Graduate admission information
General information for applicants to the EE graduate program
Our graduate program offers the Master of Science (MS), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) degrees. The M. Eng. degree is usually a terminal degree for those not wishing to continue for a PhD Our main areas of study include: (1) communications and signal processing; (2) microelectronics, photonics, and materials; and (3) energy systems. Please browse our Web site to learn more details about our faculty and program.
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Application fee
A non-refundable fee of $50 per degree must be submitted for each application for graduate study at any State University of New York campus. No application can be processed without receipt of the $50 fee. (Applicants can reapply for admission within one academic year only; after this time it will be necessary to submit a new application form including fees and updated materials.)
You may pay electronically by credit card. Click here.
To pay by mail, please enclose a check or money order in the amount of $50 in U.S. currency (made payable to "University at Buffalo," with the student's name printed on the memo section), and send it with required documentation to:
Graduate Admission
Department of Electrical Engineering
University at Buffalo
332 Bonner Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-1920
USA
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The general test of the GRE is required of all applicants applying for admission into our graduate program. Arrangements to take the exam can be made through the Education Testing Service, Box 955R, Princeton, New Jersey 08541.
Please send your GRE score to institution code 2925, department code 1203.
TOEFL
All foreign students from non-English speaking countries are required (along with the GRE) to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. The test scores must be dated within two years from the requested date of admission. TOEFL scores cannot expire before the requested date of admission which is January for Spring Semester and August for Fall Semester Admission. Original TOEFL documentation must be provided to obtain an I-20. Arrangements to take the exam can be made through the Education Testing Service, Box 955R, Princeton, New Jersey 08541.
Foreign applications will not be considered for admission unless the TOEFL score is received. The following is a list of the accepted TOEFL exam types and minimum scores for the State University of New York at Buffalo.
- Paper based TOEFL minimum score 550
- Computer based TOEFL minimum score 213
- Internet based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) minimum score 79
- IELTS minimum score is 6.5 overall with no individual sub-scores below 6.0
Since GRE (and TOEFL for foreign applicants) scores are required by the department, it is strongly recommended that arrangements to take these tests be made early in the academic year so that sufficient time can be allowed for the scores to be reported before the deadline dates.
Please send your TOEFL scores to institution code 2925, department code 66.
Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. We strongly prefer letters from professors who are acquainted with your academic interests, achievements, and abilities. We will also accept letters from professional sources, but prefer letters from professors.
Letter of recommendation form (3 required)
Transcripts
You must send either original or properly certified transcripts or mark-sheets directly to the department.
Prerequisites
Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. For applicants who hold degrees in other disciplines (e.g., physics, computer science), it may be necessary to make up deficiencies in your undergraduate program before full admission will be granted.
Financial aid
If you are interested in financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship, please check the appropriate box on the application form. No applicant will be considered for financial aid until the application is complete and the applicant has been admitted.
If you are interested in financial aid in the form of a research assistantship, you must contact faculty members directly to show your interest in being supported as a research assistant. Research Assistants are supported by faculty holding grants.
Teaching assistantship application form:
- PDF format
- Word format
Financial Statement
International Graduate Admission Proof of Financial Support
All foreign applicants must submit a completed financial statement. Answer all questions thoroughly. An I-20 cannot be issued without this statement documenting necessary funds for each year of intended study (two years for master's; five years for PhD).
Deadlines
Deadlines for submitting completed application and supporting documents are as follows:
Fall semester
- Deadline date for online application submission: December 31
- Deadline date for receiving supporting documents: March 31
Spring semester
- Deadline date for online application submission: August 31
- Deadline date for receiving supporting documents: September 15
Failure to adhere to the above deadline dates will result in the application not being processed for admission.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We will be glad to assist you in any way possible. Email all graduate admission correspondence to crance@eng.buffalo.edu. Correspondence to any other address may result in a long delay in receiving a response or even the possibility of not receiving a response.
