have gone on to roles at Nova Therapeutics, City of Hope and Helbling Precision Engineering.
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Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Degrees: M.S., Ph.D., online option, B.S.+M.S. option
Graduate advisor email: gradcee@engr.ucr.eduChemical and Environmental Engineering gives graduate students the opportunity to work at the intersection of chemical processes, environmental systems, energy, biotechnology, materials and sustainability. BCOE describes it as one of the few departments in the country that encompasses teaching and research in both chemical and environmental engineering, giving students important synergies between the two fields.
Students benefit from strong connections to environmental research and regional partnerships, including the California Air Resources Board and UCR’s Center for Environmental Research and Technology, known as CE-CERT. The department is also connected to the world’s largest known indoor atmospheric chamber and the Center for Industrial Biotechnology.
Core research areas:
- Computation and molecular engineering
- Biotechnology and biomolecular engineering
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology
- Energy conversion and storage
- Air quality systems engineering
- Water quality systems engineering
Good fit for students interested in:
- Clean energy
- Air and water quality
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Environmental systems
- Advanced materials
Alumni have gone on to roles at Element Biosciences, Zymergen Inc. and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
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Computer Engineering
Degree: M.S.
Graduate advisor email: cengradinfo@engr.ucr.eduComputer Engineering prepares graduate students to design and improve computing systems across both hardware and software. The program focuses on building faster, more energy-efficient, smaller, more secure and more reliable computer systems.
Students study computing systems at multiple scales, including embedded devices, computer architecture, digital design, high-performance computing and very-large-scale integration circuits and systems. The program is a strong fit for students who want to connect computer hardware, software and systems research.
Core research areas:
- Compilers and software systems
- Computer architecture
- Digital design and design automation
- Embedded and real-time systems
- High-performance computing
- VLSI circuits and systems
Good fit for students interested in:
- Hardware-software systems
- Computer architecture
- Embedded computing
- Chip design
- High-performance computing
- Secure computing systems
Alumni have gone on to roles at Nutanix Inc., zyBooks and Esri.
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Electrical Engineering
Degrees: M.S., Ph.D., online option, B.S.+M.S. option
Graduate advisor email: ecegradoffice@ece.ucr.eduElectrical Engineering graduate students study technologies that power communication, robotics, intelligent systems, advanced devices, nanotechnology and smart energy infrastructure. The program introduces students to the latest research and applications in electrical engineering while connecting them with several of UCR’s premier research centers.
The program is interdisciplinary by nature, with applications across computing, transportation, robotics, communications, energy, medicine and industry. It is a strong fit for students interested in signals, circuits, systems, controls, smart grids and intelligent technologies.
Core research areas:
- Communications, signal processing and networking
- Computer engineering
- Controls and robotics
- Intelligent systems
- Nanotechnology, advanced materials and devices
- Power systems and smart grid
Good fit for students interested in:
- Robotics and controls
- Smart grid technology
- Semiconductors
- Signal processing
- Communications
- Intelligent systems
- Embedded technologies
Alumni have gone on to roles at Google, The Aerospace Corporation and the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab.
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Materials Science and Engineering
Degrees: M.S., Ph.D., online option
Graduate advisor email: mse-program@engr.ucr.eduMaterials Science and Engineering prepares students to understand, predict, modify and tailor materials for enhanced performance. The program combines engineering faculty with faculty from the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, expanding student opportunities for interdisciplinary research and specialized expertise.
This program is a strong fit for students interested in materials used in energy, electronics, health, aerospace, manufacturing and emerging technologies. Students study materials from the atomic and molecular scale to real-world applications.
Core research areas:
- Soft matter and biomaterials
- Structural materials
- Computational materials
- Material processing
- Electronic, optical and magnetic materials
- Energy materials
Good fit for students interested in:
- Nanotechnology
- Semiconductors
- Energy materials
- Biomaterials
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace materials
- Computational materials
Alumni have gone on to roles at Intel Corporation, Keysight Technologies and Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.
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Mechanical Engineering
Degrees: M.S., Ph.D., online option, B.S.+M.S. option
Graduate advisor email: me-gradprogram@engr.ucr.eduMechanical Engineering provides graduate students with a strong foundation in classical mechanical engineering and opportunities to work in cutting-edge areas such as robotics, biotechnology, energy systems, advanced materials and manufacturing.
Students can design, research and develop experimental projects in UCR’s 4,300-square-foot machine shop. The program is a strong fit for students interested in hands-on research, physical systems, advanced design and real-world engineering applications.
