Graduate Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Experience
Admission to the graduate degree programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and architectural engineering requires an ABET-accredited bachelor of science degree in engineering or the equivalent from abroad. If the undergraduate preparation is deemed insufficient for the graduate program of interest, some prerequisite coursework may be required.
Students with undergraduate degrees in the physical, chemical, or biological sciences are encouraged to apply for the environmental science graduate degree programs.
For the Master of Construction Management (MCM), an undergraduate degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or business is expected, although other degrees will be considered. Experience in construction is desirable. Courses in probability and statistics and engineering economics or finance must have been completed as part of the undergraduate degree or these courses will be required as prerequisites.
Grade-Point Average (GPA)
With an undergraduate degree in engineering, an overall grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or above, out of 4.0, is expected for regular admission to a master's program. A GPA of at least 3.3/4.0 is expected for non-engineering degree-holders. Probationary or provisional status may be possible for those with a lower GPA if other factors, such as substantial related experience or professional registration, indicate the potential for success.
Admission to a doctoral degree program requires an outstanding academic record at the master's level, a GPA of at least 3.5/4.0, and identification of a CEAE professor willing to supervise the applicant's dissertation. Students interested in pursuing a doctorate through the Fast Track Program should possess an exceptional undergraduate record with a minimum GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Application Form
You must apply online to graduate degree programs.
Application Fee
Graduate applications require a nonrefundable application fee. You can pay online using a credit/debit card or e-check as you complete your application.
Transcripts
You may upload an unofficial copy of your transcript through the online application. However, one official copy of all undergraduate transcripts is required if admitted and must be sent directly from the issuing institution to:
Graduate Application Processing Center
University of Kansas
Strong Hall: Rm 313
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
Graduate Records Exam (GRE)
Official general GRE scores are required but GRE subject exams (e.g., "engineering") are not required.
When you request a GRE score report from ETS, use 6871 ("University of Kansas") for the institution code and 1102 ("engineering, civil") for the department code for all programs offered in the department. Reports will then be sent to the appropriate locations at KU. The graduate adviser may waive the GRE requirement in certain cases. The GRE requirement cannot be waived for applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. Carefully select former professors, employers, and/or colleagues who can comment on your background, character, and probability of success in graduate study at KU.
As you apply online, you will enter the names and email addresses of the three persons who will provide the letters of recommendation. These people will receive an email with instructions for submission of the recommendation.
If you prefer to send paper recommendations, print three copies of the Graduate Letter of Recommendation form, complete the top section, and deliver these forms to the persons who will write the letters. These persons should send the completed form and the recommendation letter directly to the CEAE graduate secretary at the address below.
Graduate Secretary
KU CEAE Department
2150 Learned Hall
1530 W. 15th Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Statement of Purpose
Submit a brief statement of purpose that explains your academic and career interests and goals. Your resume is also helpful but not required. These items should be uploaded at the on-line application site or mailed directly to the CEAE graduate secretary at the address below.
Graduate Secretary
KU CEAE Department
2150 Learned Hall
1530 W. 15th Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
International students who are non-native speakers of English must meet minimum English proficiency requirements. International applicants who are citizens of or have earned bachelor's degrees or graduate degrees from English-speaking accredited institutions in the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or the English-speaking provinces of Canada, do not have to submit TOEFL scores. Applicants from India and other recent British colonies do need to submit TOEFL scores even if English is their primary language.
When submitting TOEFL Scores, use these codes:
- Institution Code – 6871
- Program Code – 65
With few exceptions, all international students' English skills are tested in person upon arrival at KU. Applied English Center (AEC) prerequisite courses may be required.
Applicants from institutions where "consolidated mark sheets" are used (e.g. in India and Pakistan) must provide official copies of "individual mark sheets" as well. Also, applicants from institutions that use diploma award certificates (e.g., P.R. China) must submit an official copy of this certificate. If your transcripts are not in English, send an official transcript in the original language. English translations are requested if available. Applicants with "second class" or lower rankings are not admissible.
More information for prospective international students is available via http://www2.ku.edu/~issfacts/.
Deadlines for Receipt of Materials
To be considered for the first round of financial aid, all application materials, including official transcripts, test scores, and reference letters, must be received according to the following deadlines:
- Spring semester and summer session:
- December 1 for domestic students
August 15 for international students - Fall semester:
- July 1 for domestic students
March 15 for international students
Most graduate students enter in the fall semester, and most scholarships are awarded to students admitted for the fall semester. Admission for the spring semester is also possible. Few graduate courses are offered in the summer session. Due to more stringent entry requirements, international students are encouraged to begin their application for admission and visa processes as soon as practical.
The admission process can be expedited for the part-time students applying to the Master of Civil Engineering degree program at the Edwards Campus. Please contact the Edwards Campus enrollment staff and the CEAE graduate secretary for more details.
Review of Applications
The review of your application will begin when all of your materials — including your application fee and test score(s) — have been received. You can check your application status online. The review process normally requires about two weeks.
You will receive an email notifying you of your admission status. If you have not received your email notification after a reasonable period of time, please contact the CEAE graduate secretary.
If admitted, it becomes your responsibility to keep yourself informed of the requirements, rules, and regulations of the University, the Graduate School, the School of Engineering, the CEAE Department, and your specific degree program.
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