Admissions | NC State ISE
Admissions
At ISE, you’ll be part of a department that is nationally-ranked for its academic programs and research opportunities. We have over a 90% employment rate at graduation with many students having found a job BEFORE the start of their final semester. NC State University is consistently ranked as one of the top values in higher education. Value is where quality and affordability meet.
Undergraduate Admissions
We invite the best and the brightest to apply and we mentor each student individually through graduation. Our students have many opportunities for professional growth, including:
- Undergraduate research
- Co-op work experience
- Study abroad
- Membership in professional societies
Application for admission to NC State is handled at the university level. Once admitted and enrolled, students apply to join the ISE department by meeting the College of Engineering’s Change of Degree Application (CODA) requirements.
Got Questions? Contact our Undergraduate Services Coordinator | ise-undergradoffice@ncsu.edu | 919.513.2189
What is the process?
When do I apply?
Transferring?
What are the costs?
Graduate Admissions
We accept applications from undergraduate majors in engineering. Degrees in the behavioral, physical and mathematical sciences are also welcomed. You will need to have some experience in:
- Mathematics (calculus and matrix/linear algebra)
- Computer science
- And statistics for most entry-level graduate courses
Also, physical, behavioral and management sciences (economics, business, accounting) experience is desirable.
Application to NC State is handled at the university level by The Graduate School. Please follow our procedures to be considered for admission into one of our master’s or Ph.D. programs.
What is the process?
When do I apply?
What are the costs?
Find a field of study
ISE Graduate Admission Process
In order to be successful, students admitted from areas outside of industrial engineering may be recommended to take remedial coursework. Undergraduate level experience in statistics and operations research gained from courses similar to those listed below will be very useful.
- ST 371 Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory
- ST 372 Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression
- ISE 361 Deterministic Models in Industrial Engineering
Note: If this applies to you, or have any questions regarding prerequisites, contact the Director of Graduate Programs.
GPA
Grade Point Average (GPA) in previous academic programs: 3.0/4.0
GRE
While there are no minimum standards, the average Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for admitted students are:
- Verbal: 153
- Quantitative: 164
- Analytical: 3.6
- NC State Institution Code for GRE: 5496
- ISE Department Code for GRE: 1301 or 1399
The GRE is required for all applicants starting in Fall 2024. We do not offer a GRE waiver.
TOEFL
Have you completed one year of full-time study in a four-year US college or university degree program? If Yes, then you are not required to submit the TOEFL scores. But you still may want to, as these scores can be helpful in the review and evaluation of your application.
- Please contact the Graduate School (graduate_applications@ncsu.edu) To request a TOEFL waiver.
Internet-based Test (iBT) with a total score of at least 80. Minimum test scores for each section:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score:
- Listening: 18 points
- Reading: 18 points
- Writing: 18 points
- Speaking: 18 points – for admission to the Graduate School
TOEFL or IELTS test date must be no older than two years (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term
Computer-based TOEFL scores must be 213 or higher (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13)
The paper-based test requires a score of 550 or higher (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45)
IELTS
Provide your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section:
- Listening: 6.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Speaking: 6.5 – for admission to the Graduate School
TOEFL or IELTS test date must be no older than two years (24 months) before the requested entry term begins.
DUOLINGO
The Graduate School accepts Duolingo English Test examination results. A minimum score of 110 is required for full admission to NC State.
Letter of RecomMendation
Letters of recommendation from three individuals, and some of these letters should be from the applicant’s former professors
Prospective applicants should be guided by the following average scores of a recent entering class consisting of approximately 60 students: GPA=3.45; GRE-Verbal = 500 (154); GRE-Quantitative = 750 (160); GRE-Analytical= 3.5; and for international students, the average TOEFL = 101 (607 paper-based, 253 computer-based).
Note: Admission requirements of the Industrial Engineering Department are more strict than those of the Graduate School.
US students:
- Fall: June 25
- Spring: November 25
- Summer 1: March 25
- Summer 2: May 10
International students:
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: July 15
- Summer 1: December 15
- Summer 2: December 15
Priority for financial awards goes to students who apply before Jan. 15th (for Fall) and June 15th (for Spring).
- Read through the NC State Graduate Catalog for important Graduate School information such as:
- Apply online at NC State Graduate School Online Application
Please upload your (a) Personal Statement (2 pages max, no word limit). Applicants are requested to write a statement of purpose addressing the following points: highlights of your qualifications, reasons for seeking a graduate degree in ISE and reasons for applying to N.C. State.
Once you have uploaded your documents, it isn’t necessary to mail or email the duplicates to the ISE Department. If you need help updating your documents after you have submitted your application, please email graduate_applications@ncsu.edu. The Graduate School will assist you with your documents.
- Statement of Purpose
- Official transcript or transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (after admission is approved)
- Submit residence form if claiming NC residence for tuition purposes (for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents only)
- Submit online references from at least three people who know the academic record and potential for graduate study of the prospective student
- Submit official GRE test scores from ETS
- Submit official TOEFL test scores (International Students) from ETS
- A non-refundable application fee ($85 U.S. dollars for U.S. citizens and permanent residents; $95 for internationals)
Note: The application fee cannot be waived under any circumstances for foreign applicants.
Got Questions? Please contact our Graduate Services Coordinator | ise-gradoffice@ncsu.edu | 919.515.6410.
Can I Afford It?
NC State is one of the most affordable universities in the U.S. with the numbers to back it up:
- #11 Best Value Public Colleges, Kiplinger’s
- #25 Best Value College, Forbes
- #50 Best Value National Universities, U.S. News
- #32 Academic Ranking, ShanghaiRanking
We know that money is a big part of your planning, and we have some resources to help.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
Completing the FAFSA application is the first step toward getting federal aid for undergraduate or graduate studies - Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Scholarships and Aid Targeted to Student Type
- College of Engineering Undergraduate Scholarships
- Financing Graduate School
Visit Us, Discover More
Future Undergraduates
The College of Engineering provides information for future engineering students and invites you to visit the college or take a campus tour.
Future Graduate Students
Visit us at Fitts-Woolard Hall or contact our Director of Graduate Programs. If you’re interested in online programs, contact Engineering Online.
International Students
Consult the Office of International Services, international undergraduate admissions, or The Graduate School’s Community of International Scholars.