Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | December 1 |
| Spring Deadline | This program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | This program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Application Requirements
Application Materials
Each application must include the following:
*Most up to date unofficial transcript(s) from all previous higher education institutions, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned; international academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Do not submit credential evaluation service documents such as WES. These do not count as English translations.
Applications must be entirely complete by the deadline, including unofficial transcripts, unofficial proficiency scores and letters of recommendation. Once, an application is submitted, it cannot be changed. Official transcripts and scores are only requested once an applicant is recommended for admission. Please note that it is highly advised to take English proficiency tests well in advance of the application deadline in order to ensure time for receiving and processing of the scores. Please do not mail any paper copies of application materials, except IELTS scores.
Prior Degrees
The department welcomes applications from scientific, engineering, and mathematical disciplines other than Electrical and Computer Engineering. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree may apply directly to the PhD program.
GPA
The minimum GPA to be reviewed by the admission committee is 3.0/4.0.
Funding
When an applicant submits an application, they are automatically also put in the pool to be considered for TA funding from the department. Funding decisions come directly from faculty members. Those selected for funding will be contacted separately and directly by Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty.
Application Fee
A one-time application fee is required. The Electrical and Computer Engineering department does not offer fee grants to general applicants. In very specific circumstances, the Graduate school may provide a fee grant to domestic students if they meet specific criteria. Emails to the admissions department requesting a fee grant will be deprioritized.
International Student Applicants
Information for international applicants, including proof of funding and visa information, can be found on the International Student Services website. You do not need to request an English proficiency waiver. English proficiency test scores exemptions are automatically applied during application processing after submission.
Reentry Admissions
If you were previously enrolled as a graduate student at UW–Madison but have had a break in enrollment for at least one fall or spring semester, you will need to apply to resume your studies.
For applicants previously enrolled in a graduate program other than Electrical and Computer Engineering, you must complete a new online application, including all materials, for admission.
For applicants previously enrolled in Electrical and Computer Engineering as a graduate student, you must complete a reentry application. Reentry applicants may apply for the fall term with a deadline of June 1.
In order to apply as a reentry applicant, you must complete the online application.
Current Graduate Student Admissions
Applicants currently enrolled as a graduate student at UW-Madison, whether in or outside the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, wishing to apply to this degree program should first find an Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty member willing to serve as the MS-Research faculty advisor. Once an advisor has been identified, contact the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Admissions Team (ecegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu) to inquire about the process to request a program change. Completed applications must be received by the Graduate Student Services Coordinator no later than October 1 for transfers effective the following spring semester and March 1 for transfers effective the following summer or fall term.
Questions
Please review the frequently asked questions answered by the Graduate School here.
If you have any admissions questions that have not been answered above, contact the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Admissions Team (email located in contact information box).