Thank you for your interest in applying to the Industrial & Systems Engineering graduate program. ISE's day program is intended for full-time, on-campus students. If you are a working professional or interested in attending graduate school part-time, you should apply to ISE's Professional Masters Program, instead.
Eligibility requirements
Admission to the University of Washington Graduate School is a selective process. The prospective student must hold or be near completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign country.
The primary criterion and the priority for admission of new applicants into a graduate program is the applicant's ability, as decided by the University, to complete the graduate program expeditiously with the highest level of achievement in the student's career. Admission to the department is competitive, and all components of a student’s application will be considered in evaluating his or her eligibility for admission.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Applicants to the graduate programs should be well prepared and have a strong GPA for the last 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours of graded course work to be considered for admission.
Academic history
Each transcript is individually reviewed for the quality and difficulty of courses taken and universities and colleges attended. The department recognizes that some academic institutions are more competitive and high grades are more difficult to obtain.
Relevant degree
To be eligible for consideration to the Ph.D. degree program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree, or be close to completing a bachelor's degree, in engineering, mathematics, or science, with a GPA of at least 3.0.
GRE General Test
The Graduate Record Examination scores are optional/not required. Note- if you turn in your GRE scores, they will be used in overall evaluation of your application. Information is also available the Educational Testing Service. The scores should be received by January 2. Use Institution Code 4854 to submit your scores to the UW.
Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. The confidential letters can be submitted electronically by recommenders indicated on the on-line application. Writers should be in a position to rank the applicant’s performance as a student and/or researcher.
Statement of objectives
A statement of objectives should be written providing the department with information about the applicant not found in his or her transcripts and other official documents. For example, statements can include personal histories, professional and academic goals, and specific research interests.
Resume
Include relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
The University of Washington requires students whose first language is not English to provide official documentation of English proficiency. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Submit verified proof that the entirety of instruction for a prior degree was conducted in English (such as an official letter from the institution or an official webpage stating this).
- The department adheres to the English‑language proficiency standards outlined by the UW Graduate School in Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements .
International students
International graduate students constitute an important segment of the Graduate School. The University of Washington encourages academically qualified applicants from other countries and also those noncitizen applicants who are attending, or have degrees from, other universities in the United States. International applicants must be prepared to provide evidence of adequate financial support. Learn about the Financial Ability Requirement.