Graduate school is an opportunity to pursue your educational interests, specialize in a subject area and skill set, and further your professional development. Whether you have long-term interests in research, academia, or industry, this path is available for immediate start after your undergraduate program or after you begin a full-time industry role. 

What can I do now to explore and prepare for graduate programs? 

Ways to gain experience

Is graduate school right for me? Am I ready for the time and financial commitments? Graduate school takes time, money and work for a successful experience. Think about the following as you consider pursuing a graduate degree:

Goals + long-term career planning

  • Your chosen career field may require an advanced degree for the role itself, or for advancement within the company/organization.

Specific disciplines + connection to undergraduate experiences

  • What specific topics or interest areas do you have and how has your previous experience shaped your future path?

Interest in research + project work

  • Are you motivated by research and project work?

Financial costs + time commitments

  • Can you commit to the entire duration of the program? How will you support yourself financially throughout this process?

There are several graduate degrees affiliated with engineering disciplines, as well as options that will allow you to meet other related long-term career goals:

Types of Engineering Programs

  • Master of Civil Engineering (MCE)
  • Master of Engineering (ME)
  • Master of Engineering Management (MEM)
  • Master of Science (MS) | Thesis v. Non-thesis
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Dissertation
  • Graduate Certificates

Where to search? 

Although different programs and opportunities vary in their approach to the recruitment, application, and admission process, the timeline below is a guideline to consider.

Third year | Summer

  • Develop a list of potential schools/ programs of interest
  • Prepare for required entrance exams (if applicable)
  • Draft application essays
  • Identify contacts you plan to ask to write letters of recommendation

 Fourth year

  • August - September
    • Finalize list of schools
    • Begin familiarizing with faculty + research opportunities at schools of interest
    • Ask faculty for recommendation letters
    • Review financial aid options and deadline
    • Take entrance exams
  • October - November
    • Check due dates
    • Request review of application materials
    • Complete a mock interview (if applicable)
    • Research scholarship, fellowship and assistantship opportunities
    • Order official transcripts
  • December - January
    • Submit all application materials and retain copies
    • Verify letters of recommendation have been sent
    • Track all communication from schools
  • Spring semester
    • Continue visiting schools
    • Ensure all application material is submitted
    • Visit accepted schools and set meetings with appropriate resources
    • Respond to ALL offers

What materials do I need to apply?
The materials listed below are commonly required for admission to graduate programs. However, they may vary by institution and program type.
  • Application(s) | graduate school application + specific program application
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of intent/purpose
  • Research statement (if applicable)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Application fee
  • Entrance exam (if applicable)

Resumes and CVs

Statement of Purpose + Statement of Intent

A statement of purpose typically asks an applicant to provide a written account of your overall academic, professional, and/or extracurricular experiences, long-term interests and career goals.

A statement of intent is more targeted and details a clear focus on your specific interests as they relate to the graduate program for which you are applying.

Research Statement

A research statement is a short document that provides a brief history of your past research experience, the current state of your research, and the future work you intend to complete. This statement helps a departmental admission committee to determine if your research interests and experience align well with the research opportunities in their department. Research statements should include: 

  • Articulation of the broader field you work in or seek to work in
  • Larger question or questions you are interested in answering
  • Articulation of your specific interest
    • Brief history of past research
    • Describe present research
    • Describe future trajectory you intend to take your research

> Purdue OWL | Graduate School Applications: Writing a Research Statement

Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Letters of recommendation provide a written endorsement of a candidate's qualifications and can contribute to a school's decision to admit you as a candidate. The content of the letters is intended to support your other application materials. Letters should discuss why the writer believes you can perform well in your degree program of choice. 

Writing a letter of recommendation can be a sizable task and it calls for the letter writer to vouch for you personally. Make sure to request your LOR in a timely manner, allowing the writer multiple weeks to write it and providing you with additional spare time prior to the deadline. Also, make sure to send your letter writers a thank you note for their input as well as time and effort! 

  • Who do I ask?
    • Current faculty members
    • Employers
    • Advisors
    • Coaches
    • Graduate teaching or research assistants
  • How do I ask + what do I provide?
    • Send an email regarding the topic of your request and provide several dates/times to arrange a meeting to discuss your request
    • Details about the school and program you are applying to
    • Instructions for completion of the letter and delivery to the school 
    • Application timeline and deadline for LOR
    • Resume/CV
    • Personal statement or statement of intent
  • CDCR Guidelines

How will I pay for graduate school and support myself financially as a working student?

Assistantships 

Assistantships are opportunities offered at the university to help you gain professional experience in your field of interest, make connections, and earn compensation They typically require 20 hours per week. Dependent upon the assistantship, they can include a monthly stipend and tuition waiver or a monthly stipend without tuition support. Most often, there are three different types of assistantships that distinguish the type of duties most related to the position. 

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) | Duties related to the instruction and assessment of undergraduate students, working alongside a faculty member to help design a syllabus, prepare exams, create materials, assist with lecture, meet with students, and grade student assignments
  • Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) | Work alongside a faculty member performing research in an area of shared academic interest, work in labs, clinics, or other on-campus facilities and assume practical or administrative tasks that help faculty members achieve the objectives they set out in their research.
    > How to contact a potential PhD Advisor
  • Graduate Assistant (GA) | Typically duties for administrative offices or departments. Duties vary widely depending on the department and role but could include developing programs, providing advising or coaching to undergraduates, responsibilities for building facilities, completing technical tasks, or organizing data. 

Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships

Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are awarded by universities, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, and private companies. Grants can also be awarded by federal and state agencies. These awards are usually based on academic and professional achievements and may also incorporate financial need. University scholarship and fellowship opportunities are most typically found on the institution's graduate school and / or financial aid websites. 

Examples:

Company reimbursement

Some companies provide provide professional development or education funding opportunities, allowing you to pursue a graduate program during your full-time employment.

Other types of funding

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Federal work study
  • Loans
  • Student emergency funds

General Resources

> Forbes | How to pay for grad school

> Sallie Mae | Find graduate student grants and fellowships 

RESOURCES

Meet with an Engineering Career Coach! Reserve an appointment for any of the following topics

  • Graduate School Prep
  • Career Decisions
  • Resume Assistance
Auburn University Miller Writing Center

Auburn Engineering Graduate Students