Frequently Asked Questions
General Inquiries
Application Process
Establishing Colorado Residency
International Applicants
Financial Aid
Taking Mechanical Engineering Courses
General Inquiries
Q: What are the minimum admissions standards required to apply for the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program?
A: Mechanical Engineering at CU-Boulder has established minimum standards for graduate admission. Applicants must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree in engineering, science or mathematics from a college or university of recognized standing (or the equivalent).
- Have undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Have two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics.
- Have at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.2
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- Provide a personal statement of academic and research interests.
- Fill in subspecialty field as follows: Applicants without a masters degree indicate track choice. Ph.D. Applicants with a previous masters degree indicate area of research interest.
- If applying for PhD, GRE scores are required. Preferred but not required GRE scores are 153 or better Verbal, 159 or better Quantitative and 4.5 writing, and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.5.
- If applying for MS, GRE scores are required. Preferred but not required GRE scores are 153 or better Verbal, 159 or better Quantitative and 4.5 writing, and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.2.
- If International, TOEFL scores are required.
The minimum TOEFL scores required are as follows:
MS Applicants: 550 PBT, 213 CBT, 79 IBT. (6.5 for IELTS)
PhD Applicants: 600 PBT, 250 CBT, 100 IBT (7.5 for IELTS)
In evaluating applicants for admission, the Admissions Committee relies on the completed application form, the report of GRE scores, your undergraduate GPA and official transcripts, as well as your statement of purpose and recommendations from persons who have had an opportunity to observe your ability and performance. Your GRE scores and GPA are considered in the context of the entire application. The quality of your undergraduate institution will be considered. Substantial consideration is accorded to special qualities such as motivation, undergraduate program, diversity in economic, social, or cultural background, employment or other experience, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming personal handicaps or disadvantages. Graduate level work is also considered.
Prospective students with a B.S. degree may be admitted to either the M.S. program (thesis or non-thesis option) or the Ph.D. program by indicating their preference in the application.
Provisional Degree students who do not meet the requirements for admission as regular degree students may be recommended for provisional degree status.
International students must provide documentation that they have the financial resources to support themselves for at least the first year in the program.
Q: I have taken graduate level courses from another engineering program. Are any of these courses transferable?
A: In some cases, a limited number of graduate level course credits can be transferred from another accredited institution and applied toward a masters or Ph.D. degree. These credits must be approved by the MCEN Graduate Curriculum Committee and the Graduate School. Students who have completed their first semester in the masters or Ph.D. program are eligible to seek transfer credit. Students seeking a degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder must complete the majority of their coursework while enrolled in a graduate program as a degree seeking student.
Q: How do I schedule a visit to the Department of Mechanical Engineering?
A: You are welcome to visit the college and speak with the graduate advisor, Sharon Anderson anytime during her regular office hours (8-12 and 1-4, M-F). You do not need an appointment but it is helpful if you email ahead, sharon.e.anderson@colorado.edu. Click here for maps and driving directions. It is recommended that visitors park in metered lots designated for public parking, which are located around campus. Most meters cost $1.25/hour. Faculty also welcome visitors, but appointments should be made directly with them via email.
Q: There is a specific professor I would like as a Ph.D. advisor. How do I go about joining their research group?
A: Admission to the Mechanical Engineering program is through application to the department itself, not through individual faculty. Only after students are acceptedto the department Ph.D. program do they eventually join a research group. Chances of being admitted to the department depend upon grades, test scores, letters of recommendation and research experience. Research assistantship (RA) and teaching assistantship (TA) appointments are granted to our top Ph.D. applicants on a case-by-case basis. After being admitted, first year graduate students typically spend the first semester or two taking classes, working as a teaching assistant TA's, and passing prelim exams. During this time the students also take a class called "Intro to Research", which is an opportunity to work on a research project with a Professor on a trial basis. If all goes well with the research, classes and exams, then the students will become part of a research group.
Application Process
Q: What are the Admissions Requirements?
A: An applicant may be admitted to the Graduate School as either a regular degree student or a provisional degree student. For acceptance into the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the following requirements must be met.
Regular Degree Students must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree in engineering, sciences, or mathematics from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Have undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Have two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics.
- Have at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- Provide a personal statement of academic and research interests.
- Fill in subspecialty field as follows: Applicants without a masters degree indicate track choice. Ph.D. Applicants with a previous masters degree indicate area of research interest.
- If applying for PhD, GRE scores are required. Preferred but not required GRE scores are 500 Verbal, 760 Quantitative and 4.5 writing, and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.2.
- If applying for MS, GRE scores are required. Preferred but not required GRE scores are 500 Verbal, 750 Quantitative and 4.5 writing, and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.0.
- If International, TOEFL scores are required.
