UCLA vs UCSD, MSE

[arielisabell]

I got accepted into the Master's program for both schools' MSE programs (both without funding, but that's OK), and I'm kinda stuck between the two.

 

My research interests are biological/biomedical applications within materials science for things like biocompatible materials/devices and drug delivery, and the goal is to one day work for a biotech company or somewhere within the biomedical industry. I'm also seriously considering not doing the thesis track at either school since I don't think I'll ever be getting a PhD. 

 

I haven't visited UCSD yet, but I did visit UCLA and liked the campus/Westwood area. I talked to a few grad students at UCLA but unfortunately wasn't able to meet any professors whose research I was interested in, so I'm going to try to talk to them more at least via email or something. 

I'm also in the process of emailing some professors at UCSD to find out more about their research directions and such, and may arrange a visit within the next week or 2. 

 

So far it seems like UCSD is a better research fit and has more options within that umbrella than UCLA, as far as I could tell, so I'm kinda leaning toward UCSD. Is there anyone at either school within the MSE program who can tell me more about how it actually is to be in the department, if the program is satisfactory, managed well, if professors are good, etc.? 

[Bruin4Ever]

i went to UCLA for undergrad and am going to UCSD for PhD this fall. Los Angeles is cool, but not nearly as nice as San Diego. I was getting a little claustrophobic in LA (especially UCLA). UCSD is a lot nicer and more spacious (and on the beach ).

 

Education-wise, they're both great but UCSD is really known better as an engineering and science school. UCLA is more of a business/law school than UCSD.

 

UCLA was great, but I was not interested in the faculty and research (so I didn't bother applying).

In addition to a better engineering reputation, UCSD also has way stronger bio (and thus bio connections in San Diego).