How To Apply – Graduate Programs

Thank you for your interest in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) graduate program at NC State University! Visit our MAE Graduate Programs page for an overview of the graduate programs we offer. Specific admission requirements are available on our Graduate Admission Requirements page. General MAE graduate admission questions can be directed to our graduate admissions specialist (mae_gradadmission@ncsu.edu).

Upcoming Application Deadlines:

* The Financial Aid Priority Deadline should be used by PhD program applicants for full consideration of funding opportunities offered by the MAE department (assistantships and fellowships). This deadline can be used by both international and domestic PhD program applicants.

NOTE:  Funding is not offered with admission to the MS program. To learn more about how to search for available funding following admission to the MS program, visit the “Financial Support” section of the Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

A completed application includes:

I. A completed Online Application for Admission to the Graduate School

You do not have to complete the entire application in one session. You may access your application with your PIN and password to add or alter information as many times as necessary before you submit it.

II. A paid application fee

The application fee is non-refundable. Once you complete and submit the Graduate School application, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. The current rate for the graduate admission application fee can be found here. You may pay your application fee by check, money order, or credit card.

III. Unofficial transcript(s) from all universities and institutions at which you took a course that counted toward your current degree.

We require transcripts from all universities and institutions at which you took a course that counted toward your current degree. During the application process, you may submit an unofficial or official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, but the NCSU Graduate School will request official transcripts if/when you are admitted to the program.

Unofficial transcripts should be electronically attached to your application – we do not accept mailed or emailed copies of unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts should be mailed in a sealed envelope directly to the NCSU Graduate School by the college or university you attended.

IV. A competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) shown on your transcript(s)

♦ MS degree applicants (including Distance Education) require a minimum baccalaureate GPA of 3.0.

♦ Doctoral degree applicants require a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale

♦ Direct-to-PhD program applicants require a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

V. A copy of your resume or CV

Your resume or CV should be electronically attached to your application – we do not accept mailed or emailed copies of these documents. Once you attach your resume or CV, you will be unable to add a newer or updated copy. We will only consider the resume or CV that is included with your application.

VI. Your written Personal Statement

The Personal Statement must be written by you. There are no strict guidelines for this, and there is no minimum or maximum word count requirement. It is up to you what you write. We suggest that it cover your engineering interests, academic and research experience, graduate school plans, and post-graduation plans.

VII. Applicable Test Scores (such as GRE scores and TOEFL/IELTS scores)

GRE test scores – are required of all on-campus applicants (applicants to the Distance Education program are excluded)

We prefer GRE scores equal to or greater than Verbal=146, Quantitative=156, and Analytical Writing=3.5. However, we do consider the entire application package so a strict requirement on test scores cannot be made. The ETS code for our university, NC State, is 5496 (no department code required).

* UPDATE: The GRE test score requirement will be waived for all Spring 2022 applicants.

* UPDATE: The GRE test score requirement will be waived for all Fall 2022 applicants.

TOEFL/IELTS test scores – are required of all international applicants. NOTE: These minimums scores are a strict Graduate School requirement and applicants who do not meet this minimum should not apply.

TOEFL – the Graduate School requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based test, with at least a score of 18 on each part.

A TOEFL waiver may be granted if an applicant received a post-secondary degree from an accredited US institution/university, and was on campus for a period of 12 months or more.

IELTS – the Graduate School requires a minimum score of 6.5 on each section.

VIII. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Preferably, current or former professors in your major-field courses should write your letters of recommendation, as they would have the best idea of your research potential. If, however, such persons are no longer available to ask, anyone that can best assess your potential for graduate study can be asked to write the letter.

Ready to join the Wolfpack? Apply Now

Still have Questions? Contact our graduate admission specialist (mae_gradadmission@ncsu.edu).