Admissions Process

Welcome to the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh! We're excited to help you take the next step in your academic journey. Below, you'll find a guide to our graduate admissions process and minimum requirements, designed to make navigating your application as smooth as possible. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or are ready to apply, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Your Path to Admission: Minimum Requirements

Graduates of an ABET-accredited engineering program are typically eligible for admission based on their undergraduate academic performance. Students from non ABET-accredited institutions are also considered and we evaluate the duration of primary, secondary, and university education, the nature of the institution(s) attended, the system of grading in that institution, and to recommend admission or rejection.

  • Minimum GPA: Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0* (B average) or higher. However, specific programs may have additional or higher requirements, so it is important to review the criteria for the program you are interested in.

*For applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, consideration will be given on an individual basis. Factors such as academic potential, career goals, relevant work experience, and preparation in engineering or related disciplines will be strongly emphasized. In certain cases, provisional admission may be offered, contingent upon the fulfillment of specific coursework or academic achievement requirements.

Your Journey Begins: The Application Process

To apply to the Swanson School of Engineering’s graduate programs, start by completing the online application form. To review your program’s deadline requirements, please visit this website.

You must submit letters of reference electronically through the online application portal. Each department has specific requirements, with a minimum of 2 letters required. Visit our Recommendations page for more information about number of recommendations required, how to submit your electronic letters with your application, or checking the status of your submitted letters. 

You are required to upload academic records from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. If your records are in a language other than English, include a certified English translation. These initial uploads will be considered unofficial. Upon admission, official transcripts will be required.

Submitting GRE scores is optional. If you believe your scores reflect your academic ability, you may submit them using the institution code 2927. GRE scores will not influence the admissions decision for the current application cycle.

International applicants must submit scores from an English language proficiency exam unless they have earned a degree from an institution in an English-speaking country. Accepted exams and their minimum scores as follows:

English Proficiency Exam Minimum Total Score for Admission Additional English Language Courses Recommended if Admitted (see Admitted Students section below)
TOEFL 81 total score under 100
IELTS 6.5 total score under 7.5
DUOLINGO 120 total score under 140

Submit official scores directly from the testing agency, using the institution code 2927 for TOEFL or selecting “University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering” for Duolingo. 

Learn about the costs associated with graduate education at Swanson School:

Funding and teaching and research assistantships are determined at the Department Level.  Explore options for scholarships, fellowships, and grants to support your education.

Ensure you meet the specific funding deadlines for full consideration.

The Swanson School of Engineering offers a limited number of highly competitive teaching and research assistantships primarily at the PhD level. Funding can potentially cover tuition costs and include a living stipend. 

Appointment opportunities include:

  • Fellowships - awarded to students of outstanding ability. The funding is usually an unrestricted grant.
  • Traineeships - awarded to students for training in selected areas. There may be restrictions on the courses that may be taken.
  • Teaching Assistantships and Teaching Fellowships - awarded to exceptionally well-prepared students in return for assistance in laboratories, recitation sections, and other teaching duties. Partial or full tuition scholarships are also provided.
  • Research Assistantships - awarded to students for assistance on research programs.

Visit the funding and financial aid website for more information on funding and scholarship opportunities for PhD/MS students.

Please review the deadlines for your intended program to ensure your application is submitted on time:

  • Electronic Submissions: Do not send hard copies of materials already submitted online.
  • Original Documents: Only required upon admission and your decision to attend.

If you have any questions about the admissions process, feel free to contact our graduate admissions team. We’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Joint Degree or Specialized Programs

To apply for any of the following programs, you must begin the application process through the other school associated with the program, not the School of Engineering. If you have any questions specifically about the engineering component of the program, please feel free to contact us!

Please visit the following links:

Virtual Information Sessions

Stay informed and keep up to date with all of our graduate programs and upcoming information sessions and open houses.

Request Information

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Open houses, campus events, information sessions and conferences - we're on the road this Fall.

Recruitment Events
What's Next: After You Submit
Once you’ve submitted your application, here’s what to expect:
Application Review

Your application will be carefully reviewed as soon as all materials are received and your application is complete.

Check Your Status: Be sure to monitor your application status in the EngCAS Applicant Portal. Confirm that your Letters of Recommendation are completed and submitted. For more details, visit our Recommendation webpage.

Departmental Review

Admission decisions are made by the department of your chosen program, where faculty members review applications on a rolling basis.

Stay Informed

If you have any questions about your application status, feel free to reach out directly to the department.

We’re here to support you every step of the way as your application moves forward!

What's Next: Upon Admission
Upon admission, you will receive an official offer of admission via email from our Graduate Admissions Office and you may be wondering: what are my next steps?
Accepting Your Offer

Please remember to accept or decline your offer in PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX by the deadline listed in your admission letter.

Account Setup

A University of Pittsburgh Computing Account is required to accept or decline your offer. If you don’t have an active account yet, follow the instructions at Activate Your Account. For any issues accessing or activating your account, contact the Pitt IT Help Desk at 412-624-HELP or visit the Information Technology Services Portal.

Securing Your Spot

To reserve your place in the class, a non-refundable deposit of $100 is required when you accept your offer. This deposit will be fully applied to your first term tuition.

After accepting your admission, keep an eye out for details from your department about advising and class enrollment.

Admitted Students

Graduate Orientation

Our fall graduate student orientation is held in August, just before the start of the term. Invitations and sign-ups will open in June/July. For an overview of last year’s orientation, please visit the orientation agenda.

Admitted Students

New Student Resources

Explore our New Student Resources to help you get started. Welcome to the Pitt family—H2P!

Admitted Students

Assistantships and Research Positions

If you’ve been offered a teaching assistantship or graduate research position, your department will contact you directly.

Admitted Students

International Students

Visit the Office of International Services (OIS) to learn more about the new student process.