Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (archive)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum GRE and/or TOFEL scores I can have and still be admitted to your program?

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) takes into account your total application package, including your GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL score, letters of recommendation, transcripts, statement of purpose, and resume when considering you for admission. 

GRE Guidelines

The ECpE department has a minimum GRE score of 700 Quantitative. If you've earned your bachelor's or master's degree from Iowa State University, GRE scores are not required if you have a GPA of 3.33 or higher.

TOEFL Minimum Requirement

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be waived for students who have received a bachelor's or master's degree from a country where English is the only official language.

The ECpE department’s minimum TOEFL requirements are:

If your score is below this level, your application will not be considered for admission to the ECpE department. Take your TOEFL exam at least three months before you apply.

The ECpE department receives many applications, thus applicants with records or scores that meet or exceed these guidelines are not guaranteed admission. Admission of qualified students also depends on a match between the student's area of interest and the research specialties of the faculty.

What are the university and department codes for the GRE?

The ETS code for Iowa State University is 6306. The department code is not required.

When will I find out if I have been admitted to your graduate program?

Graduate applications take several months to process. Because your materials are being taken under careful consideration, we cannot begin processing your application until it is complete. You will be notified if there is any missing information in your application. If you are not notified, assume it is complete and is currently being processed.

Should I fill out an online application or mail it in?

We strongly encourage everyone to apply online.

International Students
You may apply online, but you'll still be required to send your financial statement and official transcripts to the:

Office of Admissions
100 Alumni Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2011 USA

Do not send duplicate copies of these materials to the department. See How to Apply for electrical engineering or computer engineering graduate programs.

Domestic Students (non ISU alumni)
If you live in the United States and did not receive your undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, you may apply online, but you'll still be required to send your official transcripts to the:

Office of Admissions
100 Alumni Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2011 USA

Do not send duplicate copies of these materials to the department. See How to Apply for electrical engineering or computer engineering graduate programs.

Iowa State Students/Alumni
If you have received your undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, there is no application fee, other than a $5 processing fee for applications submitted online. See How to Apply for electrical engineering or computer engineering graduate programs.

What is the application deadline?

The university Office of Admissions and the ECpE department accept graduate student applications year-round. However, there is a priority date that is especially important to students seeking financial aid. The priority consideration date is January 15 for fall semester applications and September 15 for spring semester applications.

International applications for the fall semester that arrive at the university after May 1 will be asked to delay their admission until the spring semester. Applications for the spring semester that arrive at the university after November 1 will be asked to delay their admission until the next summer or fall semester.