Who Should Apply?
Our graduates are expected to become outstanding engineers and professionals. We want individuals who will be able to contribute to, and benefit from, the programs offered by the School. Demonstrated engineering skills, research ability, and the potential for future growth are important factors in the evaluation of applicants. We value prior experience in engineering and research because it leads to an understanding of complex technical matters, provides chances to assume responsibility, and gives opportunities to take initiative in solving technical problems.
Evaluation of intellectual ability is based on the candidate’s academic record, graduate work, if any, GRE general test scores, letters of recommendation, as well as other evidence that you present. Because of the participatory nature of our graduate programs, you must have well-developed written and oral skills in English. Another important criterion is personal integrity, responsible decision-making, motivation, ethical standards, and interpersonal skills. These characteristics are assessed primarily through your biographical essay and the three required letters of recommendation. Admission to our graduate program is very competitive. Each year there are more outstanding applicants than there are places.
Our primary recruitment focus is on students who will be staying through their doctoral studies. Our faculty are heavily engaged in research topics and techniques that require a commitment from their students. Therefore, it is necessary to look for students who can fulfill contractual obligations by staying longer term.
How to Apply
You must apply to the School of Materials Science and Engineering directly online through
www.gradadmiss.gatech.edu. In addition to completing an online application, you should have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an ABET-accredited engineering program or a corresponding science program. Although most applicants have a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, we also encourage B.S. degrees from other engineering programs as well as the sciences to apply. You may be required to take additional courses upon admission depending on your background.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test scores are required of all students. In general, we have no cutoffs for grade point average (GPA) or your GRE scores. Over the past ten years the average GPA of students accepted into the graduate program was a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, if you are an international student you must have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 105 (on the internet based test), and if you do not require financial support you must file a certified statement that indicates you have sufficient financial resources to meet all costs of your first year of graduate study. Please note that no other test for English proficiency, except the TOEFL, is accepted. A TOEFL score is not required if the applicant’s undergraduate or graduate degree is from a U.S. institution with an acceptable GPA.
TOEFL REQUIREMENTS
- Institute Code: 5248
- Department Code: 69
- Institute Code: R5248
- Department Code: 1403
- General Test: Required
When to Apply
The School of Materials Science and Engineering admits the vast majority of graduate students for Fall semester, however you may apply at any time for admission the following term. International students are only accepted for admission in the Fall semester of each year unless already in the United States. Applications for Summer or Fall semester received after January 15 will be considered only if there are openings in the class. Early applications are strongly advised. International students should only apply as they are completing their current degree.
Deadlines
For Summer and Fall semesters the deadline is January 15 if you need financial assistance, and June 1 if no financial support is needed. The deadline is October 1 for Spring semester. Early applications are encouraged. We do not accept transfer students for the graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering.
Do you have more questions about our graduate program? Then take a look at our Graduate Programs FAQ page.
For additional information on the MSE Graduate Program contact: