Admissions Q&A
Learn more about applying to the Engineering Graduate Programs. Read the answers to the frequently asked questions.
RANKINGS
Is Santa Clara University nationally ranked?
Yes, most definitely. For more than 18 years, SCU has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as 2nd best in the West among predominately master degree granting universities. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks SCU the 3rd best in academic reputation among nation's college presidents and deans, 5th highest graduation rate, and 2nd highest freshman retention rate at 93%, while the national average in retention is about 75%.
TIMELINE
How many times a year do you accept students?
We review and accept students for the fall, winter, and spring quarters. For the summer quarter, we accept students to our Open University program only.
When are your deadlines?
Our quarterly application deadlines are posted on-line.
Are you on a quarter or semester system?
The Engineering Graduate Programs are on a quarter system:
Fall: September thru December
Winter: January thru March
Spring: April thru June
Summer Session I (10 weeks): June thru August
Summer Session II (5 weeks): June thru July
Summer Session III (5 weeks): July thru August
Go to Academic Calendar for a full list of important dates and deadlines.
I last attended graduate classes 5 years ago, can I come back?
Yes, you can.You will need to submit another online application, and after which we will work with you to recreate your file. Applications for admissions are done on-line.
When are your classes held?
Classes meet at the following convenient times:
- 7:10 a.m. - 9 a.m.
- 5:10 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- 7:10 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Saturdays
Go to Courses and Registration for more details.
How long does the Program take to complete?
Full-time students (enrolling in 8 or more units each Quarter) generally take 1.5 to 2 years to complete the M.S. Program. Students enrolling part-time on average take 2.5 to 6 years to complete their M.S.
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STANDARDIZED TESTS
How long are my scores good for?
Scores will be accepted as long as they are no more than 5 years old.
Do you offer a GRE waiver option?
Yes, we do for most of the MS departments (except EE and Civil Engineering). Students who like to request a GRE waiver, please submit an online application first and then send in your transcript before you submit this PDF GRE Waiver Request Form for M.S. in Applied Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering applicants. A completed application will help us make informed decisions about whether a waiver should be granted or not.
Do you accept all formats of the TOEFL tests and IELTS?
Yes, we accept both TOEFL and IELTS. We accept computer-based, paper-based, and Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL tests. Santa Clara University's TOEFL code is 4851 and scores should be sent directly to us by testing agencies. While waiting for the official scores to be sent to us, students are encouraged to send us a photo-copy of the test result as a place holder.
Please note: The submission of a TOEFL or IELTS score is required if English is not your native language or if you do not have a degree awarded by a U.S. university/college.
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TRANSCRIPTS
What is a "Degree Conferral?"
A Degree Conferral is also called a Degree Certificate or diploma. Most of the time, it is stated on your official transcript after you have graduated stating the type of degree you received and when. When it is not on your transcript, it is a separate document. If an official document is not available, we do accept notarized photocopies.
Do you accept notarized transcripts?
We accept notarized copies of documents from foreign schools. For documents in English, we accept copies that are certified by a U.S. notary public. For documents in foreign languages, we accept certified translations made by appointed court interpreters in those countries. International transcripts must be submitted (translated) in English.
Sometimes degree conferral may be issued separately from transcript; if this is the case, the document indicating degree conferral/diploma must also be submitted in English.
For Open University applicants, you can simply submit a photo copy of your original documents (e.g. transcript and diploma).
Please note that once the documents are submitted to us, they become the property of SCU and cannot be returned.
Do you require a translation of my transcripts?
Yes! Students with non-U.S. degrees must submit one English translation of their transcript and diploma.
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ADMISSION DECISIONS
What are my chances of admission?
We do not comment on your chances of admission. Once all of the required materials are received, we will send you a decision letter or may even call you.
How do I check the status of my application?
You can send us an email, GradEngineer@scu.edu, or call at (408) 554-4748.
How long does it take for the committee to reach a decision?
Please allow approximately two weeks for the review of M.S. applications. The review for Ph.D. applicants takes approximately two to three weeks. Open University and Certificate Programs take approximately one week.
Can I defer my application?
Yes, if you are unable to furnish all of the required materials by an application deadline, please send an email to GradEngineer@scu.edu and specify which quarter you are seeking admission instead.
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ACADEMIC AND CLASSES
How big are the graduate engineering classes? Are they all taught by professors or are some taught by teaching assistants?
On average, there are 15 students in a classroom. All courses are taught by full-time professors and part-time lecturers who are from the industry. Our teaching assistants do not teach classes.
