Graduate Programs FAQ
Thank you for your interest in graduate studies at Cal Poly!
What are the application requirements?
- Applicants should have completed a four-year college course of study and hold a bachelor's degree in any engineering or related discipline such as the mathematical, physical, or computer science disciplines, from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association.
- Students must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (based on 4.00 scale). Exceptions will be considered if the applicant is in the top 25% of his/her graduating class.
- Formal GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores are required.
- The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. If the applicant received a degree in the United States, this test is waived. TOEFL test scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken. Please refer to Cal Poly admissions website for English language proficiency requirements.
Is there a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirement?
If you take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), your most recent score must be at least 80 for the Internet-based test (IBT). If you take the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), your most recent IELTS score must be 7 on a 9-point scale.
Is there a minimum GRE requirement?
The required minimum GRE scores are:
Quantitative Reasoning: 160
Analytical Writing: 3.5
Is there a minimum GPA requirement
Yes, students must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (based on 4.00 scale). Exceptions will be considered if the applicant is in the top 25% of his/her graduating class.
Do you offer conditional acceptance based on achieving the required TOEFL and/or GRE scores?
Unfortunately, we do not offer conditional acceptance.
Am I eligible if I have a bachelor's degree in business or in Liberal Arts?
We do not accept applications without a BS in an engineering, mathematical, physical, or computer science discipline.
How do I submit transcripts and test scores?
All application materials must be submitted via the Cal State Apply web site.
How should my recommendation letters be submitted?
All application materials must be submitted via the Cal State Apply web site.
What is the tuition cost?
The estimated cost of attending Cal Poly is provided on the Cal Poly Financial Aid Office site.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Cal Poly provides financial aid for graduate students in the form of loans and grants. More information is available at the Cal Poly Financial Aid Office. Also refer to the Financial Resources section of the Cal Poly Graduate website.
What if I don't have work experience?
While work experience is beneficial, it is not necessary. Our professors bring real world problems into the classroom. Remember, co-op and internship opportunities count toward work experience, too.
Where can I get more information?
The Cal Poly Graduate Education Office will be able to answer many questions you have about the programs, admissions, or Cal Poly.