Admission Requirements and Process

Eligibility

Students with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or the equivalent from an accredited college in the United States or a recognized institution of higher learning abroad are eligible to apply to one of the CEE Master's or Direct Ph.D. programs.

Students with a Master of Science (M.S.) degree may apply for one of the CEE doctoral (Ph.D.) programs.

The University of Illinois does not generally allow a second Master's degree in the same field of study. The basis for this policy is that an individual should not receive a second degree for work that is substantially similar to the work used to complete the first degree. However, a second degree may be allowed in cases where the student's degree programs differ significantly.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

For a full status admission, the Graduate College requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (B average), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of a 4 year undergraduate program or the last three years of a 5 year program.   For the full Graduate and Professional Admissions Minimum Requirements, please see:  http://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply/requirements.

Minimum Admission Requirements by Country

These are Graduate College minimum requirements.  Your proposed program of study may require a higher GPA than the minimum standard listed in the Minimum Requirements by Country.  

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

GRE test scores are currently optional for all CEE graduate school applicants. However, it is strongly recommended that the GRE test be submitted to help faculty with admission and funding decisions for all PhD applicants. CEE also recommends the GRE test for MS applications, particularly for students applying from international universities, MS applicants looking for potential funding support, or MS applicants whose GPA falls below the average GPA of admitted students.

If GRE scores are submitted, CEE does not have minimum scores for admission. GRE scores are only valid for five years prior to the proposed term of entry.

GRE General Test - averages for CEE applicants approved for admission:

• Verbal: 155
• Quantitative: 165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0

Information about test dates and locations can be found on the GRE website.

The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service.

Please plan ahead so that your official GRE scores will arrive to UIUC by your application deadline.

Requesting Official Scores

Applicants should request that the Educational Testing Service send GRE scores to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign using our institution code number 1836.  All scores are reported to a central database where all departments can access them.  

Application Process

Apply to the Graduate College using the online graduate application. Follow the application instructions and use the checklist provided to help you assemble the information and support material you will need when completing the application. A nonrefundable application processing fee is required with the submission of your application. The application fee for domestic applicants is $70; for international applicants, the fee is $90.

Support Documents and Test Scores Required By CEE

To be considered for admission, applications must include all support documents including test scores. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have questions about applying to CEE at Illinois, please send an email message to Katia Trubitsyna, katia@illinois.edu.   

• Three letters of reference
• Statement of purpose/Personal statement (CEE does not require a Program Specific Statement)
• Resume or CV
• Copy of your most current transcript, or a final transcript and certificates of degree or diplomas.
• GRE test is optional (see above). If submitted, official GRE General test scores from ETS.
• Proof of English Proficiency – for applicants whose native language is not English.