Can I take MBA courses as an engineering graduate student?
Yes, you sure can. At Santa Clara University, we think being an engineer is not just about dealing with technology. It is also about working effectively with people in organizations that are becoming increasingly global and diverse. For this reason, we offer our students the unique opportunity to take MBA courses. Students can take up to 9 units with advisor approval and meet the MBA Program's pre-requisites. Read MBA Course Taking Policy for details.
I've taken some graduate courses outside SCU. Can I transfer those credits to you?
Graduate level courses that you took in an accredited university may be considered for, if they have not been applied to any other graduate degrees, transfer credit to SCU. You must have a grade of C or better in those courses. M.S. students may transfer a maximum of 6 semester or 9 quarter units toward the required 45 units to graduate from SCU, and Ph.D. students can transfer a maximum of 18 quarter units or 12 semester units toward the required 72 units. Ph.D. students usually take 36 units of courses and 36 units for dissertation.
To transfer units, you will need to fill out a Program of Study Form, signed by your advisor, after you are enrolled in the Program. Read Transfer Policy for more details.
How many units do I need to take for my program?
How many units is each class?
Courses are offered in 2 to 4 units, but most of our classes are two-unit, meaning two classroom hours each week for any given quarter.
Do you have classes online?
No, all classes are taught in the traditional classrooms on the Santa Clara University campus. This is because we believe that the best learning takes place when you interact with your instructors and with other students in the classes. This format offers the advantage of your being able to network with people from other companies and build strong relationships.
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PH.D.
What are the required application materials for the Ph.D. program?
In addition to what is required for a master's degree applicant, the Ph.D. applicant would also submit three letters of recommendations, as well as a written statement of his or her research interest.
Are there any forms for letters of recommendation?
Three letters of recommendation are required for students applying into the Ph.D. Program, but are not required for applicants to the Certificate or M.S. Programs. There are no forms for letters of recommendation; only a list of guidelines: Name of Applicant must appear in first line of text Must be on company/school letterhead Needs to address Santa Clara University's Engineering Graduate Programs Must be a professional or academic reference, no friends or co-workers Make it as close to one page in length as possible as we do not need an essay. All Letters of Recommendation must be sent to the Engineering Graduate Programs in sealed envelopes. We do not accept photocopies or emails.
For detailed information, go to Ph.D. Program.
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INTERNSHIPS AND JOBS
Do your students complete internships?
Yes, they do. Located in the midst of the world's highest concentration of technological and scientific companies, our students are uniquely positioned to find abundant internship opportunities in Silicon Valley. Most of our full-time students complete at least one internship, with some gaining two or more internship experiences, well-preparing themselves for a smooth transition into a full-time professional position by the time they graduate. Our dedicated Career Center staff not only assists students with their job search, but also provides valuable resources for helping students securing internships.
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FINANCIAL
How much are tuition and fees?
Our tuition is unit-based. We charge a fixed amount for each unit you take. Full-time study means 8 units or more during the academic year except summer. For more details, read Tuition and Fees.
Do you have any financial aid?
Most of our students pay their own tuition, either through company tuition reimbursement or self support.
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U.S. students who would like to apply for an educational loan, federal grant, work study, or a Cal Grant, please contact the
Financial Aid Office. That office will guide you through the application process. The Financial Aid Office is located on the second floor at Varsi Hall, and their website is
www.scu.edu/financialaid.
- International students: this group of students is not eliglbe for federal funded financial aid support, such as loans, grants, and work studies. Full-time study for international students means 8 units or more during the academic year except summer. The School of Engineering generally does not offer any research or teaching assistantships to M.S. students.
There are, however, plenty of on-campus jobs available.
- The University hires many students for on-campus employment. You can work up to 20 hours a week on campus while school is in progress. During school breaks, you are allowed to work up to 40 hours a week. A strong job candidate is often someone who is flexible and fluent in English.
- After you have earned 30 units in the program, you can apply for internships and work full-time for a quarter. This is a great way to get real work experience, while earning decent income. Last year, the starting salary for our interns was approximately $21 an hour. For more information, visit our Cooperative Education Program.
- The University has an excellent Career Center that helps you find jobs. Once you become a student here, you will be able to view special job databases that showcase job opportunities, and enjoy many benefits and programs the Career Center offers. For more information, visit the Career Center's special services for graduate students.
How do I apply for Teaching or Research Assistantships?
The School offers a limited number of research and teaching assistantships to the master and doctoral students. After you have been offered admission, you may contact the faculty directly. Faculty contact information can be found on the department web pages.
