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.
Graduate Admissions Requirements | Requirements | Detail |
| Fall Deadline | December 15 |
| Spring Deadline | October 1 |
| Summer Deadline | December 15 |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Required.* |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Students from any discipline that provides foundations for research in ISyE topics are encouraged to apply. For example, applicants may come from industrial, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, or economics. Applicants are strongly advised to review the prerequisites for each area of specialization at the department website.
Each application is judged on the basis of previous academic record, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores for the general test, three letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Admission is very competitive and application deadlines are extremely important.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
- Fall: Dec. 15th
- Spring: Oct. 1st
- Summer: Dec. 15th
Reentry applicants: July 15 (fall), December 1 (spring), and must notify an academic advisor.
Additional reentry information
Note: Although we accept summer applications we recommend applying for fall or spring as there are not many courses offered in the summer.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Application deadlines are strictly enforced and ALL application materials including transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores MUST be included and submitted by the application deadline.
*Please note our office does not provide feedback to applicants as to their potential for admission – please review both the ISyE department and Graduate School requirements for admission and if you feel you meet the necessary criteria for applying, please do so.
- Applicants must first meet all of the requirements of the Graduate School. Click here for more information about these requirements.
- Applicants must also meet department specific requirements as outlined below:
- B.S. degree or equivalent
APPLICATION STEPS
- Fill out an online application through the Graduate School website.
- List three recommenders and their contact information as part of the online application. An email will be sent to the recommender, asking that they submit their letter online using the Graduate School’s recommendation form. Applicants can log back into their online application to re-send the email request if the recommender loses the email. Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically.
- Submit a Statement of Purpose with your online application. In this document, applicants should explain why they want to pursue further education in ISyE and discuss which UW faculty members they would be interested in doing research with during their graduate study.
- TOEFL Exam Information: Ask ETS to submit your GRE and/or TOEFL scores to the UW–Madison Graduate School (Institution Number 1846). If you have your scores sent to UW–Madison, they will be available online to all departments to which you have applied. The institution code, therefore, is the only number needed. For more information please visit the Graduate School Requirements page. Please note: Exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
- GRE Exam Information: The IE graduate program requires the GRE exam be taken by prospective students as part of the application. Note there are no specific scoring guidelines for the exam as the GRE is only one part of consideration for admission into the program. Please note: Exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
- Electronically submit one copy of your official transcript with your application. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and previous graduate work are required. Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for review, but official copies are required for admitted students. Please do not send transcripts or any other application materials to the Graduate School or gradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.
- Upload your resume in your application.
- Pay the Application Fee: Submission must be accompanied by the one-time application fee. It is non-refundable and can be paid by credit card (Master Card or VISA) or debit/ATM. By state law, this fee can only be waived or deferred through the conditions outlined here by the Graduate School.
NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SEND MATERIALS/DOCUMENTS TO THE ISyE DEPARTMENT OR GRADUATE SCHOOL UNTIL YOU ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ADMISSIONS. ALL DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
QUESTIONS?
Check out the Admissions FAQ or contact us at iegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.