Application Materials

Detailed information on what to include in your online application packet is outlined below.

Please do not mail application materials. All items should be submitted electronically with your online application. Please login to the UB application system frequently to ensure that all of their supporting documents have been received.

Application Form

All domestic and international students must apply online for the MS or PhD program. Please note that the online application process will require you to upload supporting documents.

Application Fee ($85)

A non-refundable application fee of $85 must be submitted for each graduate application before it will be reviewed. You can pay the application fee in your Application Status Portal via credit card. The link to pay your application fee will appear shortly after you submit your application. If you have an issue with your application fee, please contact gradeng@buffalo.edu.

We do not offer application fee waivers for our programs. Only US Military/Veterans and their spouses and participants in special programs such as Americorps, McNair Scholars, EOP, HEOP, SEEK, or Project 1000 are eligible for an application fee waiver. Program participants must also be a US citizen or permanent resident. There are no exceptions. If you are eligible and requesting a waiver, please contact gradeng@buffalo.edu with documentation of your military service or program participation.

Personal Statement

As part of the application, the department requires a statement of purpose briefly describing your background and your academic and career goals.

College Transcripts

Copies of transcript(s) for all post-secondary schoolwork must be uploaded with the online application for initial review. Upon the offer of admission, accepted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree(s).

Letters of Recommendation (3)

Three letters of recommendation are to be requested through the online application by providing the names and e-mail addresses. UB undergraduates only need to submit two letters of recommendation. We strongly prefer letters from professors who are acquainted with your academic interests, achievements, and abilities.

Curriculum Vitae/Resume

An account of your education and experience that describes your qualifications for the program. 

GRE Scores

GRE scores are not required for any graduate application (MS or PhD). GRE scores will be considered only as “supplementary information”, similar to an article authorship or a conference presentation, in the evaluation of a candidate’s application. If a candidate would like to report their GRE scores, they can do so in the formal application.

Note: The CSEE Department Code for the GRE is 1102; the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.

English Proficiency Scores (for International Students only)

International applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency via the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score, or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). All applicants whose native language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency. Please use Institution Code 2925 and Department Code 65 to provide your scores to us.

The State University of New York at Buffalo has the following minimum admission requirements for these tests:

  • Minimum TOEFL score: 79 internet-based test, 550 paper-based test. A competitive TOEFL score (internet-based test) is at least 90.
  • Minimum IELTS score: 6.5 (with no individual sub-score below a 6.0)
  • Minimum PTE score: 55 (with no individual sub-score below a 50)

The exam results must be dated within 2 years from your proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which you applied. For example, Fall 2017 begins in August 2017; therefore, your exam results must be valid until August 2017.

Information and arrangements to take the exam can be made by contacting the Educational Testing Service at www.ets.org/toefl. It is strongly recommended to make test arrangements early in the year so sufficient time can be allowed for the results to be reported before our application deadline.

Financial Form (for International Students only)

You will need to fill out the form labeled "Standard Graduate" for the appropriate academic year at the International Applicant Financial Form page. The Financial Form and supporting bank documents may be uploaded to your application after you have received their admissions decision. 

Please note that original financial documents must be brought to the school in person upon arrival at UB orientation.