Master's Programs Admissions
Our master's programs provide advanced study, allowing students to gain mastery as practitioners in a specialized area of industrial and systems engineering.
On this page:
- A baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related technical field, such as math, physics, behavioral sciences or health sciences. Appropriate academic background varies by graduate specialization
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for all undergraduate work undertaken during the last two years of the applicant's studies
- GRE scores are optional for MS program admissions.
- We will also consider demonstrated practical engineering experience and demonstrated leadership skills
In addition to the above requirements, 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.
Students can apply online. New applicants must create an account. If you have applied in the past, you will be asked to log in to your existing account to start a new application.
The application includes sections that will ask you to provide us with personal/biographical information, contact information, citizenship details, your past or current college/university, and degree details. You will be able to enter the names and contact information of your recommenders and upload supporting materials to your application. You may upload supporting documents while completing the application form or after you have submitted your application in your Application Status Portal.
You do not need official transcripts or test scores to apply. Unofficial copies are sufficient for application review, but students are encouraged to provide official copies if they have them.
A non-refundable fee of $100 is required to apply for Spring 2025 or later terms. The application fee for Fall 2024 is $85. After you submit your application form, you can pay the application fee online in your Application Status Portal with a credit card or e-check.
Please upload a brief personal statement describing your educational objectives, your academic experience, and why you're interested in the program. There is no required length or word limit for the statement.
Recommendation letters are not required for master's applicants and are recommended only for students who do not have an undergraduate engineering degree or other exceptional circumstances.
While we will accept letters from professional sources, we strongly prefer letters of recommendation from professors who are acquainted with your academic interests, achievements and abilities.
Letters are automatically requested when you enter recommenders' names and email addresses in your application. Recommenders can submit their recommendations online. Once submitted, they are automatically uploaded to your online application.
Copies of transcript(s) for all post-secondary schoolwork must be uploaded with your application for initial review. Upon an offer of admission, accepted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree(s).
GRE scores are optional for this program. 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.
Note: the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.
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.
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.
If you are interested in financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, please check the appropriate box on your application form. No applicant will be considered for financial aid until the application is complete and the applicant has been admitted. For more information, visit or contact the Office of Financial Aid.
The Graduate Admissions Committee will consider applicants whose application packages are complete by the following deadlines:
For Fall Admission:
- February 15: Full consideration
- We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year
For Spring Admission:
- October 1: Full consideration
- We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year
Questions?
For questions about admissions requirements or your application, please contact gradeng@buffalo.edu.