Engineering Graduate Studies

A1. Graduate applications are reviewed holistically, taking into consideration prior academic work and grades, test scores, recommendations, and reputation of institution. Faculty review applicant materials and made admission decisions based on fit to specific research program needs.

A2. No problems, but look at the prerequisite courses so you know what you would need to take.  Also, sit down with the chair and/or grad director of the department you are interested in to get their advice.  Choose tech electives now that will help.  Remember that you can take advantage of the Early Admission B.S./M.S. Program if you are a current UT undergraduate student.

A3. We do not have a set number of admits per year. This number depends on the number of applicants, number of current students, number of independently funded students, and several other variables.

A4. Approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on the time of year. Applications are reviewed by the program admission committee and then approved by the Department Graduate Director, Department Chair, and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. The College of Graduate Studies provides official notification of admission decisions.

A5. The GRE is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized exam that is often required for admission to graduate programs.  The GRE exam measures your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis as well as college-level vocabulary. More importantly, it measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve problems. You can prepare for it by taking sample tests – experts say you should study 4-12 weeks for it.

It is within the discretion of the various engineering departments to require the GRE for all applicants. More information is available on the GRE website.

A6. The complete application consists of (1) transcripts sent by each prior institution to the College of Graduate Studies (COGS) that include Provisional Degree certificate and grades received in each course; (2) online application with statement of purpose and paid application fee; (3) Request of financial aid application (on line); (4) GRE and TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly to COGS by the testing organization; and (5) letters of recommendation submitted online by your recommenders.

A7. The entire process is outlined here: http://www.utoledo.edu/graduate/dev/apply/overview.html

A8. Yes, to some extent. UToledo students have the opportunity to apply for the BS/MS program and start a master’s degree in the last year of the undergraduate program. UToledo undergraduates can also work on undergraduate research projects with faculty, an opportunity that students outside of the institution would not have.

A9. International students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit test scores for English language proficiency. Minimum scores are set by the College of Graduate Studies and cannot be waived. UToledo’s minimum required English language proficiency test scores are: TOEFL IBT of 80, IELTS of 6.5, PTE of 58, or Duolingo of 105.

A10. 1.5-2 years for a masters and 3-5 additional years for a PhD, but it depends on the type of research, as well as other factors.

A11. Yes, it could decrease it to 3 years.

A12. It depends on your career aspirations/goals, but a terminal degree is a “deeper dive” into your research topic.

A13. All funding is dependent upon a student’s progress toward fulfilling degree requirements. Any student with an assistantship must maintain a 3.0 GPA and satisfactorily fulfill the requirements of their position.

A14. Graduate Assistantships are financial assistance opportunities awarded to graduate students in exchange for the performance of work responsibilities usually related to his or her chosen field of study.

Graduate Assistants, or G.A.’s can be Research Assistants (R.A.’s) or Teacher Assistants (T.A.’s). R.A.’s are funded through research grants, while T.A.’s support the university’s teaching mission and are funded through the college.

For T.A.'s, tuition is covered, but fees are still accessed. Some grant budgets cover fees for R.A.'s.
Once the student applies and is accepted, funding decisions are then determined based on the department teaching or by faculty research needs.

A15. Short answer is, not like undergrad. Graduate students may be eligible for tuition support based on the recommendation of their program. Students that are provided tuition support are expected to complete a project, thesis or dissertation. Students in coursework-only programs are not eligible for tuition support.

A16. Applications for graduate programs are reviewed for admission, and funding decisions for admitted candidates are based on student qualifications, availability of funding, and open positions in research laboratories.

A17. It depends on your career goal. If you want more challenges, responsibility, and a bigger paycheck, industry is looking for engineers with master’s degrees to be their technical leaders. Also, many employers pay for additional education, so look into your employer’s tuition reimbursement policy.

A18. The application fee for all graduate programs is $45 for domestic US applicants and $75 for international applicants.

A19. The UT finance brochure provides information on current graduate tuition and fees. When applying, students can indicate if they are interested in being considered for assistantship support.

A20. You would make the needed adjustments/corrections to your thesis and then resubmit or defend again if needed. You should be working closely with your adviser and/or thesis committee during the writing of your thesis so that when you get to your defense there should be no big surprises.

A21. It depends on the industry and your career aspirations, but generally speaking, a bachelor degree is all that is necessary for some engineering careers. However, if you want to move up or into a management role, a master’s degree is likely necessity. A PhD is required for tenure-track faculty positions in colleges and universities. If you are interested in a highly technical research & development (R&D) position, a PhD is likely required. Research is industry-dependent, but some master’s degree engineers can work in R&D, too.

A22. Make sure you develop soft skills while in graduate school and keep them sharp.  Additionally, make sure you give all opportunities a shot because you never know where they can lead.

A23. Our students are hired across the US and internationally. Some of our recent graduates are working for American Express, Anova, Apple, ATT, BASF, Bayer Diagnostics, Deloitte Consulting, DJO Global, ELEVATE Global, Entegris, Ford Motor Company, G.E., Intel, Kinetic AI, LJB Inc., Mackie Consultants, LLC, Medtronic, Monroe Environmental Corp., NASA Glenn, Oracle, Owens-Illinois, PepsiCo, SAF-HOLLAND Inc., Samsung, SendHub, SID Global Solutions, Siemens, Tata Consultancy Services, Terracon, Toyota North America, US EPA, and Dana Corporation.

A24. Yes, with the approval of your research adviser. The College of Engineering is expanding opportunities for graduate student to complete traditional and shorter-term, micro internships.