How to Apply

Application Deadlines

October 15 is the deadline for spring admission. Very few new graduate students are admitted in the spring semester. You will be informed of our decision by email.

December 15 is the deadline for fall admission. Decisions on admission and financial aid are typically made by March 15. You will be informed of our decision by email.

Visit the World Campus website for online program application deadlines.

Admissions Criteria

The Graduate Programs Office considers many criteria for admissions, including your letters of recommendation and potential for successful study and research. More information on the requirements for graduate school admission can be found on the Penn State J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School website. Below are some basic criteria.

• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering area. To get an idea of the courses required for a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Penn State, visit the undergraduate core courses page. For information about the minimum levels of math and physics needed to pursue graduate studies in mechanical engineering, see the requirements to register.
• A 3.00 or higher third- and fourth-year grade point average. Most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• For international students, acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores are required. Information about minimum acceptable scores and exemptions can be found on the graduate student FAQ page.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering no longer requires an applicant submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Required Application Materials

• Access the online application through the Penn State Fox Graduate School.
• Do not send any materials by mail to Penn State. Application materials are included in your online application.
• Find information about application fees and other common questions on the Fox Graduate School FAQ page.

The following items must be included in your online application:

• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Journal papers (optional)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or Official IELTS Scores (International Students)
• Official transcripts

To edit or check an existing application, visit gradschool.psu.edu/existing-application.

Returning Students

Students who have not been enrolled in classes for one or more semesters (excluding summer session) must inform the Fox Graduate School and the ME Graduate Programs Office when they wish to continue taking courses.

• Email grad@me.psu.edu and inform the ME Graduate Programs Office that you will be taking classes.
• Submit a Resume Study Application to the Penn State Fox Graduate School. There is no fee for the Resume Study Application.

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission is a temporary classification in which an applicant may remain for a period of no longer than two semesters following admission or the time it takes to accrue 15 credits, whichever comes first. If the deficiencies that caused the provisional admission are not corrected by this time, you may not achieve full admission.

To be considered for provisional admission to the program, official GRE scores must be submitted. International students must also submit official TOEFL scores unless they meet the exemption requirements.