Admission FAQs

How much weight is placed on the undergraduate GPA vs relative work experience?

Across all graduate programs at Purdue, there is a 3.0 minimum GPA requirement. We're mainly focused academic record. We take into account your application in its entirety, but you're applying to a graduate program and we really try to assess your learning abilities. Besides the cumulative GPA, we also look at individual course performances, how you progressed through your undergraduate program, etc.

My undergraduate GPA was below 3.0. Is there anything I can do to better my chances for admission?

It's an option to take a non-degree course to see if you would be a good fit for the program. There's no guarantee that you will get into the program by doing this, but it may help strengthen your application. Please review application information to become a non-degree seeking student.

Is there anything I can do to better my chances for admission with my GPA, GRE or GMAT scores?

It's an option to take a non-degree course to see if you would be a good fit for the program. There's no guarantee that you will get into the program by doing this, but it may help strengthen your application.

The average GPA of those we admit is around 3.4.

GRE Minimum Scoring:

Please review the program you would like to apply to but typically the below scores are average.

Quantitative Reasoning has to be a 160 or above.
Verbal Reasoning has to be 155 or above.
Analytics Writing is 4.0 or above

GMAT Minimum Scoring: 

General range of GMAT scores are 590-730. If you want to be competitive at IU for the dual MSE/MS-MBA, you should try to score 660 or higher and no lower than 590, though it is possible to gain acceptance with a lower score.

Could you tell me about your non-degree options and how do I apply to a non-degree program?

Non-Degree admission is not a form of probationary admission to a degree program.  Non-degree registration in courses outside the admitting department may require the permission of the department offering the course.  A maximum of twelve (12) credit hours earned in appropriate courses taken in non-degree status may be applied to an advanced degree program at Purdue. This is with departmental approval should the non-degree student later be admitted to an advanced degree program

Some courses have prerequisites.  Many times non-degree students have completed the prerequisite at another institution.  Prerequisites are not enforced in the Purdue Student Information System, myPurdue, for graduate students.  Non-degree students should only enroll in courses that they have the academic background for.

To apply, a proof of an undergraduate degree is required.  Students may provide a transcript or upload a picture of their diploma. Statement of Purpose Essay and the Letters of Recommendation are not required to apply for Non-degree seeking.

You will not be able to register for a course until you have been successfully admitted to a Purdue Department and are eligible.

Please note that the Mechanical Engineering department doesn’t review non-degree students (they would refer you to Purdue University Online - College of Engineering, directly). When applying please follow the below selection process:

A submitted electronic application

  • Campus: Select "West Lafayette (Main Campus)"
  • Proposed Graduate Major: Select "Interdisciplinary Engineering"
  • Degree Objective: Select "Non Degree"

DO NOT check “Mechanical Engineering” on the degree menu even if you are considering applying as a degree-seeking program later on.

Do I need to take the GRE exam for admission into the program?

It depends on which program you're interested in. It is generally required for discipline specific programs.

The GRE is required for the dual MSE+MBA degree. The GRE is not required for the Interdisciplinary Engineering (MSE/MS) degree.

I took some graduate courses. Can I use those toward my degree?

Transfer courses must be reviewed by each individual school. Each school has different standards for transferring courses.

Credits are only eligible if they haven't previously been used towards earning a degree. Speak to the department you are applying to for specific information.

How many courses can I transfer into my degree program?

Credit limit varies by program.  A limited number of graduate courses taken at another university may be transferred to a Purdue Plan of Study (POS) provided the courses are of sufficient graduate standing to replace similar Purdue courses and the grade earned was B- or better.  Departments may apply additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made.  Students will submit a request for transfer course evaluation before completing the POS with documentation including a syllabus. 

A maximum of 12 credit hours taken while in graduate status at another institution or in post baccalaureate studies (non-degree) status at Purdue may be transferred into a master’s degree program at Purdue University.  Only credit hours associated with graduate courses, for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer.  Individual graduate departments may place additional restrictions on transfer of courses to their programs.  Contact the corresponding graduate department for specific departmental policies. 

Courses transferred from another institution are not used in computing the Purdue graduation index (GPA).  Coursework used to satisfy the requirements of a degree from another institution may not be used on a Purdue master’s plan of study.  Students who have taken courses at Purdue University with the intention of transferring the credits to another institution should contact the Office of the Registrar to request an official transcript. 

How many courses can I transfer into my degree program?

It depends on which program you're interested in. Purdue accepts up to 12 transfer credits. Please contact the school you are interested in applying.

I missed the deadline to apply for the AAE degree, can I apply for the MSE and then transfer?

No. They're two different programs with two different sets of requirements. Contact the department to make sure you have actually missed the final deadline. They may be able to work with you.

What are the deadlines for applying to the Interdisciplinary Engineering (MSE/MS) degree?

The fall application deadline is July 1, spring application deadline is November 1, and summer deadline is May 1.