Required application materials

How do I apply?

Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) master’s program 

Applications for our IOE master’s program are open twice a year for a Fall or Winter start. See below for our detailed list of required application materials. View IOE application deadlines.

Systems Engineering and Design (SED) master’s program

Application submissions are open year-round for our SED master’s degree program meaning you can submit your application today. See below for our detailed list of required application materials. View SED application deadlines.

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Master’s application process and required materials

1. Complete your online application.

• Those applying to the Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) residential master’s program should submit their application through the Rackham Graduate School
• Those applying to the Systems Engineering and Design (SED) program should submit their application through the Michigan Engineering application portal. 

2. Write your statement of purpose and include your areas of interest in the top right corner.

3. Review and submit your resume/CV. 

4. Write your personal statement.

• Suggested topics for your personal statement include community service and other volunteering experience, extra-curricular activities, leadership activities, your unique background, matters of financial hardship, being a first-generation college student or U.S. citizen, etc. 

5. Collect three letters of recommendation. If you apply online, we encourage you to submit your letters electronically. At least two of your letters should be from a faculty member.

6. Submit transcripts for all degrees earned. This includes bachelor’s, master’s, professional or doctoral degrees earned or in progress.

• A four-year bachelor’s degree in a STEM or math-related field is required to apply.
  • Examples include but are not limited to: any engineering discpline, math, computer science, statistics and applied economics.
• Upload a copy of the official transcript and provide a self-reported GPA in the application.
• For instructions on submitting transcripts for the U-M IOE master’s program, please review the Rackham Graduate School website. 
• Official transcripts are only required upon admission and must be submitted by the end of the first term.
• All credentials submitted for admission consideration become the property of the University of Michigan and will not be returned in original or copy form.
• International applicants must submit one set of official transcripts, certificates, and diplomas in both the original language and English.

7. Pay your application fee. Fees are as follows: 

Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE)	Domestic students, U.S. permanent residents and DACA applicants: Free International students: $90
Systems Engineering and Design (SED)	Domestic students, U.S. permanent residents and DACA applicants: $75 International students: $90

• In very rare circumstances, international applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver administered by the Rackham Graduate School.
• Domestic students, permentant residents and DACA applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver. This will automatically apply to your application. 

8. International applicants must submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. 

• TOEFL scores are sent by ETS electronically. 
• Our institution code is 1839. The U-M IOE department code is 67.
• You qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria are met:
  • You are a native speaker of English.
  • You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. 
  • You completed all of your graduate education and earned a graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only.
  • You are a current U-M student.

Please note that GRE scores are not required and will not be considered for Winter 2025 and Fall 2025 master’s program admissions.

Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies Option

The Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (SUGS) program enables U-M students to earn a master’s degree with just one additional year of study after completing their bachelor’s degree. This five-year path can lead to greater career opportunities and higher salaries. Whether you decide to take the traditional IOE and SED master’s degrees route or go for the SUGS option, both will lead to a completed master’s degree.