How to Apply
Admission Procedure
Applications are handled by the Graduate School and candidates apply through the online admissions system, GWAAP. The Graduate School handles all paperwork. Only when a candidate's packet is complete, i.e. application form, official transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores from ETS and application fee are received, do they release the packet to the department. Once the packet is released to the department, the departmental admissions committee evaluates the candidate and makes a recommendation to the Graduate School. The Graduate School notifies the candidate of the decision. If accepted, international students who submitted an Official Statement of Finances form are sent an I20. If the form has not been completed, the Graduate School sends an acceptance letter saying acceptance is dependent on receiving the Official Statement of Finances form. If the candidate receives financial support from the department, we will notify the Graduate School of the amount of support and the candidate must supply an Official Statement of Finances form for the difference, if any, in order to receive an I20.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field is recommended, but not required. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required, however. For student without a bachelor's degree in IE, leveling classes or outside work may be required. Click here for details about the required background and leveling (See Required Background).
Transcripts
Official transcripts from each previous institution must be submitted directly to the Graduate School. Note that sending the official transcripts to the department rather than the Graduate School can significantly delay the admissions process. The mailing address for the transcripts is:
Graduate School
106B Hargis Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5122
GRE/GMAT Scores
Official copies of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE or GMAT) and/or the Graduate Management Admissions Test should be sent directly to the Graduate School from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). No subject test is required.
English Proficiency
All applicants MUST SUBMIT an OFFICIAL score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) directly to the Auburn University Graduate School from the Education Testing Service or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their official government language and medium of instruction. Applications cannot be considered until the TOEFL test score has been received in the Graduate School. There can be NO EXCEPTIONS and there can be NO SUBSTITUTIONS. All foreign graduate teaching assistants are required to submit a satisfactory score (minimum score of 50) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) in addition to 550 on the paper TOEFL (pBT), 213 on the computer TOEFL (cBT), and 79 on the internet TOEFL (iBT) to be considered for admission. On the iBT, students must score a minimum of 16 on the four component parts of the iBT (reading, listening, speaking, writing). If you plan to apply for a teaching assistantship, you should take the TSE at your earliest opportunity. The TSE normally is given at the same time and place as the TOEFL.
Official Statement of Finances
International applicants must demonstrate full financial sponsorship if accepted into a graduate program. Applicants MUST provide certified documentation in U.S. Dollars of the availability of adequate financial resources to meet all personal and educational obligations. The properly completed Official Statement of Finances (http://gradweb.duc.auburn.edu/forms/intl_finances.html)accompanied by certified evidence of your sponsor's financial capability MUST BE filed with the Graduate School before a Visa Eligibility Certificate (I-20 or IAP-66) can be prepared and sent to you unless you have sufficient financial aid from the department.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not required, but may be sent via email to Dr. Valenzuela.
Deadlines
There are no deadlines for admission since we accept students any term and review applicants continuously. However, the process will likely take several months, so apply far enough in advance to be accepted before the term you wish to begin studies. We usually allocate financial support by mid April for fall term, so if you wish to be considered for support, your application must have completed processing by that time.
Delayed Admission
Admission to the Graduate School is good for one year; i.e. if you are admitted for Fall 2010, you may enroll anytime during the 2010-2011 academic year; Fall 2010, Spring 2011 or Summer 2011. If you wish to delay admission, please send an email so stating.
Assistantships and Fellowships
The Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering does offer financial support (see Financial Aid) to outstanding students, usually through teaching and/or research assistantships. A very limited number of fellowships may also be available. Competition for support is open to all students (MS, MISE and Ph.D. and international students). All students accepted for on campus graduate studies are automatically considered for any applicable assistantships and fellowships. No separate form or application is used. There are no set requirements for financial support, but many students with excellent qualifications apply each year for a limited number of positions. GPA, standardized test scores (GRE and TOEFL), technical background and interests are considered. While a position may become available at any time, we usually make decisions for most support positions for the August-May school year in March of the previous year.
Insurance
It is mandatory that all international students have a comprehensive medical insurance plan which covers them in the United States while they are enrolled at Auburn University.
