Applying to Rochester

As detailed on the graduate overview page, Rochester offers both a PhD and an MS in electrical engineering with a concentration in acoustics, audio and music signal processing. Students who are interested in these programs should apply to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).

Below is detailed information on applying to the graduate ECE program, including information on:

How to Apply

Use the online application to apply to the program and submit the following materials* by January 15:

  • University of Rochester Graduate Program Application Form
  • Statement of Purpose (upload to the application database)
  • Three letters of recommendation (upload to the application database)
  • Official transcripts (upload to the application database)
  • Official copy of English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) results
  • Any supplemental material you want to provide (upload to the application database)
  • GRE reporting is optional (if GRE score is self-reported, an official score report from ETS is required for score verification)

*Documents that are uploaded to the application database do NOT need to be mailed to the department.

Applicants should plan on submitting a completed application, including all supporting materials, by January 15. There is a 60 dollar application fee to apply.

The ECE department looks for well-rounded, highly qualified applicants. The department also looks for students with a strong research background and will review all supporting materials for evidence of this.

Our current graduate students typically ranked in the top five percent of their undergraduate classes, had very strong GPAs, and provided excellent recommendation letters.

Financial Aid

The University of Rochester offers fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships on a competitive basis for full-time graduate study. Departments are also able to provide some support for graduate students who are US citizens through the College Work Study Program. Applicants are encouraged to apply for outside funding such as NSF or DOE fellowships.

Standardized Tests

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Reporting the results of the GRE is optional but highly recommended. If you choose to self-report these results, the department requires a score report from ETS for score verification. The GRE University of Rochester institution code is 2928. The ECE department code is 1203.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

If your native language is not English, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants that have a bachelor’s degree from an American university do not need to take the TOEFL—a standard university transcript identifying your degree suffices. Students with an international undergraduate degree who already have a MS degree from an American university still must submit their TOEFL scores.

In some cases, the University of Rochester waives the TOEFL requirement if an applicant displays a reasonable amount of fluency in English.

In general, we need TOEFL scores no older than two years.

The TOEFL University of Rochester institution code is 7267, and the department code is 66.

If you take the TOEFL, we recommend that your score be a minimum of 95. For the IELTS, we recommend a minimum score of 7.0.

Application Requirements for Non-US Students

Please send all documents and letters in support of your application in English. If necessary, you can send supporting materials in original formats supplemented by English translations.

Please do not send secondary school records.

If your native language is not English, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS.

Many countries do not issue visas without proof of adequate proficiency in English, such as a satisfactory score on the TOEFL. To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present their Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a US consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study.

Transcripts

We prefer that you upload transcripts to the application database when submitting your application. Do not send hard copies of any documents that have already been uploaded to with your application.

If you have not uploaded the transcripts, please ask the registrar of each of the colleges you have attended—including the University of Rochester, if applicable—to send your transcript directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Rochester
514 Computer Studies Building
RC Box 270231
Rochester, NY 14627 USA

This is the mailing address for all correspondence and materials related to ECE graduate admissions.

Non-discrimination Policy

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.

Questions on compliance should be directed to the particular school or department and/or to the University's Equal Opportunity Coordinator, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270039, Rochester, NY 14627-0039. Phone: (585) 275-9125.

Contact Information

Sr. Academic Administrator
Michele Foster
michele.foster@rochester.edu
(585) 275-4054