University of California Riverside – College of Engineering

University of California Riverside College of Engineering: Programs, Admission, Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Study in the USA

The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside, is a leading engineering school in Riverside, California, USA. The college offers undergraduate, graduate and online engineering education across a range of technical disciplines.

The College of Engineering combines engineering education with research, innovation and practical learning. Its academic areas include bioengineering, chemical and environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics and computational data science. Graduate students can pursue master's and doctoral programs while working with faculty members and research centers on engineering challenges.

University of California Riverside College of Engineering at a Glance

Information	Details
University	University of California, Riverside
College	Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering
Location	Riverside, California, USA
Institution Type	Public Research University
Founded	1954
Main Language	English
Study Levels	Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral
International Students	Yes
Main Campus	UC Riverside Campus
Major Areas	Bioengineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Robotics, Materials Science and Environmental Engineering

About UC Riverside College of Engineering

The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering is the engineering school at the University of California, Riverside. The college provides education and research opportunities across engineering and computing disciplines.

The college combines academic coursework with laboratory work, research, design projects and professional development. Graduate students can work with faculty mentors and research centers on challenges involving computing, sustainability, health, energy, robotics and advanced materials.

Its location in Riverside also places students within the broader Southern California academic, technology and business environment.

Academic Programs

The Bourns College of Engineering offers programs across several engineering and computing disciplines.

Bioengineering

Bioengineering combines engineering principles with biology and medicine.

Areas of study and research can include:

• Biomedical engineering
• Biotechnology
• Regenerative medicine
• Medical imaging
• Neuroengineering
• Computational biology
• Biomaterials
• Healthcare technologies

Students can explore how engineering methods can be applied to biological systems, medical technologies and healthcare challenges.

Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Chemical and environmental engineering programs address engineering challenges involving chemical processes, environmental systems and sustainability.

Areas can include:

• Chemical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Industrial biotechnology
• Air quality engineering
• Environmental systems
• Energy
• Sustainability
• Atmospheric research

Students can combine technical coursework with laboratory research and projects addressing environmental and industrial challenges.

Computer Science and Engineering

Computer science and engineering programs cover areas such as:

• Computer science
• Software systems
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Computer architecture
• Algorithms
• Computer networks
• Cybersecurity
• Data systems

Graduate students can participate in research involving computing, intelligent systems and emerging technologies.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering combines computing and electrical engineering concepts.

Students can study areas including:

• Computer architecture
• Embedded systems
• Digital systems
• Hardware design
• Computer networks
• Software-hardware integration
• Intelligent systems

The field can prepare students for careers involving hardware, software and integrated computing technologies.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and computer engineering programs cover several areas of modern electrical and electronic technology.

These can include:

• Electrical systems
• Electronics
• Communications
• Computer engineering
• Signal processing
• Control systems
• Power systems
• Integrated circuits
• Renewable energy technologies

Students can gain experience through laboratory work, research and engineering projects.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering covers the design and analysis of mechanical systems.

Areas can include:

• Mechanical systems
• Robotics
• Manufacturing
• Thermodynamics
• Fluid mechanics
• Materials
• Energy systems
• Dynamics and control
• Mechanical design

Graduate students can undertake research in specialized areas and work on engineering problems with faculty members.

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science and engineering focuses on the development, analysis and application of materials.

Students can explore:

• Advanced materials
• Nanotechnology
• Materials processing
• Electronic materials
• Energy materials
• Biomaterials
• Materials characterization
• Structural materials

Research in this area can contribute to engineering, energy, electronics, healthcare and other industries.

Robotics

Robotics brings together engineering, computing and intelligent systems.

Research and study can involve:

• Robotic systems
• Autonomous systems
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Control systems
• Human-robot interaction
• Computer vision
• Mechanical systems

Students can develop technical skills through research, laboratory work and robotics projects.

Computational Data Science

Computational data science combines computing, mathematics and data analysis.

Areas can include:

• Data science
• Statistical computing
• Machine learning
• Data analytics
• Computational methods
• Artificial intelligence
• Scientific computing

Students can apply computational techniques to engineering, scientific and real-world problems.

Undergraduate Programs

The Bourns College of Engineering offers undergraduate programs in engineering and computing.

Programs include:

• Bioengineering
• Chemical engineering
• Computer engineering
• Computer science
• Computer science with business applications
• Data science
• Electrical engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Materials science and engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Robotics engineering

Undergraduate students can gain practical experience through laboratories, design projects, research opportunities, makerspaces, student organizations and engineering activities.

Some undergraduate programs also provide opportunities to continue into accelerated bachelor's and master's pathways.

