How to Apply

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission should use NC State’s Graduate School Online Application. Recommendations can also be submitted using this system.

University Admissions Standards

Students applying for admission to a graduate program at NC State should have:

  • A 3.0 overall undergraduate grade point average.
  • A 3.0-grade point average in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work.
  • Non-native English speakers must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (PBT) or 80 (ET).  Information on TOEFL score requirements, including NC State’s institutional code, is available from the NC State Graduate School Help Page. International students who have completed a BS or MS degree program at a US university are exempt from the TOEFL.

Departmental Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements as set by the Graduate School, the department requires you to submit:

  • GRE scores (Though submitting GRE scores has been waived since 2020, they are welcome to be included) – Information about GRE requirements, including NC State’s institutional code, is available from the NC State Graduate School Help Page.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing education and employment background, research activities, papers published, conferences attended, and any other evidence in support of the applicant’s qualifications, research interests, and other capabilities

Recommended Application Deadlines

Fall Admission (Ph.D., MS, MMSE, MNAE)

Applicants should apply by December 8 for full financial consideration for our Ph.D. program.

Spring Admission (Ph.D., MS, MMSE, MNAE)

Applicants should apply by September 15 for full financial consideration for our Ph.D. program.