What graduate degrees does your department offer?

Mechanical Engineering Department offers (a) Master of Science (Non-Thesis), (b) Master of Science (Thesis) and (c) Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Where can I find information on faculty research interests and facilities?

Current faculty research interests can be found at the following website: https://eng.auburn.edu/mech/people/

What is the minimum GPA for admission into the Graduate Program in Mechanical Engineering?

3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Most students who are admitted to our program have a GPA greater than 3.5.

Do I need to take GRE?  What are the target GRE scores for admission?

It is optional. However, GRE scores will be used for selecting fellowship recipient and nominating students for University wide awards. (Note: Previously, a combined verbal and quantitative score >300 and a minimum GRE quantitative score of 157 was required for admission. If you have taken GRE, you may upload a copy of GRE scores including the expired ones while submitting application as part of your CV.)

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 TSE with the exception that in certain situations an oral exam can be taken upon arrival in Auburn in lieu of 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?

No. Submit your application electronically at the graduate school website http://www.grad.auburn.edu/. Their mailing address is, The Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849. Submission should include official transcripts (can be sent electronically to graduatetranscripts@auburn.edu), standardized test scores, statement-of-purpose, recommendation letters. A brief resume, financial statement, and any other material deemed important can be uploaded as departmental files. Do not include your high school certificates. If you have, other documents that you need to send us via regular mail (e.g., a copy of GRE scores), use the following email or physical address:

Dr. Hareesh Tippur

Graduate Program Officer
Mechanical Engineering Department

1418 Wiggins Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
Email: tippuhv@auburn.edu

Can the application fee be waived? Who do I make the check payable to?

No. The University, not the department, mandates this fee and therefore send your queries to the Graduate School. The checks should be made payable to Auburn University.

What is the application deadline?

Auburn University has a rolling admissions policy and we accept applications for fall, spring and summer semesters.  However, we do have target dates and most new students enter our program during the fall semester.  For fall admission, application materials should be submitted by January 15.  This date is for full GRA, GTA and fellowship consideration.  For spring semester entry, submitting application materials by September 1 is recommended. (If you miss the target date, you can still submit your application but full consideration towards financial support is not guaranteed.)

The domestic graduate distance-learning program applicants (or, graduate video-outreach program applicants) can submit their applications by June 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.

Is financial aid available?

Yes.  Qualifying graduate applicants, mostly PhD and a few MS, are offered 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. (Note: Direct admission to PhD program after BS is limited to candidates with superior academic qualifications, test scores and demonstrable research experience.)

What should I include in my statement of purpose (SOP)?

The SOP is a 1-2 page long personal statement to express your reasons for pursuing graduate degree in a particular area/topic.  It should include how your interests and background match ongoing work of our faculty.  If you are a PhD applicant, you may want to explicitly identify one or more faculty in a topical area for the purpose of exploring a match. You may also include items, which are often not included in a standard CV (e.g., deficient grades in some courses/semesters, your personal and academic background, etc.) but may be relevant to make the admissions committee become aware.

Whom should I contact regarding graduate assistantship?

Most graduate assistantship offers are made by individual faculty members based on the availability of funds from their research grants.  Hence, it is best to match your research interests with that of a faculty member and contact them directly regarding the availability of financial support.

Are fellowships available to graduate students?

A limited number of merit based fellowships are available (application deadline: January 15) as salary supplements to GRA/GTA assistantships.  These are awarded to highly qualified graduate students entering in the fall semester. You may find more information at https://www.eng.auburn.edu/future-students/graduate/fellowship-program/index.html

Does my financial aid cover health insurance and other expenses?

No. Graduate students are responsible for paying 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.  

I have a non-mechanical engineering BS degree.  Am I eligible to enter your graduate program?

Admission may be offered to non-mechanical engineering BS degree holders on a case-by-case basis.  Applicants with BS degree in civil engineering, aerospace engineering and engineering science/mechanics will be reviewed normally.  If you are a physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering physics, or another engineering degree holder, a conditional admission may be offered.  Such an admission typically requires successful completion of 6-8 core undergraduate mechanical engineering courses in addition to the regular graduate degree course requirements.

Note that Mechanical Engineering Department does not offer online undergraduate courses and hence completion of the suggested undergraduate core courses prior to admission is strongly suggested.

Where can I find information on current tuition and other fees?

It can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/administration/business_office/sfs/tuition-rates.html