Academics
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Graduate Study
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Prospective Master's Students
Application Information

Thank you for considering the Department of Mechanical Engineering for your graduate education. Refer to the application information on this page as you apply to earn your master's degree.

The MS program has two options: course-based terminal MS degree or thesis MS degree. Financial support to MS students is extremely rare. The tuition amount is available at The Graduate School.

All applications are evaluated based on a number of factors, including:

Those whose native language is not English must also supply Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores with a minimum of 577 or higher on the paper-based text, 233 or higher on the computer-based test, and 90 or higher on the Internet-based test. An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 also fulfills this requirement.

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How to Apply

  • If you are planning to apply to the MS program in mechanical engineering, you can access the online application through The Graduate School.
  • Applications are typically available after September 1st for fall quarter of next year, through the TGS website.
  • We encourage you to explore the mechanical engineering website for faculty research interests and additional information on graduate study.
  • The program code for the MS program in mechanical engineering is M40MS.

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Application Deadlines

Applications for the MS program must be received by April 30 for the fall admission.

However, most admission decisions for the fall quarter will be made well before the final deadlines, so applications should be submitted by March in order to receive full consideration. For winter or spring admissions, please review the relevant information under "Dates" on the FAQ for MS Candidates page.

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Documents Required with Application

Detailed information about the required documentation is available in the online application. Required items:

1. $95 non-refundable application fee, paid via credit card through the online application process

2. Completed online application form

3. The following documents need to be submitted online:

  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation

4. For 2023-2024 cycle GRE is not required. However, do follow the instructions that refer to TOEFL and ILTS. Official test scores TOEFL (minimum of 90 if required) or IELTS (minimum of 7.0 if required). Official scores should be sent to Northwestern University at institution code 1565. Alternatively, you may upload copies of your TOEFL or IELTS score reports online with your application and Northwestern staff will call ETS to verify the scores.

5. Optional: Women and members of under-represented minorities (African American, Hispanic, and Native American applicants) are encouraged to submit a diversity statement to identify themselves as possible candidates for specially designated fellowships. Any other information (such as published research papers) that make your application stronger should also be uploaded online. The writing sample is not needed for Mechanical Engineering applications.

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Information for Incoming Students

Decisions for fall quarter admissions may be made as early as January 15 and will be continuously made until all positions are filled. The vast majority will be decided by the end of March.

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Visit

Admitted students are encouraged to visit Northwestern prior to making a decision on the offer of admission and support. Visits may be individually scheduled. The purpose of these visits is to enable prospective students to meet with faculty members, to get an idea of some of the research activities in the department, and to explore the Northwestern campus and surroundings.

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Next Steps

Admitted students should visit The Graduate School to submit an enrollment decision. Decisions should be entered by April 15.