Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

All students admitted to the Master of Education online degree program will need to meet the same standards that applicants who enter other University of San Diego MEd programs do. Program admission standards are as follows. Should you have questions or concerns regarding any or all of these requirements, please contact an Enrollment Advisor to further assess your specific situation:

• Bachelor’s degree* with a GPA of 2.75 or higher from a regionally accredited institution; official transcripts required from every college and university attended.**-see note below
• A personal phone interview
• Two years of prior teaching experience: send a resume of your experience
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors
• Two 500-word essays
• International applicants: a minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL exam and a score of 20 on the written exam; and IELTS minimum score of 7.5
• GRE score is optional
• No teaching credential required; however, participants will need access to a classroom of students throughout the program to apply their learning and complete the course assignments as well as their action research project

Learn more about the Master of Education program

Admission Requirements

The online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program is designed to attract candidates who have some real-world or research experience in their profession and some background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information technology, statistics, or a related STEM field.

In addition, it is also structured to train individuals from other backgrounds and is well suited for full-time professionals and students who are interested in transitioning into or advancing their careers in applied artificial intelligence.

Potential candidates for the University of San Diego’s online master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence include:

• Those who possess a bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials in such majors as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Health Care, etc.
• Those who possess a bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials in non-STEM fields and are interested in advancing their technical knowledge into the realm of applied artificial intelligence.
• Professionals starting their careers in AI who realize they are more interested in practical applications rather than theoretical research.
• Professionals in other disciplines who are motivated to learn artificial intelligence and AI applications to advance their careers.

Candidates who possess real-world experience or research experience will be best positioned for acceptance into the program. Please review the admission requirements below as you prepare your application:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Statistics, or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
• Bachelor’s GPA of 2.75 or higher (official transcripts required).
  • Candidates with GPA under 2.75 or with degrees from other fields can apply, but will be asked to provide relevant and convincing explanations of their experience, skills, and motivation in an essay (guidelines provided on Applications page).
  • Candidates with GPA under 2.75 are also recommended to complete a standardized test such as GRE or GMAT.
  • International students will require TOEFL scores of 83 or higher.
• An essay outlining their overall qualifications for the program (see Applications page).
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Video (optional) to allow faculty to get to know you as a candidate. Please limit video to 2 minutes long.
• Letters of recommendation:
  • One letter from candidate’s supervisor/manager and one external reference for candidates with more than 5 years industry experience.
  • OR
  • Two letters of recommendation from external references for candidates with experience that spans 5 years or less. Former professors and/or professionals from industry are highly desirable.

The process starts with submitting your online application. You can find additional information and guidance on preparing your application by visiting our Starting Your Application page.

If you have questions regarding the above requirements or any aspect of the application process, please contact an Enrollment Advisor for assistance.

Please contact an enrollment advisor at (888) 832-0239 or use the chat feature on this page if you are interested but do not happen to meet all published admissions requirements. Our application review process always includes a holistic look at your experience and background, and we understand that a low undergraduate GPA or lack of professional experience is not necessarily indicative of your potential success in our program.

Speak to an Enrollment Advisor   

Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis. A decision will be recommended by the Review Committee within one week of your application being submitted.

Learn more about the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence program

Admission Requirements

The online Master of Science in Applied Data Science program is ideally suited to those with a background in science, mathematics, engineering or technology, but is also structured to train those from other backgrounds who are motivated to transition into data science.

Potential candidates for the University of San Diego’s online master’s degree in applied data science include:

• Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, engineering, information technology or computer science
• Graduates from other fields who possess technical aptitude in the above fields or others, including STEM, business and more
• Mid-career data analytics, data science and computer science professionals looking to advance their knowledge and skills

Candidates who possess real-world experience will be best positioned for acceptance into the program. Please review the admission requirements below as you prepare your application:

• Bachelor’s degree in a professional field (STEM) from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts required*-see note below)
• Bachelor’s GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 can apply, but will be asked to provide an essay.
  • Candidates with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 will be required to complete a standardized test such as the GRE or GMAT.
  • International students will require TOEFL iBT 83 (or higher) or 7 on the IELTS.
• An essay outlining their overall qualifications for the program
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
  • 1 letter from their supervisor/manager and 1 external reference for candidates with more than 2 years industry experience, or
  • 2 letters from external references for candidates with industry experience of 5 years or less.

