How to Apply

Details and important dates for applying to the AEM graduate program.

Application Process Overview

A vast majority of AEM graduate students begin the program in the fall. The first step to applying for admission involves submitting all required materials through the UMN Graduate School’s online application portal (please do not send us any physical materials in the mail).

  • For financial aid consideration, you must apply by December 1. Applications received after this deadline will only be considered as space becomes available.
  • Although May 15 is our final application deadline, we strongly encourage getting us your materials well before this deadline.

Final admission decisions are typically made by the end of May and can be reviewed by logging on to your account in the online application portal.

More detailed information and descriptions can be found on our Prospective Students Page.

Prospective Student FAQs 

Admission Requirements

A four-year B.S. degree in engineering, science, or mathematics is required with a grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Students without an engineering background should consult with the AEM Director of Graduate Studies prior to applying.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission, but we encourage you to list your scores on your application. These  scores are considered but not e a primary factor for admission.

Students whose native language is not English are required to achieve the minimum score on one of the following exams:

  • TOEFL -- 79 Total Score, Internet based (Writing Subscore: 21, Reading Subscore: 19)
  • MELAB -- 80 Total Score
  • IELTS -- 6.5 Total Score (Writing Subscore: 6.5, Reading Subscore: 6.5)

Application Process Details

Required Materials

Instructions

Application

  1. Term Selection  
  2. Personal and Biographical 
  3. Research 
  4. Academic History
  5. Test Scores (Self-Reported)
  6. Employment 
  7. Personal Statement
  8. Diversity Statement 
  9. Three Letters of Recommendation 

Application fee

A fee of $75-$95 is paid through the secure online application portal. Learn more about the fees.

Unofficial Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application portal. Again, please do not send us physical copies in the mail.

If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of your transcripts or academic records. Learn more about transcript credentials and requirements.

Letters of Recommendation

Your letters of recommendation should come from three individuals who can comment on your potential for success in graduate school.

Although letters can come from people who know you from a school or work setting, we prefer recommenders from academia. AEM does not have a specific form or format for letters of recommendation.

Unofficial English Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

The TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS is generally required of all applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of U.S. Citizenship status.

Unofficial GRE Scores

Although we do not require GRE scores for admission, they will be considered if you submit them.

 

You may also submit your CV or resume with your application. We welcome a list of publications and awards on your CV, but do not upload the  publications or awards themselves.

You can upload additional materials to your application after submission, but please contact us beforehand. Once you have department approval, follow these instructions.

Questions?

We’re here to help. If you don’t find what you need on our Graduate Admissions FAQs page, please contact

Demoz Gebre-Egziabher, Director of Graduate Studies, for personal assistance.