Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Graduate Admissions Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) at Iowa State University. We recognize and appreciate the time and expense you invest in applying for our graduate study programs.

Although admission into ECpE depends largely on minimum academic qualifications required by the department, admission of qualified applications also depends on a match between the student's area of interest, the research specialties, and the needs of the faculty.

While applicants with records that meet or exceed these guidelines are not guaranteed admission, we promise to make every effort in assessing each student's ability and motivation to carry on advanced study and research in ECpE, evidence of creative talent, ability to speak and write English clearly, and promise for a successful career.

In addition to satisfying the admission guidelines, ECpE is also interested in your potential as a teaching or research assistant. A faculty member in ECpE must agree to work and support you as major professor, and your complete file is made available for our faculty to review.

Application Guidelines for Domestic (U.S.) Citizens

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or closely related field.
  • GPA of 3.0 or better at an undergraduate level.
  • Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score of 700 or better on the Quantitative section. Waivers may be granted under extenuating circumstances.
  • Statement of Purpose

Application Guidelines for International Students

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or closely related area.
  • Class ranking in the upper 25 percent.
  • Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score of 700 or better on the Quantitative section.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 570 (230 computer based) or better. 
  • Statement of Purpose

Deadlines

Applications for summer or fall semester should be received by January 15 for consideration for a research or teaching assistantship.

 

While fall semester is the best time to begin a graduate program, applications are accepted for spring entry and need to be received by September 15 for consideration for a research or teaching assistantship.