The minimum TOEFL scores required are as follows:
MS Applicants: 550 PBT, 213 CBT, 79 IBT. (6.5 for IELTS)
PhD Applicants: 600 PBT, 250 CBT, 100 IBT (7.5 for IELTS)
In evaluating applicants for admission, the Admissions Committee relies on the completed application form, the report of GRE scores, your undergraduate GPA and official transcripts, as well as your statement of purpose and recommendations from persons who have had an opportunity to observe your ability and performance. Your GRE scores and GPA are considered in the context of the entire application. The quality of your undergraduate institution will be considered. Substantial consideration is accorded to special qualities such as motivation, undergraduate program, diversity in economic, social, or cultural background, employment or other experience, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming personal handicaps or disadvantages. Graduate level work is also considered.
Prospective students with a B.S. degree may be admitted to either the M.S. program (thesis or non-thesis option) or the Ph.D. program by indicating their preference in the application.
Students with undergraduate degrees in all areas of engineering are encouraged to apply. Students with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, physics, chemistry and other physical sciences are also encouraged to apply if they meet the minimum admissions standards noted in General Inquiries.
Q: How do I apply to the Mechanical Engineering (MCEN) graduate program at the University of Colorado/Boulder campus?
A: For information about our program, faculty and research projects, as well as information on application materials, please visit our website, http://colorado.edu/mechanical/. For program information, click on ‘Graduate Program’, then ‘Graduate Curriculum.’ For application materials, click ‘Graduate Program’ then ‘Graduate Application’ and follow the links.
Q: Do you offer a distance learning program?
A: MCEN does not offer a distance learning program.
Q: What is the deadline to submit my application for admission for SPRING admission?
A: The deadline to submit a domestic application for spring admission is October 1st. The international application deadline is September 1st.
Q: What is the deadline to submit my application for FALL admission?
A: The deadline to submit a domestic application for fall admission is December 1st. The international application deadline is November 1st.
Q: How many letters of recommendation are required?
A: A minimum of three letters of recommendation should be submitted. For current students and recent graduates, recommendations from faculty members are particularly important. You may submit letters of recommendation with your application, or your recommenders may send the letters directly to Mechanical Engineering.
Q: How long are my GRE scores valid?
A: The GRE General Test measure critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. Information about the GRE is available on the Educational Testing Service website, www.gre.org. Current GRE Board policy states that your scores are reportable for 5 years. Your scores are retained for the 5 testing years following the testing year in which you tested. All scores earned during this time will be reported to each institution you designate. The Mechanical Engineering Admissions Committee will not accept scores older than 5 years.
Q: What criteria does the admissions committee use to evaluate applicants for admission?
A: In evaluating applicants for admission, the Admissions Committee relies on the completed application form, the report of GRE scores, your undergraduate GPA and official transcripts, as well as your statement of purpose and recommendations from persons who have had an opportunity to observe your ability and performance. Your GRE scores and GPA are considered in the context of the entire application. The quality of your undergraduate institution will be considered. Substantial consideration is accorded to special qualities such as motivation, undergraduate program, diversity in economic, social, or cultural background, employment or other experience, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming personal handicaps or disadvantages. Graduate level work is also considered.
Q: I previously applied to the University of Colorado at Boulder, Mechanical Engineering. How do I reapply?
A: Applicants who decline an offer of admission or were not offered admission may choose to reapply. Reapplication includes: submission of a new application, application fee, a valid GRE score, statement of purpose, and recommendations. Application files are retained for only one year after the year of original application. If you are reapplying within one year, your retained application and all supporting documents will be included in your new application for admission. It is suggested that you freshen your application - i.e. statement of purpose, resume, and letter(s) of recommendation. If it has been longer than one year since you applied, we no longer have any of your previous application materials and you will need to begin the application process again.
Establishing Colorado Residency
Q: How do I become a resident of the state of Colorado for in-state tuition purposes?
A: Residency classification is governed by state statute. To be eligible for in-state classification, applicants must establish domicile (legal residence) in Colorado one year prior to the first day of class for the term for which in-state status is sought. Note: students may establish their residency while enrolled in the College of Engineering.
Applicants and students who have become eligible for a change to in-state status must submit a petition with documentation in order to have their status changed. Please direct questions regarding residency status to the Tuition Classification Office (rather than to the College of Engineering), Regent Administrative Center 105; telephone 303-492-0907; email; or website.
Q: I am a member of the armed forces. Can I qualify for in-state tuition?
A: Active duty members of the armed forces of the United States and Canada on permanent duty stationed in Colorado, and their dependents (as defined by military regulations), are eligible for in-state status regardless of domicile or length of residence.
For further information regarding tuition classification please contact the Tuition Classification Officer, located in Regent Administration Center 105; telephone 303-492-0907; email; or website.
International Applicants
Q: I am currently living outside the United States. How do I get an application or catalog mailed to me?
A: Information about our program, faculty and research projects, as well as information on application materials, is on our website, http://ucw.colorado.edu/mechanical/. For program information, click on ‘Graduate Program’, then ‘Graduate Curriculum.’ For application materials, click ‘Graduate Program’ and ‘Graduate Applications,’ then follow the links.
