The Master of Science in Engineering Online program is designed for engineering professionals who seek to advance their skill sets and career opportunities. MSOL students can earn a master’s degree in two years through classes that are delivered completely online.
More than 60 UCLA Engineering faculty members and lecturers teach in the program, which has an enrollment of more than 300 students.
“UCLA Engineering is committed to providing all of our students — whether on campus or online — with world-class instructors and the best available learning tools,” said Jayathi Murthy, dean of the school. “We will build on our online success with new initiatives in the coming years.”
Areas of study in the MSOL program include structural materials, aerospace engineering, computer networking, electrical engineering, electronic materials, engineering management, integrated circuits, manufacturing and design, materials science, mechanical engineering, signal processing and communication, and systems engineering.
In 2016, the school will add new programs in data science engineering and sustainable water engineering.
Classes are fully equivalent to those in the on-campus master’s curriculum.
“We are very pleased to be named the top program for the second year in a row,” said Jenn-Ming Yang, UCLA Engineering’s associate dean for international initiatives and online programs. “Working engineers and engineering companies need a program that offers flexibility and first-class education in order to stay at the cutting edge of technology and innovation.”
For the rankings, U.S. News analyzed 80 online programs, considering criteria such as faculty’s academic credentials; instructional technology and student access to academic, career and financial support; opportunities for student interaction with faculty and fellow classmates; admissions selectivity; and the program’s reputation among peers.
The UCLA program, which was launched in 2007, received the top marks in faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, and admissions selectivity.
In rankings published in 2015, U.S. News and World Report also placed UCLA among the nation’s top 10 public universities for undergraduate and graduate engineering education.