Graduate Programs

The College of Engineering offers graduate education through master's and doctoral programs.

Graduate programs include:

• Bioengineering
• Chemical and environmental engineering
• Computational data science
• Computer engineering
• Computer science and engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Materials science and engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Robotics

The college also offers online master's education in selected engineering fields.

Graduate students can undertake advanced coursework, research, laboratory work, faculty-led projects and interdisciplinary activities depending on their program.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary according to the selected graduate program.

International graduate applicants generally need:

• Completed application
• Recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Official academic transcripts
• Required academic preparation
• English-language proficiency where applicable
• Program-specific supporting documents
• Statement of purpose where required
• Letters of recommendation where required
• Resume or CV where required

Many engineering graduate programs expect applicants to have an academic background appropriate to the selected engineering discipline.

Applicants should review the requirements of their specific program because prerequisites and application materials can vary.

Requirements for International Students

International applicants should review the requirements for their exact UC Riverside engineering program before applying.

Common documents can include:

• Academic certificates
• Official transcripts
• Passport
• English-language test results
• Statement of purpose
• Resume or CV
• Recommendation letters
• Additional program-specific documents

Applicants whose academic records are not in English may need to provide appropriate English translations.

Students should ensure that application materials are submitted in the required format and before the applicable deadline.

Requirements for Indian Students

Indian students applying to graduate engineering programs generally need a recognized bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.

Applicants may need:

• Class X certificate and marksheet
• Class XII certificate and marksheet
• Bachelor's degree certificate
• Official university transcripts
• Passport
• English-language test results where required
• Statement of purpose
• Resume or CV
• Recommendation letters
• Program-specific documentation

The academic background required can differ between engineering disciplines. Students should therefore check the prerequisites for their intended program before applying.

English-Language Requirements

International graduate applicants who do not meet the applicable English-language exemption criteria may need to provide proof of English proficiency.

Accepted examinations include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT

For UC Riverside graduate admission, the minimum IELTS requirement is 7.0 overall, with no individual component below 6.0.

English-language scores must meet the university's validity requirements. Individual programs may have additional expectations.

Students should verify the applicable English-language requirement before submitting their application.

How to Apply

Step 1: Select a Program

Choose an engineering or computing program that matches your academic background and career goals.

Step 2: Review Requirements

Check:

• Academic prerequisites
• Required degree
• English-language requirements
• Application materials
• Recommendation requirements
• Application deadline

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, passport information, English-language scores, statement of purpose, resume and other required materials.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the graduate application process for the selected UC Riverside engineering program.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

Provide transcripts, test scores and other supplementary materials according to the program's requirements.

Step 6: Track the Application

Monitor the application and respond to any requests for additional information.

Step 7: Receive the Admission Decision

The selected graduate program reviews the application according to its academic and admission requirements.

Step 8: Prepare for Riverside

After admission, international students should arrange their student visa, accommodation, insurance, finances and travel plans.

Tuition Fees

Tuition and fees at UC Riverside vary according to the academic program, enrollment status and student residency classification.

For international engineering graduate students, tuition and fees can include university charges and nonresident costs.

Additional expenses can include:

• Student fees
• Health insurance
• Housing
• Food
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

Online master's programs have a separate tuition structure from traditional on-campus graduate programs.

Because tuition and fees can change by academic year and program, prospective students should review the current cost associated with their selected engineering program before making financial plans.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Bourns College of Engineering provides access to different forms of financial support.

Graduate students may explore:

• Fellowships
• Scholarships
• Research funding
• Graduate assistantships
• Teaching support
• Departmental funding
• External scholarships

Doctoral students may receive financial support through fellowships, research positions or other funding arrangements depending on their program.

Master's students may also be eligible for scholarships and other forms of assistance.

Funding availability can vary by program and academic year, so students should review eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully.

Research at UC Riverside College of Engineering

Research is a central part of graduate education at the Bourns College of Engineering.

Research activities span:

• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Computer science
• Cybersecurity
• Biomedical engineering
• Biotechnology
• Materials science
• Energy
• Environmental engineering
• Sustainability
• Data science
• Transportation systems

Graduate students can work with faculty members and research groups on projects addressing engineering and technological challenges.

Research and Innovation

The college's research environment includes laboratories, research centers and interdisciplinary programs.

Research can address areas such as:

• Healthcare
• Artificial intelligence
• Intelligent robotics
• Cybersecurity
• Climate change
• Air quality
• Sustainable energy
• Advanced materials
• Data science
• Biotechnology
• Environmental systems

Engineering research can bring together different disciplines to develop technologies and solutions with practical applications.

