Exploring the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA

The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA is a highly regarded institution offering a wide array of engineering disciplines and research opportunities. This article delves into the program's strengths, covering curriculum, faculty, research avenues, internship prospects, and key considerations for prospective students.

A Diverse Range of Disciplines

UCLA Samueli offers a comprehensive selection of engineering disciplines, catering to a broad spectrum of interests. These include:

Aerospace Engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Many students value the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which promotes collaboration across different fields.

Curriculum Overview

The UCLA General Catalog, published annually, serves as the official source for the most current and officially approved courses and curricula. It's important to consult this catalog for the most up-to-date information, as all courses, course descriptions, instructor designations, curricular degree requirements, and fees are subject to change or deletion without notice.

Undergraduate Preparation

Admission to an engineering major as a junior-level transfer is competitive. The University requires applicants to have completed a minimum of 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) and two transferable English courses prior to enrolling at UCLA. To be considered, all applicants to Samueli Engineering majors must have at least a 3.4 GPA for their college work. Completion of required courses in preparation for the major is critical for admission, as many of the majors are impacted.

Required Coursework for Transfer Students:

English: Two transferable courses in English composition. One course equivalent to UCLA’s English Composition 3 (generally found as Writing 1A or Writing I).
Mathematics: Calculus and analytic geometry, calculus of several variables, differential equations, and linear algebra. (Aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering do not require differential equations but instead require a mathematics of engineering course.) Advanced Placement (AP) exam credit may be used to satisfy some graduation requirements. A score of 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam may be used to satisfy Math 31A. A score of 4 on the AP Calculus BC exam may be used to satisfy Math 31A.
Physics: Calculus-based courses with labs in mechanics of solids, vibration, wave motion, sound, fluids, heat, electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light, and relativity.
Chemistry: Two terms of general chemistry with lab. (Note: Only one course in general chemistry is required for electrical engineering. One year of chemistry with lab and two terms of organic chemistry are required for bioengineering and chemical engineering. Computer engineering, computer science, and computer science and engineering do not require a chemistry course.)
Computer Programming: One course in Java, C, C++ or MATLAB. Applicants to electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or computer science and engineering should take C++.

Other Requirements:

Minimum GPA: 3.4
IGETC required: No; partial IGETC not accepted
Double-major possible: Yes

Master of Engineering (MEng) Program

UCLA Samueli’s one-year, self-supporting Master of Engineering degree is designed to develop future engineering leaders. This full-time, on-campus program addresses the needs of both students and industry and is tailored for those who wish to pursue technical management positions, combining a high-tech skill set with management savvy. The program requires students to be on campus for one full calendar year - fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters.

Areas of study currently feature eight cutting-edge interdisciplinary concentrations at the forefront of technology innovation that are of deep interest to both students and industry. Five courses (four must be graduate level) are required for each interdisciplinary area. Students will take courses with other engineering students from several departments (mixed enrollment). All students must enroll and complete a capstone project (ENGR 299) that synthesizes and integrates the knowledge and skills obtained throughout the master’s program. The capstone project is led by a faculty adviser and may include industry sponsors.

Technology Concentrations:

The MEng program offers several technology concentrations, integrating faculty expertise from various departments:

AI Hardware: Integrate faculty expertise from Computer Science, Computational Medicine, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Integrate faculty expertise from Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Computer Science.
Cybersecurity: Integrate faculty expertise from Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Computational Medicine.
Engineering in Medicine: Integrate faculty expertise from Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Computational Medicine, the School of Dentistry, and the David Geffen School of Medicine. Focuses on improving human health and longevity by translating discoveries in biomedical sciences into disease therapies.
Integrated Circuits for Wireless Communications: Addresses the growing demand for high-performance circuits in AI, communication and emerging technologies. Integrate faculty expertise from Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Internet of Things (IoT): Integrate faculty expertise from Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Manufacturing and Design Technology: Integrate faculty expertise from Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Scalable Analytics: Integrate faculty expertise from Computer Science, Bioengineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computational Medicine, and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

Each technology concentration requires five engineering courses. Industry-sponsored capstone projects will enhance connections and networking opportunities vital to career development. The project will involve students working in teams to conduct hands-on design, fabrication, and testing.

Accessible and Knowledgeable Faculty

The faculty is generally praised for their high level of expertise and dedication to their students. You can expect to attend inspiring lectures and have the opportunity to engage in discussions during professors' office hours or smaller study groups.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Abundant Research Opportunities

As a top research university, UCLA provides ample opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in cutting-edge projects. The school has several research centers and institutes dedicated to various areas of engineering. To get involved, you can either approach professors whose research interests align with yours or explore formal undergraduate research programs.

Strong Internship Prospects

UCLA has a strong reputation among companies and offers a variety of resources to help you secure an internship. The Engineering and Technical Fair allows students to network with a wide range of employers in their respective fields. Additionally, the school's career center regularly hosts workshops and events to prepare you for interviews, resume writing, and more.

Key Considerations

While UCLA's engineering program is an excellent choice, it's important to consider aspects such as location, campus life, and cost when making your decision.

Resources for Prospective Students

The UCLA Admission Office maintains a website for prospective students that includes admission information, the UCLA General Catalog, graduation statistics, tours, and other information.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

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