MS Applicants: 3.0/4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework
PhD Applicants: 3.4/4.0 scale in undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) coursework
GRE scores are not required for any CSEE program, but you may submit them if you think it will help your application. If you would like to take the GRE, you can arrange to take it through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Official scores should come directly from ETS.
We typically look for a combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 on the aptitude test and place more emphasis on the quantitative section, looking for candidates that score in the 80th percentile or above.
Note: the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.
Cost of attendance at UB varies depending on a number of factors. A current estimate of tuition costs for international students can be found here.
Cost of attendance at UB varies depending on a number of factors. A current estimate of tuition costs for domestic students can be found here.
Please apply using the online application. Please do not mail application materials. All materials should be submitted electronically.
DECEMBER 15: Start of application review period, and early consideration for special scholarships.
JANUARY 15 for studies beginning the fall of that same year. You must have all application materials including supporting documents in by this date to be considered for financial aid. The application will remain open until May 31 of the same year, but for best consideration students should have their materials submitted by January 15.
SEPTEMBER 15 for studies beginning the spring of the following year. Our department will accept spring applications on an exceptional basis. Typically we do not offer financial aid during the spring term. The application will remain open until November 15 of the same year, but for best consideration students should have their materials submitted by September 15.
Please see the Admissions Requirements section for a detailed list of required documents you should submit electronically.
All supporting documents should uploaded electronically into the online application system.
Please do not mail application materials. All items should be submitted with your application form or after you've submitted it via your Application Status Portal. We recommend logging in frequently to ensure all your supporting documents have been received. If any additional materials are required, they will be listed in your checklist in the Application Status Portal and you will be contacted via email. Applications will not be reviewed until all the necessary materials have been received.
Please do not send official transcripts prior to acceptance. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your online application. All admitted students who accept their offer will be required to provide all official transcripts and proof of degree(s) prior to beginning their coursework.
You are eligible to defer an acceptance offer for up to one academic year without penalty. Admission deferrals beyond one academic year require a new application, which will have to be re-reviewed by the admissions committee. To request a deferral upon admission to the program, please mark the correct category on the intent to enroll form provided in the acceptance letter.
Domestic students may take classes as a non-matriculated student, but must complete the non-matriculated application. International students must have a qualifying visa in order to take classes as a non-matriculated student.
It is possible to transfer credits from another university if the course grade is "B" or better and the course(s) is relevant to the CSEE degree program. For the MS, no more than 6 credit hours may be transferred to satisfy the degree requirements. For the PhD degree program, a maximum of 36 credit hours may be counted towards the 72 credit hour requirement.
All applications are considered for departmental teaching assistantship or research assistantship, and almost all doctoral students are fully-funded. No additional application is necessary. No applicant will be considered for financial aid until the application is complete and the applicant has been admitted. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
In addition to holding a bachelor's degree in engineering or any of the mathematical, physical, behavioral, or health sciences, each entering student is expected to be skilled in a number of specific areas. Proficiency is required in mathematics through the level of multivariate calculus, probability and statistics considered from a calculus point of view, and computer programming.
These requirements must be satisfied prior to admission. Students whose backgrounds have not adequately prepared them to enter the graduate curriculum directly may be asked to take appropriate undergraduate courses. Credit for these courses will not be applied toward the minimum number of hours required for the MS degree. In exceptional cases, the department may admit an applicant who does not meet all these requirements; in such cases, the department will set special performance criteria for continuing in the program.
International applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The chart below outlines acceptable test types and the university's minimum score required for admission. All applicants whose native language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.
Copies may be submitted for initial review. Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
| Test Type | University Minimum Score | To Order... |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) TOEFL Home Edition | 79 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL ITP Plus | 550 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.5 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| 55 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 | ADA Department of Testing will report your official scores to central application services |
Exam results must be dated within two years from your proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which you applied.
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 application deadlines.
Exemptions to English Language Proficiency requirements can be found on The Graduate School website.
All international applicants must submit a completed financial form: International Applicant Financial Form. Please complete the form labeled "Standard Graduate" for the appropriate academic year. The Financial Form and supporting bank documents may be uploaded to your application after an admissions decision has been made.
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 the MS program; five years for the PhD program).
The I-20 is sent from the UB Office of International Admissions. Please note that the I-20 is not sent from the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. Read more about I-20 processing time.
If the application file is in proper order, the office of International Admissions prepares the Certificate of Visa Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019 form). The Office of International Admissions then issues the official I-20 Welcome packet and sends it to you. The I-20 Welcome packet includes your official letter of acceptance, the Certificate of Visa Eligibility, and information about International Student Orientation, on-campus housing, international student clubs, and health insurance.
The I-20 takes approximately six weeks for processing. To expedite your application, make sure to submit all required documentation including your passport bio page, financial form and application fee as early as possible. These can be uploaded online, with your application.
Upon receiving the official I-20 packet, you should make arrangements for housing, register for International Student Orientation, apply for your student visa, and arrange for travel to Buffalo, New York.
If you have further questions after reviewing this page, please direct them to cseegrad@buffalo.edu and the Graduate Academic Coordinator will reply.