Q: What are the graduation admission requirements for international applicants?
A: Mechanical Engineering at CU-Boulder has established minimum standards for graduate admission. Applicants must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree in engineering, sciences, or mathematics from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. More information is available on the international admissions website, http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/international/.
- Have undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Have two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics.
- Have at least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
- Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- Provide a personal statement of academic and research interests.
- Fill in subspecialty field as follows: Applicants without a masters degree indicate track choice. Ph.D. Applicants with a previous masters degree indicate area of research interest.
- If applying for PhD, GRE scores are required. Preferred but not required GRE scores are 500 Verbal, 760 Quantitative and 4.5 writing, and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.2.
- If applying for MS, GRE scores are required. Preferred but not required GRE scores are 500 Verbal, 750 Quantitative and 4.5 writing, and the desired undergraduate GPA is 3.0.
- If International, TOEFL scores are required.
The minimum TOEFL scores required are as follows:
MS Applicants: 550 PBT, 213 CBT, 79 IBT. (6.5 for IELTS)
PhD Applicants: 600 PBT, 250 CBT, 100 IBT (7.5 for IELTS)
You are not required to submit the TOEFL if:
- your native language is English, or
- you have completed at least one year of full-time study at a U.S. institution, or at an institution in a country where English is the native language, at the time you apply, and within two years from your desired admission term
If you meet the above requirements, and would like more information, please use our website at http://ucw.colorado.edu/mechanical/index.html for the necessary application forms.
More information about the graduation admission requirements for international students is available on the University of Colorado International Admissions website, http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/international/requirements/grad-requirements.html.
For information about the Mechanical program, faculty and research projects, as well as information on application materials, please visit our website, http://ucw.colorado.edu/mechanical/index.html. For program information, click on ‘Graduate Programs’, then ‘Graduate Handbook.’ For application materials, click ‘Prospective Students’ and go to Graduates, ‘Applying’ and follow the links.
Financial Aid
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: In most instances a graduate student will be eligible for enough aid to cover his or her total cost of attendance. The cost of attendance (budget) includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, rent and utilities, food, medical, transportation, and personal expenses. Please note that car expenses (payments, insurance, repairs), credit card payments, and rent/utilities over the budgeted amount are not included. It is very important to keep your expenses within the budget.
Financial aid includes Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans (maximum $25,000), Graduate PLUS loan, grants, scholarships, fellowships, work-study, and/or private alternative graduate loans. No credit check is required in order to receive Stafford federal loans, but students must be “credit-worthy” to receive Graduate PLUS loan and private alternative graduate loans. You may not borrow more than your cost of attendance. If you wish to borrow private alternative loans, YOU MUST COMPLETE A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR THESE LOANS. Some lenders used by University of Colorado at Boulder students are:
- The Access Group
1-800-282-1550
www.accessgroup.org/apply - CitiAssist
1-800-692-8200 Operator 302
www.studentloan.com - Wells Fargo
1-800-658-3567
http://www.wellsfargo.com/student/
For CitiAssist loans, you can apply using a paper application or on the web. The lender will do a credit check, then either mail an application/promissory note to you, or you may be able to sign the promissory note electronically. Sign and date the promissory note/application and return it to the lender. The CU Office of Financial Aid will certify your loan electronically. A few days before classes begin, after you are registered, most alternative private graduate loan checks will pay to your bill and may result in a refund. If your check requires an endorsement, you will receive an email instructing you to pick it up at the Bursar's Office.
PLEASE NOTE: Since you must have good credit to receive private graduate loans, you should request a credit report as soon as possible. Call Equifax at 1-800-685-1111, Experian at 1-800-682-7654, and/or Trans-Union at 1-800-888-4213. If there are mistakes on your report, do what is necessary to get them corrected.
For more information regarding your eligibility for financial aid, please contact the CU Office of Financial Aid, 303-492-5091, www.colorado.edu/finaid.
Q: What are the expected tuition and fees?
A: Tuition and mandatory fees are located at http://bursar.colorado.edu/tuition-fees/tuition-and-fees-rate-sheets/. In June of each year, the Board of Regents determine the tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming year.
Q: How do I apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantship, and fellowships?
A: Aid is offered to the most outstanding PhD applicants. The admissions committee automatically considers admitted entering students for fellowships; there is no separate fellowship application for entering applicants. Fellowship recipients are selected during the admissions process, and in most circumstances, recipients will be notified before their $200 enrollment deposit is due. See the Assistantships page for further information.
Taking Mechanical Engineering Courses
Q: I have not been admitted as a graduate student to the University of Colorado College of Engineering; may I take Mechanical courses?
A: Graduate level courses offered on the main CU-Boulder campus are open for credit to graduate students enrolled at the University of Colorado on a space available basis with the instructor's consent. If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, please email the instructor directly.
All graduate school courses are open to auditors under campus rules, based on space available and the instructor's consent.