Applying
We offer both an MS and PhD in materials science.
How to Apply
Applications for fall admissions for the PhD program are due by January 15, 2025.
Applications for fall admission for the MS program first deadline is January 15 2025, with rolling admissions until April 15 for international applicants, and until June 1 for domestic applicants. Applications submitted prior to the deadline will be reviewed before January 15.
There is a $70 application fee.
Applicants must submit all of the following through our online application system to be considered:
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts of college and university grades- unofficial documents are acceptable
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically by the letter writer, not the applicant*
- TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo scores for non-native English speakers
*It is highly preferred that the letters be written on official institutional letterhead.
Apply Today!Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose should be a clear, readable narrative that contains information relevant to your materials science graduate program application. Statements are best kept to approximately two pages, single spaced, and should not exceed three pages. It should address why a degree in materials science will further your professional and academic goals. Please be sure to identify University of Rochester faculty members in whose work you interested. Do not repeat information found elsewhere in your application.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Application to our graduate program DOES NOT require a GRE. If you take the GRE and want to include it on your application, you can submit official results to the university through the GRE website. The GRE institutional code for the University of Rochester is 2928. Be sure to use the exact same spelling of your name on both your application and test score report.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid. Student can use IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or Duolingo. A minimum TOEFL score of 95, an IELTS score of 7.0, and/or a minimum Duolingo score of 120 is preferred for admittance.
Please send IELTS scores to the following address:
University of Rochester
Graduate Studies
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd
P.O. Box 270401
Rochester NY 14627
TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (a department code is not necessary).
Duolingo scores can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.
Waiver Policy
The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:
- Australia
- Canada
- Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
- Ghana
- Ireland
- Kenya
- Liberia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Virgin Islands
The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above of the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above-mentioned countries.
If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email graduate.admissions@rochester.edu.