Campus and Facilities

UC Riverside provides students with academic and research facilities across its campus.

Engineering students can access:

• Engineering laboratories
• Research centers
• Computer facilities
• Classrooms
• Design spaces
• Makerspaces
• Study areas
• Student support facilities
• Recreation facilities
• Libraries

The Bourns College of Engineering provides facilities that support engineering education, research and collaboration.

Student Life

Students at UC Riverside can participate in a range of academic and extracurricular activities.

These may include:

• Engineering student organizations
• Academic clubs
• Research projects
• Sports
• Cultural organizations
• Volunteer activities
• Professional organizations
• Student events
• Design teams

Students can interact with peers from different academic and cultural backgrounds while developing professional and personal networks.

Living in Riverside

Riverside is located in Southern California and provides students with access to a metropolitan region that includes education, technology, healthcare and business communities.

Students can access:

• Public transportation
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Libraries
• Healthcare
• Parks
• Cultural activities
• Sports
• Business communities

Living costs depend on accommodation type, location and lifestyle.

Students should budget for:

• Rent
• Food
• Transportation
• Health insurance
• Books and supplies
• Personal expenses
• Entertainment
• Travel

Students should consider housing and transportation costs when planning their overall study budget.

International Student Support

UC Riverside provides services to support international students throughout their studies.

Support areas can include:

• Immigration guidance
• Visa support
• Orientation
• Academic advising
• Health and wellness
• Housing resources
• Career services
• Student activities
• International student advising

International students should stay informed about immigration requirements and use university support services when they need assistance.

Career Opportunities

Engineering graduates can pursue careers across a wide range of technology and engineering industries.

Depending on their specialization, graduates may pursue careers in:

• Software development
• Computer engineering
• Data science
• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Biotechnology
• Environmental engineering
• Materials science
• Energy
• Research
• Consulting

Students can strengthen their career preparation through research, internships, projects, professional development and interactions with industry.

Students entering regulated professions should verify applicable professional licensing requirements.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

International graduates who want to work in the United States after completing their studies should review the latest federal immigration and employment regulations.

Post-graduation work authorization depends on the student's immigration status, academic program, employment circumstances and applicable regulations.

Students should verify the current requirements before making decisions about employment or immigration after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UC Riverside College of Engineering?

The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering is the engineering school at the University of California, Riverside, offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in engineering and computing.

Where is UC Riverside College of Engineering located?

The Bourns College of Engineering is located at the University of California, Riverside campus in Riverside, California, USA.

Is UC Riverside a public university?

Yes. The University of California, Riverside is a public research university.

Does UC Riverside College of Engineering accept international students?

Yes. International students can apply to eligible engineering and computing programs if they meet the applicable academic and English-language requirements.

Can Indian students study engineering at UC Riverside?

Yes. Indian students can apply to eligible undergraduate and graduate engineering programs after meeting the relevant academic and English-language requirements.

Does UC Riverside offer computer science?

Yes. The Bourns College of Engineering offers computer science and computer science and engineering programs at different academic levels.

Does UC Riverside offer master's programs in engineering?

Yes. The college offers master's programs in areas including bioengineering, chemical and environmental engineering, computational data science, computer engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and robotics.

Does UC Riverside offer PhD programs in engineering?

Yes. Doctoral programs are available in several engineering disciplines, including bioengineering, chemical and environmental engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering.

What IELTS score is required for graduate admission?

The minimum IELTS Academic requirement for UC Riverside graduate admission is 7.0 overall, with no individual component below 6.0.

How much is tuition at UC Riverside College of Engineering?

Tuition and fees vary according to the graduate program, enrollment and student status. International students should review the current costs for their specific engineering program.

Does UC Riverside offer scholarships?

Yes. Engineering students may have access to scholarships, fellowships, research funding and other forms of financial support depending on their program and eligibility.

What is UC Riverside College of Engineering known for?

The college is known for engineering and computing education, research and interdisciplinary work in areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sustainability, health, energy, data science and advanced materials.

Final Takeaway

The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California, Riverside, provides undergraduate and graduate education across a broad range of engineering and computing disciplines.

Its academic portfolio includes bioengineering, chemical and environmental engineering, computer engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, robotics and computational data science.

For international students, important considerations include program-specific admission requirements, English-language requirements, tuition, scholarships, living costs and student visa procedures.

Students should verify the latest information for their chosen engineering program before applying, particularly regarding academic prerequisites, tuition, application deadlines, English-language requirements and supporting documents.