Application Process

Applicants need to apply online through the URI Graduate School. When the application is complete it is forwarded to the Department for review. The Department reviews the student’s credentials and forwards the recommendation to the Graduate School were the final decision is made and the student is notified.

What to Submit

A complete application file includes:

• $65 non-refundable application fee, plus Centralized Application System (CAS) fees
• Personal statement
• Two recommendation letters
• Transcripts of all postsecondary studies
• International applicants need to also submit the TOEFL score.
• Applicants claiming Rhode Island or Regional residency status need to also submit the required documentation.
• The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at URI does not require the GRE score.

For details and additional information please visit the Graduate School Admission page.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is a short narrative where the applicant describes what she or he would like to do for their MS or PhD degree. The specific area within civil engineering should be clearly stated such as environmental, geotechnical, structures or transportation. Any special skills or accomplishments in the previous studies can also be listed. Applicants for the MS degree should also state whether they would like to pursue the degree on a part time or full-time basis.

TOEFL Scores

The latest information on acceptable TOEFL scores can be found on the Graduate School website.

GPA Requirement

To be accepted as graduate degree candidates, applicants must have maintained an average of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in their undergraduate work. Applicants with undergraduate averages below the B level may possibly be admitted with submission of other evidence of academic potential; i.e., satisfactory performance in post baccalaureate work and professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation.

Application Deadlines

For international applicants, and applicants seeking financial support:

• February 1 for Fall admission
• July 15 for spring admission.

For US citizens or permanent residents not seeking financial support:

• July 15 for fall semester admission
• November 15 for spring semester admission.

Completed applications must have been received by the deadlines indicated above to be considered for the corresponding semester. If your application is completed following a deadline, it will be reviewed for the next applicable semester.

Review Timeline

The review of an application will not start until all application materials have been received. Once the application is complete, it is forwarded to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Applications are reviewed by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee within three weeks of the deadlines shown above and the recommendations are forwarded to the Graduate School. Applicants should hear back from the Graduate School typically within 4 weeks from the deadlines.

There are no rolling reviews/admissions. All applications for a semester will be reviewed together within 3 weeks after the applicable deadline for that particular semester has passed.

Assistantships

A limited number of teaching assistantships can be made available every year. All applicants meeting the particular deadlines as well as current students are considered. Decisions are usually made by April 15 for the following academic year. Only students who have been awarded an assistantship are notified. Research assistantships can be made available directly from individual faculty who have secured outside funding to conduct research projects. These are awarded based on expertise in the specific area of research.