Graduate Program Application Procedures
The Graduate School at the University of Rhode Island accepts online applications only. Students fill the online application and upload all documents required including unofficial transcripts. When the application is complete it is forwarded to the Department for review. The Department reviews the student's credentials and forwards the recommendation to the Graduate School were the final decision is made and the student is notified. If you are accepted and intend to matriculate, you will be required to provide original official transcripts before your start date. Please forward these transcripts directly to the Graduate School. For details and additional information consult the related info on application procedures from the Graduate School.
What to submit
To start the online application process click on the button Apply Online Now. A complete application file includes:
- Complete, submitted online Application Form
- Non-refundable application fee submitted via online application as a credit card payment or as an electronic check
- Personal statement (submitted via online application)
- Two recommendation letters. You provide the information of your two references online. They receive an automated email with a link where they can login and upload their recommendation letter.
- Upload unofficial transcripts of all postsecondary studies
- International applicants need to also submit the TOEFL score.
- Applicants claiming Rhode Island or Regional 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 upload any transcripts and related information for pre-college studies such as primary and secondary school.
For additional information consult the appropriate page from the Graduatr School for US citizens/permanent resident applicants or international applicants.
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 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
For international applicants as well as for any applicant seeking financial support: February 1 for Fall admission and July 15 for spring admission.
For US citizens or permanent residents not seeking financial support: July 15 for fall semester admission and November 15 for spring semester admission.
Completed applications must have been received by the deadlines indicated above to be considered for the corresponding semester. If your application is completed following a deadline, it will be reviewed for the next applicable semester.
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. Applications are reviewed by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee within three weeks of the deadlines shown above and the recommendations are forwarded to the Graduate School. Appliccants should hear back from the Graduate School typically within 4 weeks from the deadlines.
There are no rolling reviews/admissions. All applications for a semester will be reviewed together within 3 weeks after the applicable deadline for that particular semester has passed.
What about assistantships
A limited number of teaching assistantships can be made available every year. All applicants meeting the particular deadlines as well as current students are considered. Decisions are usually made by April 15 for the following academic year. Only students who have been awarded an assistantship are notified. 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.
RESOURCES
MS student Jana Velde (advisor: Dr. Gindy) during a poster session.
