Graduate Programs: FAQ

What types of graduate programs do you offer?

The College of Engineering offers academic programs on three campuses in two cities: City Campus (Lincoln), East Campus (Lincoln) and Scott Campus (Omaha), with 25 graduate degree options across seven departments.  

What areas are the faculty currently researching?
How do I apply?

Start your application process here.

The priority application deadline for full financial consideration is September 15 for Spring start and January 15 for Summer/Fall start. All of our programs are on rolling admission and applications will continue to be reviewed until the beginning of the term. 

Application Requirements

Each department may require different materials, but common application components include a statement of purpose, resume or curriculum vitae, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE score, and a TOEFL or IELTS score for international applicants. 

Statement of purpose: Your statement of purpose should include a description of your goals in pursuing a graduate degree. Include the degree and major you are interested in pursuing and the area of specialization within the major that is of the most interest to you. Please indicate if you have been in communication with a faculty member in the department regarding graduate education. 

Reference letters: You will also enter the names and contact information for your three references. An email will be sent to the names listed requesting a reference letter.

Official transcripts

Resume or curriculum vitae

GRE: At this time, the GRE is an optional requirement for nearly all engineering graduate programs. Check with your program for specific requirements. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not have a minimum GRE score for admission. However, you may want to ask your academic department what scores are considered competitive for your program. The university institution code is 6877. You do not need to enter a departmental code as all scores are processed centrally. If you took the GRE several years ago, you should consult with the Graduate Committee in your department if the scores are recent enough.  The Graduate Committee in each department will determine whether GRE scores are recent enough to accept. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the last date.

TOEFL or IELTS: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by providing a TOEFL or IELTS scores. Your scores must meeting minimum requirements for both Graduate Studies and the academic department. Graduate Studies requirements: 79 on TOEFL iBT; 550 on TOEFL PBT; 6.5 on IELTS. Minimums vary by departments; please refer to your department’s program summary or website for details. Some departments require scores higher than Graduate Studies minimums. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the last date. The institutional code for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln is 6877. 

GPA: The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the College of Engineering do not have a minimum cumulative GPA to be considered; however, you will want to ask your academic department what cumulative GPA is considered competitive for your program. Students with higher cumulative GPAs are more competitive for admission and for fellowships. 

How long will it take to receive a decision on my application?

Once your application file is complete, please allow six to eight weeks for a decision to be reached. You will be notified once a decision is made.

What funding opportunities are available?

A variety of funding options are available to future and current graduate students, through the College of Engineering and the Office of Graduate Studies in the form of assistantships and fellowships.

Where can I find additional information?
  1. If you have additional questions about graduate programs within the College of Engineering, contact Kayla Person, director of Graduate Programs, or the Graduate contacts within your interest area. 
  2. For additional information on UNL’s Office of Graduate Studies, visit their website.