Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The Master’s in Engineering curriculum combines advanced technical coursework with applied laboratory and team-based projects. Students choose a focus area such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Bioengineering, or Industrial and Systems Engineering, and take a blend of core and elective modules tailored to that specialism.

• Core topics commonly include advanced mathematics and modelling, engineering analysis, systems design and project management.
• Specialist modules depend on the chosen strand and may include: control systems, communications and signal processing, embedded systems and computer architecture, machine learning and data analytics for engineers, finite element analysis and computational mechanics, materials and manufacturing processes, structural analysis and geotechnical engineering, biomedical instrumentation and biomaterials, and operations research.
• Practical experience is emphasised through laboratory courses, capstone design or practicum projects, and opportunities for industry-sponsored projects or internships. Some programmes offer a thesis option for students intending to pursue research or a doctoral degree.
• Students may also take electives that develop complementary professional skills such as engineering ethics, entrepreneurship, technical communication and product development.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or a closely related technical discipline. Applicants who do not hold an engineering undergraduate degree may be admitted conditionally, often after completing bridge or prerequisite courses.

• A competitive undergraduate GPA from an accredited institution.
• Academic transcripts and a statement of purpose describing academic and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation, typically two or three, from professors or engineering supervisors who can speak to technical ability and academic potential.
• A current CV or résumé summarising relevant work, internships and projects.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test unless exempt.
• Some applicants may be asked to submit GRE scores, although requirements can vary by programme and applicant background.

Career prospects

Graduates of Santa Clara University’s Master’s in Engineering enter a broad range of technical and engineering roles. The programme’s proximity to Silicon Valley and industry-focus facilitates employment in technology firms, hardware and software companies, design consultancies, manufacturing, utilities and startups.

• Common job titles include design engineer, systems engineer, embedded systems engineer, software engineer, data engineer, product engineer, quality and reliability engineer, and R&D engineer.
• Graduates also move into roles in project and engineering management, technical consulting, and product development or found startups leveraging cross-disciplinary skills.
• For those who wish to continue in research or academia, the thesis option and research collaborations provide preparation for PhD programmes.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University offers small class sizes and a practitioner-focused approach that connects classroom learning to industry practice. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the School of Engineering benefits from close ties with local technology companies, frequent guest speakers from industry, and a strong network for internships and employment.

• Hands-on learning through modern labs, project courses and industry-sponsored capstones.
• Faculty with academic and industry experience, and opportunities to collaborate on applied research and development projects.
• Comprehensive career services and employer engagement tailored to engineering students, including recruitment events and networking in the Bay Area.
• A Jesuit education ethos emphasising ethical leadership, social responsibility and professional formation alongside technical competence.