GRADUATE PROGRAM ADMISSION

 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers six graduate degree programs: Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering, Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering. The Graduate School, based on recommendations from the department, grants admissions to these degree programs. All applications to the degree programs must be processed through the Graduate School office on the Columbia campus. Application information and forms can be obtained from the Graduate School’s “future students” website at http://www.gradschool.sc.edu/futurestudents/index.html. Applications can be made online at the above website or by submitting the application forms to:

The Graduate School
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

The University of South Carolina admission standards are described in the Graduate Studies Bulletin.  Specific admission requirements for Master’s and Ph.D. degree programs offered by the Mechanical Engineering department are described below.

GRADUATE APPLICATION DEADLINES

• For international applications: May 1 for the Fall semester and Oct. 1 for the Spring semester.
• For applications from within U.S.A.: July 1 for the Fall semester and Nov. 15 for the Spring semester.

In either case, application to the summer sessions is not considered unless a prior arrangement with the dept is made.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for admission to graduate degree programs in mechanical engineering (M.E., M.S., Ph.D.) include the general admission requirements of The Graduate School as well as more stringent departmental requirements, as described below. In general, the admissions process is highly competitive. Admissions decisions are based on the quality of the applicant's previous university-level academic work (as reflected by grade point average or GPA), letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and other evidence of past accomplishments.

For admission to the M.E., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in mechanical engineering, applicants normally hold a B.S. degree, with a GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or better, from an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program. Others, if admitted, may be required to fulfill additional course requirements to make-up any deficiencies.

For admission to the M.E., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in nuclear engineering, applicants should have a B.S. degree, with a GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or better, from any ABET-accredited engineering program. Others, if admitted, may be required to fulfill additional course requirements to make-up any deficiencies.

For all applicants:  GRE General Test scores must be submitted by all applicants seeking assistantships and/or tuition support, as well as all applicants who do not meet the normal requirements stated above. Minimum GRE scores are 450 verbal, 700 quantitative and 500 analytical (or 3.5 analytical writing). International applicants must also submit TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam scores. The minimum score for TOEFL is 600 paper-based or 250 computer-based and the minimum score for IELTS is 7.0.