Learn more about the M.S. in Applied Data Science program

Admission Requirements

The following elements are the standard admissions expectations for the on-campus MS in Cyber Security Engineering program.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in engineering or computer science
• Bachelor’s GPA of 3.0 or higher
• The completion of a standardized test, such as the GRE, GMAT, Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or LSAT may be submitted to strengthen an application if the undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0, or upon recommendation of the admissions committee.
• TOEFL scores of 120 or above (if applicable)
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of support from the candidate’s employer or two letters of reference
• Resume showing information technology experience as demonstrated through academic or career experience

It is recommended that applicants become members of InfraGard before starting the program. InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It is an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S.

Learn more about the M.S. in Cyber Security Engineering Program

Admission Requirements

The following elements are the standard admissions expectations for the online MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership program.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Bachelor’s GPA of 2.75 or higher
• The completion of a standardized test, such as the GRE, GMAT, Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or LSAT may be submitted to strengthen an application if the undergraduate GPA is lower than 2.75, or upon recommendation of the admissions committee.
• TOEFL scores of 115 or above (if applicable)
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of support from the candidate’s employer or two letters of reference
• Resume showing information technology experience as demonstrated through academic or career experience

It is recommended that applicants become members of InfraGard before starting the program. InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It is an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S.

Learn more about the M.S. in Cyber Security Operations & Leadership Program

Admission Requirements

The following elements are the standard admissions expectations for the online MS in Health Care Informatics program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an approved, regionally accredited university
• Bachelor’s GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Completion of the University Application
• One official transcript from each college or university attended
• Resume/CV
• Technical aptitude and experience as demonstrated on resume
• Basic understanding of medical terminology (Non health care professionals must complete the online medical terminology course by the end of the first semester. This course is not part of the degree curriculum.)
• One year of work experience preferred
• Statement of purpose (approximately 300 words)
• Letter of support from a current employer or two letters of reference
• International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission http://www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/international/

Please contact an enrollment advisor if you are interested, but do not meet all published admissions requirements.

Learn more about the M.S. in Health Care Informatics Program

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master of Science in Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship degree, you will need to meet the admission requirements listed below. Your enrollment advisor will help you through the application process and identify any additional items you will need to complete the application packet.

• Bachelor’s degree in a professional, STEAM-related discipline from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts required).
• Bachelor’s GPA of 2.75 or higher. Candidates with GPA under 2.75 can apply, but will be asked to provide relevant explanations in an essay; candidates with GPA under 2.75 may be encouraged to complete a standardized test such as GRE or GMAT.
• International students will require a TOEFL score of 83 or above.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• All students are asked to submit a statement or essay explaining your interest and experience in the “connectivity” vertical, and your goals from this degree program.
• Letter of support from a current employer or two letters of reference

Additional supporting materials may be requested by your enrollment advisor.

Learn more about the M.S. in Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Program

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership degree, you will need to meet the admission requirements listed below. Your enrollment advisor will help you through the application process and identify any additional items you will need to complete the application packet.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Professional experience in law enforcement, active-duty military, or public safety
• Bachelor’s GPA minimum of 2.75 or higher.  An extended graduate-level essay may be required of applicants whose undergraduate GPA is under 2.75. (Graduates of FBINA and California Command College are exempted from this GPA requirement.)
• TOEFL scores of 90 or above (if applicable)
• Resume
• Statement of purpose (approximately 300 words)
• Letter of support from a current employer or two letters of reference

Additional supporting materials may be requested by your enrollment advisor.

Learn more about the M.S. in Law Enforcement Leadership Program

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology degree, you will need to meet the admission requirements listed below. Your enrollment advisor will help you through the application process and identify any additional items you will need to complete the application packet.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts required)
• Bachelor’s GPA of 2.75 or higher. Candidates with GPA under 2.75 can apply, but will be asked to provide relevant explanations in an essay; candidates with GPA under 2.75 may be encouraged to complete a standardized test such as GRE or GMAT.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience
• International students will require a TOEFL score of 83 or above
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Essay discussing applicant’s fit with program
• Letter of support from a current employer or two letters of reference

Additional supporting materials may be requested by your enrollment advisor.

Learn more about the M.S. in Learning Design and Technology Program