4+1 BS/MS Application Process

The ECE 4+1 BS/MS program is available only to current undergraduate students in ECE. 

Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Pre-Application 

  1. Discuss the program with your ECE undergraduate advisor and obtain the pre-application survey link.
    • You must have a 3.5 GPA and have completed ECE 20002 to apply. 
  2. Complete the pre-application survey and wait for application instructions from the ECE Graduate Office.
    • You should hear from the Grad Office within 5 business days of completing the survey.

Step 2: Complete and Submit Your MSECE Application & Form 27

Once you get authorization from the grad office, apply to the MSECE program using the Purdue Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars application.

  • On the Campus and Program page:
    • Under First Choice Campus and Program, select the Purdue West Lafayette campus and select Electrical and Computer Engineering as the proposed graduate major.
  • On the First Choice Program Details page:
    • Choose the degree objective MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE).
    • Choose West Lafayette as the desired campus.
    • Choose Residential for the Course Delivery method.
    • For the entry term, select the term in which you plan to begin taking graduate-level courses; this is typically the first or second term of your junior year. 
  • On the Electrical and Computer Engineering Questionnaire:
    • Choose Masters as the degree objective.
    • Under Master’s track, choose 4+1 BS/MS program.
  • Recommendations: The application system requires you to list three recommenders.
    • For the 4+1 BS/MS degree program, we require only a brief recommendation from your undergraduate advisor or one ECE faculty member. Responses are not needed from the remaining recommenders. You can list either Lynn Hegewald (hegewald@purdue.edu) or Lacey Siefers (lsiefers@purdue.edu) for the second and third recommenders.
  • Language scores: You are not required to submit GRE scores or TOEFL/IELTS scores.
  • Academic Statement of Purpose: This should be a brief overview of why you feel you will be successful in the program and/or your professional plans and career plans. One short paragraph is sufficient.
  • Personal History Statement: This is required to submit your application; describe in a short paragraph how your background and life experiences will contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in your graduate studies.

Once you've submitted your application, complete Purdue Graduate School Form 27 and submit it to the ECE graduate office.

  • Combined degree program name: ECE 4+1 BS/MS
  • Baccalaureate department: ECE
  • Graduate degree department: ECE
  • Entry into combined degree program: This should match entry term and year on the First Choice Program Details page in your MSECE application.

Next Steps

We review 4+1 applications on a rolling basis, and you should expect to get a formal offer of admission to the MSECE program within 3-4 weeks of submitting your application. 

Once you are admitted, you will continue to work with your undergraduate advisor to select and register for classes. 

During your last term as an undergraduate, the ECE graduate office will provide instructions on registering for classes as an MSECE student and other related tasks.