|
|
 Graduate Program
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 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.
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 March 1st 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 March 1 if you need financial assistance, for Spring semester the deadline is October 1. We do not accept transfer students for the graduate
program in Materials Science and Engineering.
Return to top
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is the GRE exam mandatory?
- The general portion of the GRE exam is required for admission. GRE test must be taken in the past five years prior to admission. If you are from China, Korea, or Taiwan
, the GRE must be taken after November 2002 to be accepted.
Q. Are there any additional requirements for international students?
- In addition to the GPA and GRE requirements, international students must have a minimum TOEFL score of 105 on the Internet-based test, 260 on the computer test, or 620 on the written test.
Q. May I submit photocopies of GRE and TOEFL scores?
- Photocopies of GRE and TOEFL scores can be used until official scores are received from Educational Testing Service.
Q. Can you give me an idea of my chances for admission?
- We cannot provide preliminary evaluations of chances for admission. The Admissions Committee carefully studies the entire application before reaching its decision.
Q. I am interested in working for a specific faculty member. Should I send my application directly to him/her?
- You must apply to the School, and not a specific faculty member. Decisions regarding admissions are made by an Admissions Committee and are based on many factors.
Once accepted we encourage our students to contact several MSE faculty to begin the process of choosing an advisor. All students must have an advisor within one month of arriving on campus.
Q. I can only attend graduate school if I receive financial aid during my studies. Is aid available?
- Financial aid in the form of Graduate Assistantships is available to all qualified students who are admitted to our graduate program. The Assistantships will cover
tuition and will provide a competitive stipend. However, you are encouraged to seek outside fellowships (such as NSF, EPA, etc.) to help finance your graduate studies.
Q. When will the decision be made on my application?
- Most of our students are admitted for the Fall semester, which begins in mid-August. Most decisions for Fall admission will be made in March or April. To view an academic calendar visit www.registrar.gatech.edu.
Q. How will I be notified if I am accepted or not?
- You will be informed of an admissions decision first by email. If you are admitted, a formal admissions letter will be sent via email, then followed by postal mail.
Q. Is it possible to take courses on a part-time basis?
- Most required courses are offered during the day, and generally meet 2-3 times per week. It is possible to take these courses and conduct research on a part-time basis.
In order to qualify for financial assistance, you must be registered as a full time student, this is between classes and research. If you choose to be part time, then no
financial assistance is available.
Q. I cannot afford to pay the application fee. Can I defer the fee until I am admitted?
- We understand the financial difficulties associated with applications to graduate programs. However the $50 application fee cannot be deferred or waived.
Q. How many students are accepted each year?
- This number fluctuates greatly from year to year depending on the amount of financial assistance available.
Q. Is my application complete?
- Due to the amount of applications we receive each year it is difficult to answer immediately. With the online application system you can check your application
status. If you have further questions email academics@mse.gatech.edu.
Q. What courses are offered and when?
- To view the classes offered each semester visit www.registrar.gatech.edu. Most
courses are offered in the same semester each year, i.e. classes offered in Fall 2005 will be offered in Fall 2006.
Return to top
|
