Students seeking admission to a graduate program in the School of Engineering must have received a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field from an accredited institution and must satisfy all general university requirements.

Students from non-engineering disciplines may be required to take pre-requisite courses (e.g. statics, dynamics, electrical circuits, differential equations, fluid mechanics, etc.) in order to strengthen their academic preparation for graduate study in engineering.

Admission for those seeking a master's degree or graduate certificate is typically based on undergraduate record and may also consider relevant work experience and motivation towards study in the program in question as demonstrated by the applicant's personal statement. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is typically required, and students must maintain a 3.0 GPA during graduate study to remain in good standing. Students may choose either a Master's Thesis Option or Non-Thesis Option (see the Graduate Programs page for more information).

Admission to Master's Programs

Required Application Documents for Master’s Programs

• A completed Catholic University online application (No fee is required.)
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Unofficial transcripts can be used for the application review.)
• English proficiency test scores (International students only) 

Official transcripts and English proficiency scores must be submitted for full admittance to the University.  Your official copies should be sent from the institution to em-operations@cua.edu

For international students, a credential evaluation of your coursework will be provided free of charge by the University.

Recommended Application Documents for Master’s Programs

• Resume 
• One letter of recommendation
• Professional goal statement

---

Admission to Certificate Programs

Required Application Documents for Certificate Programs

• A completed Catholic University online application (No fee is required.)
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Unofficial transcripts can be used for the application review.)
• English proficiency test scores (International students only)

---

Admission to Doctoral Programs

Students are typically admitted to a doctoral program after completing a master's degree in the same field. In exceptional cases, a student may be admitted to a doctoral program directly with only a bachelor's degree, but will still need to complete master's degree requirements as part of the doctoral degree process.

Admissions decisions for doctoral applicants are based not only on undergraduate and prior graduate school performance and on relevant work experience, but also on the fit between the applicant's research interests and those of faculty members in the program. Applicants are encouraged to review the areas of research described on the School of Engineering website and to identify one or more potential doctoral dissertation advisors who have relevant research interests. In addition to coursework, doctoral students are required to complete and defend a dissertation that advances research in their chosen field, and will work closely with the doctoral dissertation advisor to select the topic and conduct the required research.

Required Application Documents for PhD Programs

• A completed application for graduate admission and application fee
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework (Unofficial copies can be used for application review)
• Three (3) official letters of recommendation
• GRE scores, for applicants to the doctoral program
• For international students, demonstration of English language proficiency following general Catholic University requirements

---

Admissions Deadlines

• Fall 
  • July 1 (International) 
  • July 15 (Domestic) 
• Spring 
  • November 1 (International) 
  • November 15 (Domestic)
• Summer 
  • April 1 (International/Domestic)

---