Admissions - Graduate
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers three graduate degree programs: Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Ph.D. All graduate programs offer considerable flexibility in course selection and specialization of study. Students with a Bachelor's degree may opt to pursue the Ph.D. directly. The department is internationally recognized for our high-impact research. While most incoming graduate students have a degree in mechanical engineering or other closely related field of engineering, our graduate programs are also suitable for students with degrees in physics or mathematics.
We offer a competitive graduate assistant stipend and tuition waiver. First year Ph.D. students are usually supported by Fellowships, Teaching Fellowships or Teaching Assistantships. This allows new graduate students to explore research opportunities with faculty members and select a faculty advisor during the first year. Funding for subsequent years is provided through Research Assistantships under the supervision of individual faculty in the department. Some graduate students may be selected by individual professors to receive Research Assistantships in the first year. Applications are normally considered for fall admission only.
University of Delaware is conveniently located on Interstate 95 between New York City and Washington, DC. The university is also close to many industrial and government laboratories and facilities.
Requirements for Admission
The following minimum criteria apply:
- A baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering or in a closely allied field of science or mathematics.
- An undergraduate grade point average in engineering, science and mathematics courses of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A minimum combined Quantitative and Verbal score of 308 (1200) on the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test.
- A minimum score of 600 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, or at least 100 on the IBT with a speaking score of 20. This test is not required of students whose first language is English and who have received an undergraduate or post-graduate degree from a College or University in which English is the sole language of instruction.
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation from former teachers or supervisors. The letters must be completed online via the application process.
- Complete the graduate supplemental document and submit via the online application process.
Admission is selective and competitive based on the number of well qualified applicants and the research opportunities available with the faculty. Meeting the stated minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
For applicants with no prior training in engineering, the same minimum criteria will apply. In addition, their records will be reviewed in relation to the intended program of study. Provisional status with specific remedial work may be a basis for acceptance of such applicants.
The acceptance of applicants who have already received a Master’s degree in engineering will be based on the above minimum criteria and the results of their graduate work.
Financial Aid
Awards of financial assistance, which includes graduate tuition and a competitive stipend, are made on the basis of merit and students who complete applications by January 15 are given preference. For information on current tuition and fees please visit Student Financial Services.
