Graduate Students
VCU offers an online self-managed application process. The information below outlines items needed to apply for a graduate program with the VCU College of Engineering. Additional information is listed on the Office of Admissions and International Admissions webpages.
Program-specific information can be found in the University Bulletin and additional inquiries can be made to the respective Graduate Program Directors listed below, or to the Office of Graduate Studies gradengr@vcu.edu.
Graduate Program Directors
- Biomedical Engineering: Dean Krusienski, Ph.D., djkrusienski@vcu.edu
- Chemical & Life Science Engineering: Nastassja Lewinski, Ph.D., nalewinski@vcu.edu
- Computer Science: Bridget McInnes, Ph.D., csgrad@vcu.edu
- Electrical & Computer Engineering: Afroditi Filippas, Ph.D., ecegradinfo@vcu.edu
- Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering: Karla Mossi, Ph.D., mnegrad@vcu.edu
- Pharmaceutical Engineering: Thomas Roper, Ph.D., tdroper@vcu.edu
- Office of Graduate Studies: gradengr@vcu.edu
The College of Engineering offers multiple Master’s degrees through all five departments. Each degree is 30-credits and can be completed in an average of three semesters with full-time study. Part-time study is also an option.
Beginning Fall 2024, newly admitted out-of-state and international students entering a Master’s program will receive a distinct tuition and fee structure. Applicants determined to be Virginia residents at the time of admission will continue to earn in-state tuition benefits.
Required materials (Fall 2024 and later):
- Statement of Intent / Personal Statement
- Transcripts / Mark Sheets
- English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)
- Application fee
Not required (Master’s only):
- GRE general test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Foreign credential evaluation (e.g. WES or ECE)
The College of Engineering offers accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs for all five departments. Students can earn both degrees in a minimum of five years by taking approved graduate-level courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. The steps to apply include:
- Current undergraduate students first obtain departmental pre-approval for acceptance into the Accelerated pathway.
- After receiving pre-approval, students must formally apply to the Master’s degree. The application fee is waived for all Accelerated students. Students should skip paying the fee when applying.
- After steps one and two are complete, students work with their advisor on what courses to take and complete their Bachelor’s degree before starting the Master’s degree the following semester after graduating.
Required materials (Fall 2024 and later):
- Statement of Intent / Personal Statement
- VCU Transcripts
Not required (Accelerated applicants only):
- Application fee is waived
- GRE general test scores
- Letters of recommendation
The College of Engineering offers various doctoral degrees and applicants should be aware admission may be contingent upon first identifying a faculty advisor. If admitted, a faculty advisor would be willing and able to fund your studies by way of a Graduate Assistantship. Doctoral students admitted without an advisor are typically part-time and self-funded.
To identify a potential advisor, explore college research areas and the faculty directory. Reach out to faculty with expertise related to your interests and inquire about research assistantship opportunities with them. If you need help identifying a potential advisor, contact the program’s Graduate Program Director.
Required materials (Fall 2024 and later):
- Statement of Intent / Personal Statement
- Transcripts / Mark Sheets
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- GRE general test scores (based on program)
- English language proficiency test scores (if applicable)
- Application fee
Not required:
- Foreign credential evaluation (e.g. WES or ECE)
Additional details about the application materials:
- Statement of Intent or Personal Statement should summarize motivation, previous education and/or personal and professional goals in pursuing graduate-level studies.
- Official transcript(s) and mark sheet(s) are only required after being admitted into a program in order to finalize the admission. Copies of unofficial transcript(s) and mark sheet(s) are accepted for initial review of all graduate applications.
- Letters of Recommendation or “Reference Letters” for doctoral applications are expected to be from present or former teachers, or from others who are qualified to evaluate fitness to engage in graduate-level study in the chosen field.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores for verbal, quantitative and analytical portions are required for select doctoral programs only. GRE scores are not required for Master's program applications. Reference the University Bulletin for program-specific testing requirements. Advanced or subject tests are not required.
- Proof of English proficiency test scores are required for all non-native English-speaking applicants, regardless of immigration status. Accepted tests, minimum test scores, exempt countries and other waivers are listed on the International Admissions webpage. Copies of unofficial test scores are accepted for initial review of all graduate applications. Official copies, if applicable, are only required after being admitted into a program in order to finalize the admission.
Transfer Students
New students wishing to transfer into one of our degree programs must apply through the standard graduate application process. A maximum of 50 percent of the didactic hours required for a graduate degree may be transferred from another VCU program or outside institution and, only if not applied previously toward another degree, may be applied toward a VCU degree. Prerequisite coursework that does not count toward the VCU degree may not be transferred.
Once a student has been accepted and matriculates into a VCU College of Engineering graduate degree program, they may submit a request to transfer course credits to the Graduate Program Director. Recommendations regarding transfer credit are initiated at the program level. Final review and approval are completed by the VCU Graduate School.
When to apply
Students may apply for entry into Fall (preferred) or Spring semesters. Admission into either term is based upon the recommendation of the admissions committee with the approval of the graduate program director, department chair, and associate dean for graduate studies.
Graduate applications have posted deadlines for when to apply, however, some programs have rolling admissions. Contact the departmental Graduate Program Director for more information or email the Office of Graduate Studies gradengr@vcu.edu.