Prospective students must be a graduate of materials science and engineering or a related discipline at a recognized university with better than a B average. Admission is based on overall academic performance and potential.
A completed application will include the following:
- Non-refundable application fee of $75 USD (this fee cannot be waived or deferred)
- The online application form
- Letters of recommendation
- Ph.D. - 3 required
- Master's - 1 required, 1 optional
- Uploaded unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts will be requested upon admission)
- Essay questions
- CV/resume
- English proficiency exam (for non-native English speakers; see requirements below)
The Graduate Admissions Committee thoroughly reviews each complete application and considers each applicant exclusively for the degree program to which they have applied.
The Graduate Admissions Office does not prescreen any application materials prior to the submission of your application. Also, the office will not advise applicants as to whether they should or should not submit an application.
This distinctive and transformative program is dedicated to developing a diverse community of exceptionally talented national STEM leaders from underrepresented or underresourced backgrounds by eliminating cost as a barrier to graduate education.
Submitting your application materials
All required materials should be uploaded into the application form. You should request English proficiency exam score reports be sent electronically to the department. It is acceptable for letters of recommendation to arrive after the application submission deadline.
Unofficial transcripts
Transcripts will be marked “unofficial” even if you have uploaded an official copy of your transcripts directly into the application. The Admissions Committee will review the unofficial transcripts that have been uploaded directly. It is not necessary to submit an official transcript until you have been requested to do so.
Recommendation letters
When considering recommendation letters, the review committee is particularly interested in the evaluation of the applicants’ ability for independent thinking, creative/critical evaluation skills, time management, and merit.
English proficiency exam
As an applicant, an English proficiency exam is required for non-native English speakers. The department accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores (must be sent electronically to the university from the company). Applicants who are non-native English speakers can receive a requirement waiver if they have or will complete a four-year undergraduate program at a university within the United States before the start of the first term they are enrolled.
Score requirements
| TOEFL iBT Reading | TOEFL iBT Listening | TOEFL iBT Speaking | TOEFL iBT Writing | TOEFL iBT Total | IELTS Band Score | DuoLingo | |
| Master's | 22 | 22 | 20 | 22 | 86 | 6.5 | 105 |
| Ph.D. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 100 | 7.5 | 105 |
Submitting your scores
- TOEFL Institution code is 2074
IELTS + DuoLingo send your scores to: Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering, 431 Hamerschlag Drive, Ansys Hall Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Essay
The essay section should show that you have thought about your research interests and motivations, future professional goals, and interest in outreach, as well as diversity equity, and inclusion. The essay field on the application will allow for 500 words.
Financial support
Doctoral students receive financial support for their tuition and stipend from fellowships, traineeships, government grants, graduate assistantships, or scholarships. Continued financial assistance for doctoral students is contingent upon both satisfactory research progress and academic performance.
Checking the status of your application
Please sign into your graduate application to check the status. This site is updated when material is received and decisions are made, so please feel free to check your status frequently during peak admission season.
Statement of Assurance
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state or local laws or executive orders.
Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412.268.1018.
Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412.268.2000.
Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report describing the university’s security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault and fire safety policies, and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus, and the number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The annual security and fire safety report also is available online at www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports.
Information regarding the application of Title IX, including to admission and employment decisions, the sexual misconduct grievance procedures and process, including how to file a report or a complaint of sex discrimination, how to file a report of sexual harassment, and how the university responds to such reports is available at www.cmu.edu/title-ix. The Title IX coordinator may be reached at 5000 Forbes Ave., 140 Cyert Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; 412-268-7125; or tix@cmu.edu.
For more information regarding the statement of assurance please visit www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html.