Graduate FAQ
Mechanical Engineering Graduate FAQ
What graduate degrees are offered by your department?
Mechanical Engineering Department offers (a) Master of Mechanical Engineering (M.ME, - Non thesis), (b) Master of Science (M.S.) and (c) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Where can I find information on faculty research interests and facilities?
Current faculty research interests can be found at the following website: http://eng.auburn.edu/programs/mech/staff/faculty.html For a list of recent graduate theses and dissertations, please click here.
What is the minimum GPA for admission into the Graduate Program in Mechanical Engineering?
3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Most students admitted into our program have a GPA greater than 3.5.
Do I need to take GRE? What is the target GRE scores for admission?
Yes. A combined verbal and quantitative score >1100 (old format) or >300 (new format) is desirable. Most international students have a verbal score of >400 (old format) or >146 (new format) and a quantitative score of >750 (old format) or 159.
Do I need to take TOEFL? What is the minimum score on TOEFL?
Yes, if you are an international applicant. The minimum score on the TOEFL is 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer based test) or 79 on iBT (internet based test). A score of 6.5 and above in IELTS is acceptable as well.
Is the Test of Spoken English (TSE) required and can it be taken after arriving in Auburn?
Graduate teaching assistants (GTA) must take the TSE with the exception that in certain situations, an oral exam can be taken upon arrival in Auburn in lieu of the TSE.
What is Auburn University's code number to send ETS test scores?
1005 (Mechanical Engineering code: 1502)
Should I send my application material directly to the department or to the Graduate School?
No. Submit your application electronically to the graduate school website ( http://www.grad.auburn.edu), and send official transcripts, standardized test scores, and financial statements (international students) to the graduate school. Your statement of purpose, recommendation letters (in free format if sent as a hardcopy OR scanned files if sent via email), and any other material you deem important to the attention of:
Dr. Hareesh Tippur
Graduate Program Officer
Mechanical Engineering Department
1418 Wiggins Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
Fax: (334)844-3307
email: tippuhv@auburn.edu
Please DO NOT send photographs, resume, high-school certificates, etc. You can send all documents to the Graduate School or to the Departmental address in a single packet; the documents will be routed appropriately upon receipt.
Can the application fee be waived? Who do I make the check payable to?
No, the application fee cannot be waived. The University, not the department, mandates this fee. The checks should be made payable to Auburn University.
What is the application deadline for admission consideration for Fall Semester?
Auburn University has a rolling admissions policy and we accept applications for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. However, most students enter our program during the Fall semester. For Fall semester entry, application materials should be submitted by February 1. This target date is for GRA, GTA and fellowship consideration as well. For Spring semester entry, submitting application material by August 15 is recommended. (If you miss the target date, you can still submit your application but full consideration towards financial support is not guaranteed.)
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Qualifying graduate students, mostly PhD and a few MS students, are provided financial support in the form of graduate teaching and/or research assistantships (GTA and/or GRA). Those who receive these assistantships are exempt from paying tuition. (Direct admission to PhD program after BS is for candidates with superior qualifications and background only.)
Whom should I contact regarding graduate assistantship?
Most GTA/GRA offers are made by individual faculty based on availability of funds from research grants/projects. Hence, it is best for you to match your research interests with that of a faculty member and contact them directly regarding availability of financial support.
Are fellowships available to graduate students?
A limited number of merit based fellowships are available (application deadline February 1) as salary supplements to GRA/GTA assistantships. These are awarded to highly qualified graduate students entering the Fall semester.
Does my financial aid cover health insurance and other expenses?
No. Graduate students are responsible for payment of health insurance premiums and other expenses including those for their spouse and dependents. Further, it is mandatory for all international students to purchase health insurance upon enrollment.
Where can I find information on current tuition and other fees?
The information can be found at
- http://www.auburn.edu/administration/business_office/pdf/tuition.pdf
- http://www.auburn.edu/academic/international/oie/iss/prospective/issprospcoa.htm
