Graduate Application Information & Deadlines

Online Application

All applicants to Colorado State University are required to complete the Online University Application and pay a $50 non-refundable application fee. Applicants to the Mechanical Engineering Department should also complete the Department Application before beginning the online application process and email it to megradapps@engr.colostate.edu. The Department Application replaces the letter of intent "essay" on the Online University Application so you may skip that section.

 

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering-related field
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or First Class standing
  • Calculus 1, 2, 3
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Physics 1, 2 (calculus based)
  • *GRE scores for all applicants should be as follows:
    Old Scoring System:
    1200 combined Verbal and Quantitative; 4.0 Analytical
    New Scoring System:
    160 Verbal; 155 Quantitative; 4.0 Analytical  
  • *TOEFL scores for all international applicants may not be below 80 on the internet-based test, 213 on the standard exam, or 550 on the paper exam. The IELTS may be substituted with a minimum score of 6.5.

*Test Scores must be transmitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to University Code 4075 to be valid.  This may take 3-6 weeks after the test date. For more information, please see http://www.ets.org.

 

Required Documents

  • Professional Resume
    Email to megradapps@engr.colostate.edu. If you do not have work experience, you may list academic history, educational achievements, volunteer work, group projects or other related activities.
  • Transcripts
    One official original transcript from each college or university attended should be mailed directly to the department and must include all previous undergraduate and graduate work. CSU transcripts are not required from current CSU students.  International students are required to provide official English translations of all transcripts, diplomas and graduation certificates in addition to the originals.
  • Letters of Recommendation
    Three recommendations are required. They must be mailed from the recommending party directly to the department or emailed directly to megradapps@engr.colostate.edu. The department will accept a Recommendation Form, a formal letter, or an email.  Recommendations should be from faculty or supervisors who can accurately evaluate your skills as a student, engineer, scientist, or researcher.
  • Certified Proof of Financial Support (GS3-F form for International Applicants)
    International applicants must also complete the GS3-F form.  It is recommended that the GS3-F be provided at the time of your application; however, if necessary, it may be provided when you receive notification of your recommendation for admission.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  Please use the Application Checklist to make sure your application packet is complete before submission.

Submitting Documents

Emailed documents should go to megradapps@engr.colostate.edu.  Mailed documents should go to Graduate Program Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering Department, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1374. Email is preferred wherever possible; however, original transcripts must be mailed directly to the department.

Note:  Due to high volume, the department is not able to respond to inquires regarding status of applications. We notify applicants by email when the web applications are received and inform them at that time if items are missing. Applicants are encouraged to mail documents using companies with online tracking systems to verify receipt of documents.

 

Admissions Criteria

The admissions decision is based on a comprehensive assessment of the applicant's academic potential and the following criteria:

  • The applicant's undergraduate education and record (and graduate education and record, if applicable)
  • Prior engineering experience including senior project or thesis, or experience in academic, laboratory or industrial settings
  • Research interests as stated in the "Statement of Purpose: section of the Department Application and the degree to which these research interests match the research activities of the mechanical engineering faculty
  • Standardized test scores

Depending on academic background, students without a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering may be required to take additional courses. For an evaluation of requirements for admission eligibility, please send email with copy of transcripts to megradstudies@engr.colostate.edu.


Department Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed below for the Department of Mechanical Engineering override all deadlines published by any other CSU web site or publication.

 

  • Fall Admission: First priority for financial support will be given to applicants who have submitted all documents by January 15. The second deadline is April 1 to be considered for admission and any remaining financial aid if available.
  • Spring Admission: First priority for financial support will be given to applicants who have submitted all documents by August 1. The second deadline is September 1 to be considered for admission and any remaining financial aid if available.
  • Summer admission is not offered by this department.
  • Track II admission is not offered by this department.


More Information

 

Undergraduate Program

Graduate Program

Other Information