Core research areas:
- Air quality and fire engineering
- Bioapplications
- Controls, robotics and automation
- Mechanics, advanced materials and manufacturing
- Nanoscale design and micro-device engineering
- Thermal systems and multiphase flows
Good fit for students interested in:
- Robotics
- Aerospace systems
- Energy systems
- Advanced manufacturing
- Fire engineering
- Thermal and fluid systems
- Mechanical design
Alumni have gone on to roles at UC Merced, NAVSEA-NSWC Corona and Intel Corp.
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Robotics
Degree: M.S.
Graduate advisor email: roboticsms@engr.ucr.eduThe M.S. in Robotics focuses on the mechanical, electrical and algorithmic principles behind the design, construction and operation of intelligent and autonomous robots in complex settings. The program gives students comprehensive theoretical preparation and practical training using state-of-the-art robotics facilities.
Robotics is an interdisciplinary program with faculty from computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Students can focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, perception, controls, navigation, embedded platforms and mechanical design.
Core research areas:
- Artificial intelligence and perception
- Control and navigation
- Embedded platforms and system design
- Mechanical design and fabrication
Good fit for students interested in:
- Autonomous robots
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotic perception
- Embedded systems
- Motion planning
- Controls
- Mechanical design
The graduate brochure features Amit Roy-Chowdhury, Fabio Pasqualetti and Jiasi Chen as faculty connected to robotics.
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Industrial Biotechnology
Degree: M.S. specialization
Emphasis: Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Graduate advisor email: cib@engr.ucr.eduIndustrial Biotechnology trains engineers in skills required for biotherapeutics production, including fermentation, cell culture, chromatography and membrane processes. It is one of the nation’s few programs focused on this kind of industry-aligned biotechnology production training.
The program pairs master’s-level education with targeted experience at a research center and prepares students to work in areas that connect engineering, biology and large-scale production.
Focus areas:
- Agriculture
- Industrial chemistry
- Biofuels
- Health care
Good fit for students interested in:
- Biotechnology production
- Bioprocess engineering
- Biofuels
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Health care innovation
Alumni have gone on to roles at Applied Geoscience and Engineering Inc., VIRUN and Illumina.
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Air Quality Systems Engineering
Degree: M.S. specialization
Emphasis: Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Graduate advisor email: gradcee@engr.ucr.eduAir Quality Systems Engineering prepares students to address air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, climate and environmental systems challenges. Students benefit from the college’s decades-long partnerships with air quality organizations, including the California Air Resources Board, as well as access to the world’s largest indoor atmospheric simulation chamber.
The program is especially relevant for students interested in environmental engineering, climate resilience, air pollution, emissions, transportation systems and public health.
Core research areas:
- Secondary organic aerosol production from biomass burning-derived precursors
- Detailed chemical measurements and predictive biomass burning models
- Bulk and surface nanoparticle processes
- Air pollution systems
Good fit for students interested in:
- Air quality
- Climate change
- Atmospheric research
- Environmental policy support
- Transportation emissions
- Public health engineering
The brochure features David Cocker and Don Collins as faculty connected to this specialization.
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Master of Science in Engineering Online
Degree: M.S.
Format: 100% online
Graduate advisor email: msol@engr.ucr.eduThe Master of Science in Engineering Online is designed for working professional engineers who want to advance their technical knowledge, strengthen management skills and continue their careers while earning a graduate degree. The program combines targeted engineering skills with management strategy and is delivered by experts with industry experience.
Students can graduate in as few as 13 months, choose from seven specializations, complete the program with no residency requirement and benefit from three flexible admissions start dates.
Specializations:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Data Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Nanotechnology Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Good fit for students interested in:
- Career advancement
- Flexible graduate study
- Applied engineering leadership
- Online learning
- Technical management
- Working while earning a master’s degree
Alumni have gone on to roles at Blue Earth Diagnostics Inc., Bell Flight and NAVSEA-NSWC Corona.
Why Pursue Graduate Studies at BCOE?
BCOE graduate programs connect you with world-class research, expert mentorship, and career opportunities that drive innovation and impact across the globe.
Research with Impact
Work alongside nationally recognized faculty on research that advances health, sustainability, computing, robotics and energy systems.
Faculty Mentorship
Collaborate closely with faculty mentors in small research environments that support academic and professional growth.
Career Advancement
Prepare for leadership roles in industry, academia and government through internships, applied research and professional development.
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Tackle complex challenges across engineering disciplines through collaborative research centers and cross-campus partnerships.
Funding & Support
Access fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, scholarships and dedicated graduate student support resources.