Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Graduate Admission

• I want to receive an application package. What is the best way to request it?
  The application must be submitted online; thus, there is no "Application Package." However, we can send program information. Go to the Graduate School web pages for Prospective Students and under "Please tell us about yourself" fill out the online request form. The department will receive this message and respond as appropriate. Sending an email request to the department is slower because it will have to be forwarded to the Graduate School and re-entered manually. Catalogs are not sent because this information is available online.
  
  
• What is the best way to apply?
  Online is the required method. It allows the application to be processed much faster and the applicant can pay the application fee by credit card if they wish. Other items are mailed to the Graduate School.
  
  
• Can I get a pre-evaluation without applying? Should I email information about myself when inquiring for an application?
  Generally, no. We do not evaluate except on the basis of an application.
  
  
• Do you waive the application fee?
  No.
  
  
• Are there special forms for applying for financial aid?
  
No, just check the financial aid boxes at the top of the online form used to apply for admission.


• I am a US citizen or Permanent Resident and do not have a prior engineering degree. Before making this career decision and applying, I would like to better understand the deficiencies that I would need to make up. How can I find this out?
  
Final evaluation would need an application; but, for a preliminary discussion, contact the CE Director of Graduate Programs. Since every case is different, contact by telephone is the best approach.


• I am a past or current undergraduate at NC State. Do I have to submit transcripts?
  Yes
  
  
• Since I am currently an undergraduate student, the transcript I send for the application will not be final. Is this OK for the application?
  Yes. It should, however, be as current as possible. If admitted, you will be required to submit upon arrival at NC State a final transcript showing all grades and the degree awarded.
  
  
• Is a Master's student eligible for financial aid as a TA or RA?
  Yes. Outstanding applicants for the Master's degree are considered for assistantships. Applicants for the MS (thesis required) have more opportunity for support than those applying for the MCE (non-thesis) degree.
  
  
• Are students considered for assistantship support in their first year?
  Yes. If aid is requested, both US and International applicants are considered for assistantships in their first year. The applicant will be notified if they are selected.
  
  
• Is an assistantship like a scholarship?
  No. The assistantship has a defined work commitment.
  
  
• Are international students eligible for fellowships?
  Most of our fellowships are limited to US citizens and US permanent residents.
  
  
• Will sending a lot of email messages to the Dean of Engineering, the Head of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, and other faculty help me get an assistantship?
  No.
  
  
• The admissibility letter from the Graduate School says that the "Department will contact" regarding assistantships. What does this mean?
  It means that at the time a decision was made on recommending for admission, a decision had not been made on financial aid. For Fall admission, we usually make decisions on financial aid beginning in early March and this continues into April and sometimes May. For Spring admission, most financial aid decisions are made in early October. In either case, we will advise immediately if you are selected. If you are not selected, a letter is sent to that effect at a later date.