Graduate Studies:
Application Procedures and Checklist

Application Procedures

In order to apply to our graduate programs, prospective students must have completed a regular four-year course in chemical engineering or a related discipline at a recognized university with better than a B average. Admission is based on your overall academic performance, recommendation letters, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (if applicable) and Statement of Purpose. Applications for admission may be submitted throughout the year; however, students should complete the application checklist below by January 15 in order to be considered for financial assistance during the year beginning September 1. Admission decisions are announced by April 15. The normal starting date for incoming graduate students is the beginning of the Fall semester; however, students interested in starting at the beginning of the Spring semester should first contact the Director of Graduate Admissions before applying. Note that applicants do not need to have a Masters degree to be considered for admission to the PhD program.

Financial Aid and Costs

Masters-level students provide their own financial support for their studies either from their own resources, employer programs, foundations or governmental agency sources.

Masters-level students carrying 36 or more units are charged tuition and fees. The amount of credit given for each course is measured in units. A unit represents one hour a week spent in either class attendance or outside preparation, throughout a semester of about 14 weeks. A unit is equivalent to one-third of a semester credit or semester hour. Tuition rates are subject to change without notice. Tuition for graduate students enrolled part-time in day or evening classes is $374 per unit taken. All graduate students carrying 18 or more units are assessed a nonrefundable activity fee of $144 for the academic year. Tuition and fees are due and payable at the time of semester registration. These fees do not include books and course supplies. The cost of room and board, books and supplies is as above for the PhD program participants.

Application Checklist

Applications should be submitted using the on-line graduate application form. The on-line form is designed to permit you to edit and revise your application until you are satisfied. Once submitted on-line, you can check on the status of your application on-line, at any time.

Mail the following items to:


Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Department of Chemical Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Doherty Hall 3114
Pittsburgh, PA 15213


*Please mail only one applicants materials per package to ensure proper receipt.

1. An official copy of your GRE score report from ETS. Please use Institution Code 2074 and Department Code 1001. Please note that photocopies will not be accepted. (Computer-based scores from China (including Hong Kong), Korea, and Taiwan from the years 2001 and 2002 will not be accepted).
   
2. An official copy of transcripts from each college or university you have attended.Please note that photocopies will not be accepted.
   
3. If you are an international student and your native language is not English, an official copy of your TOEFL score report from ETS. Please use Institution Code 2074 and Department Code 64.Please note that photocopies will not be accepted.
   
4. Application processing fee. The fee is $55 USD and may be paid either online using a credit card at the time of application submission or via a check or money order payable to "Carnegie Mellon Department of Chemical Engineering.". Please note, your application will not be processed or reviewed until the application fee has been received.
   
5. Letters of recommendation can be submitted online. This is the preferred method of submission. (Online letter of recommendation submission will be explained in greater detail once the online application has been started). However please note, that we will still accept paper letters of recommendation. Paper letters should be sent in a signed, sealed envelope to the address listed above. The letter of recommendation form can be found here.

Once all of these items are received by the Graduate Admissions Office, your application will be complete. You can check on the status of your application on-line with your pin and password. All admissions decisions for Fall starting semesters will be complete by 15 April each year.