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HOUSING
Is on-campus housing available for Graduate students?
Santa Clara University does have Graduate Student Housing Communities. You must submit the University Graduate Housing Contract, Graduate Preference Form, and a prepayment check to the Housing Office.
How can I find off-campus housing?
The Office of Student Life maintains listings of available off-campus housing opportunities for Santa Clara University students and a listing of nearby apartments.
What are some resources for off-campus housing?
- Craigslist
- San Jose Mercury Classifieds
- Bay4Rent
- Metro Classifieds
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INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Where is Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, California, which is in the heart of Silicon Valley. High-tech leaders, such as Intel, are headquartered in the city of Santa Clara, less than 10 minutes drive from our campus. The University is located within minutes from the city of San Jose and approximately fifty minutes from San Francisco.
What are my health insurance choices?
Graduate students have the option to purchase to the school sponsored health insurance through the Cowell Health Center. To view or download a brochure, please visit the Cowell Student Health Center.
What supporting documents do I need to apply for the F-1 student visa or transfer my F-1 from another U.S. institution?
The I-20 form from Santa Clara University will only be processed and issued after you have been admitted to a degree program and you have promptly submitted all of the following documents.
- I-20 Request Form
- Official financial documents (statements from checking or savings accounts, 401K, stock accounts accepted) no more than 90 days.
- Affidavit of Support (if someone other than yourself will be supporting all or a portion of your education expenses)
- Transfer Clearance Form (if you are currently holding an I-20 from another institution)
For detailed information, read Requesting an I-20.
Do you issue I-20s to Certificate and Open University Students?
No, but students with the appropriate visa can take courses in the Program.
Can I study under an L-1 or L-2 visa?
As an L-1 visa holder, you can only study as an incident to your employment in the U.S. L-2 visa holders (dependents of L-1) can study full or part time. Please consult with your employer's attorney for guidelines.
Can I take courses at SCU while on Optional Practical Training (OPT) from another school?
If you are currently holding an I-20 and OPT from another U.S. institution, you must obtain approval from that institution prior to enrolling in Graduate Engineering classes at SCU.
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ALL OTHER RELEVANT QUESTIONS
My undergraduate degree is not conferred yet, but can I still apply for the M.S. program?
Yes, you should go ahead and apply. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor's degrees are awarded before they enroll at SCU and they are in good academic standing in their senior year.
To be admitted as a regular graduate student, an applicant must have earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing.
Go to Admissions for more details.
What goes on during an admissions information session?
On-campus information sessions are held almost every month. During the 45-minute program, an admissions representative will provide a detailed overview of the School's distinctive features, discuss the degree and non-degree programs, and offer tips on admissions procedures. After the presentation, you will have an opportunity to ask questions.
What if I can't make it to campus? Can you come to my company to do an information session?
Yes, we can. We will be happy to meet with you at a location and time that is convenient for you. We do, however, require a minimum of 5 people for us to host an off-campus session. Please contact us to set this up, at 408-554-1685, or email GradEngineer@scu.edu.
Is a Statement of Purpose required if I'm applying to the M.S. Program?
No, it is not required. A Statement of Purpose is only required for Ph.D. applicants on the online application.
What is required to enter your master's degree program?
A four-year technical bachelor's degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) school or a U.S. recognized university overseas, one official transcript from your undergraduate college attended, General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) for international applicants.
The Software Engineering master's degree program would also require the Computer Science GRE Subject Test, if the applicant does not have a computer science or computer engineering background. If this proves problematic, you may wish to consider applying to the M.S. in Computer Engineering, which does not have such a requirement and does have an emphasis in software engineering.
The Engineering Management and Leadership master's degree also does not require the GRE, and the Computer Engineering Department is receptive in accepting qualified master's degree candidates who have a non-technical four-year bachelor's degree and have taken one year of calculus.
Students who would like to request a GRE waiver will need to complete a GRE Waiver Request Form.
Once I'm admitted into the Program, do I have a faculty advisor?
Yes, each of our students will have a faculty advisor. Read Faculty Advisors for more details. For Open University students, your department chair will be your academic advisor.
I've heard you can earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree from Santa Clara in five years. How does that work?
Yes, we do offer such a program, but it is only available to current Santa Clara University undergraduate students. Students first complete their undergraduate degrees. They then start taking graduate level courses as early as in the spring of their junior year and complete a master's degree in only one year, as opposed to two. Students in the Five-Year Program are also exempted from the application fees and taking the GRE. Having both a BS and MS degrees can be valuable when progressing in a professional career.
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