Breadcrumb
How to Apply
Breadcrumb
Successful applicants typically have completed:
- Undergraduate courses in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Two semesters of undergraduate calculus-based physics.
- At least two semesters of upper-division undergraduate courses in engineering or physics.
- A baccalaureate degree in engineering, science, or mathematics from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or have the equivalent.
- An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.40.
You can be admitted to the Graduate School as either a regular degree student on main campus or via distance learning.
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.
The following steps apply both to on-campus and off-campus distance student applicants.
All applicants must submit
- A completed online application.
- If you have questions or problems with the online application, email technical support at gradadm@colorado.edu. DO NOT contact the department as we are unable to assist you.
- Official GRE scores from ETS from an examination taken within the last 5 years.
- Desired GRE scores are at least 157 verbal, 158 quantitative, 4.5 analytical writing
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, completion of the GRE is optional for Spring 2022 and Fall 2022 admissions. Note: Not taking the GRE will not negatively impact your application consideration.
- An unofficial copy of your transcript(s).
- We require transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution you attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.
- Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university. Instructions for Uploading Unofficial Transcripts to Your Application
- Official transcripts will be required upon admission to the program. Do not have official transcripts sent until requested. Note: If you are admitted and do not submit official transcripts, you will be unable to register for classes until official transcripts are received. Detailed instructions for submitting official transcripts are on the admissions website.
- We require transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution you attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.
- Contact information/email addresses for three persons who will supply your three letters of recommendation.
- Secured links are mailed directly to recommenders upon submission of your application. For current students and recent graduates, recommendations from faculty members are particularly important.
- Upload the Personal Statement. In addition to the question asked in the application, the admission committee finds it helpful to know how your graduate interests fit within our department.
International students must also submit
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable.
Deadlines
Domestic applicants (U.S. Citizens, green card holders):
- Spring Admission – October 1
- Fall Admission – December 1
International applicants:
- Spring Admission – September 15
- Fall Admission – December 1
All Application Materials, including application, application fee, statement of purpose, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation*, GRE and TOEFL scores (if applicable), MUST BE RECEIVED by the application deadline. Late applications are not accepted and the application fee is non-refundable.
*Recommenders do not receive the online link to the recommendation form until your application has been submitted. You should submit your application at least two weeks prior to the posted deadline so recommendation letters can be received by the application deadline.
Fees
Domestic Applicants
There is a $60 application fee for all domestic applicants.
International Applicants
There is an $80 application fee for all international applicants.
Application Fee Waivers
The College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder is offering a program that allows qualifying PhD applicants to waive their application fees until November 15, 2021. Find out how to qualify at the fee waiver website.