• Graduate Programs
• Application Procedure
• Graduate School

Graduate Program Application Procedures

How to apply

Applications need to be submitted online. That includes the main application and the statement of purpose. Any supporting documents should be sent to: University of Rhode Island, Ray Lynch - Graduate Applications Coordinator, College of Engineering, Dean’s Office Bliss Hall 102, 1 Lippitt Rd, Kingston RI 02881, USA. Do follow the instructions for online application at the Graduate School home page.

Please note that submission of paper applications can delay processing your application for at least 3 months as no review will commence before the application is converted into electronic format. If you cannot submit your application online you should contact the Department and explain the situation that prevents you from applying online.

What to submit

• Completed application (online).
• Statement of purpose (online).
• Application fee ($65).
• Two recommendation letters.
• Two transcripts of all post-secondary studies.
• International applicants need to also submit the TOEFL score and any other documantation required by the University.
• Applicants claiming Rhode Island residency status need to also submit the required documentation.
• The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at URI does not require the GRE score.
• Do not send any transcripts and related information for pre-college studies such as primary and secondary school.

For a summary of all the documents required as well as the specific processes check the college of engineering TO DO list.

What is the Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is a short narrative where the applicant describes what she or he would like to do for their MS or PhD degree. The specific area within civil engineering should be clearly stated such as environmental, geotechnical, structures or transportation. Any special skills or accomplishments in the previous studies can also be listed. Applicants for the MS degree should also state whether they would like to pursue the degree on a part time or full time basis.

What TOEFL score do I need

The latest information on acceptable TOEFL scores can be found in the university Catalog. Students not meeting the minimum requirements will be denied admission. Currently minimum scores are:

• Traditional TOEFL 550
• computer based TOEFL (cBT) 213
• internet based TOEFL (iBT): Reading 20, Writing 22, Listening 17 and Speaking 17. Minimum Speaking score for international teaching assistants is 23.

What is the GPA requirement for admission

To be accepted as graduate degree candidates, applicants must have maintained an average of approximately B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in their undergraduate work. Applicants with undergraduate averages below the B level may possibly be admitted with submission of other evidence of academic potential; i.e., satisfactory performance in post baccalaureate work and professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation.

What are the deadlines

We follow the graduate school deadlines. Complete applications (including all supporting documents) for Fall semester are due July 15 and for spring semester are due November 15. The deadline for International applicants is February 1st for September admission, and July 15th for January admission.

How long does the review take

The review of an application will not start until all application materials have been received. Once the application is complete, it is forwarded to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering where it is reviewed by a Faculty Committee chaired by the CVE Graduate Director. The Graduate Director forwards the committee recommendation to the Department Chair who forwards the recommendation of the Department to the Dean of the College of Engineering. The Dean forwards the recommendation of the College to the Graduate School where the final decision is made and the applicant is notified. For questions regarding application completeness contact the College Coordinator of graduate applications (lynch@egr.uri.edu). For questions following the forwarding of an application to the CVE Department you can contact the CVE Graduate Director.

What about assistantships

A limited number of teaching assistantships can be made available every year. All applicants as well as current students are considered. Decisions are usually made by April 15 for the following academic year. Research assistantships can be made available directly from individual faculty who have secured outside funding to conduct research projects. These are awarded based on expertise in the specific area of research.