New Graduate FAQ

Applying to a graduate program can be intimidating, but luckily for you, we have the information you need to make the process a little easier. We have curated a list of answers to the most common questions about admissions to our program.

If your question is still not answered, refer to the Graduate Admissions page in the Division of Student Affairs website for more information.

Prior to Admission

• What are the minimum requirements for applying to the MSEE program?

  • Please refer to the San José State University Catalog for all information regarding admission requirements.

    See the Electrical Engineering Department on the SJSU Catalog

• Do I need to provide reference letters to apply for the program?
  • No, academic and professional references are not required.
• What is the expedited admission process for applicants from India?

  • The Graduate EE program has an expedited admission process for applicants from India. We can evaluate an application for admission (and the necessary I-20) as soon as your 7th-semester mark-sheets/transcripts are available.

• Does the EE Department offer research or teaching assistantships?

  • In general, the EE Department only accepts applications for research or teaching assistantships from Classified students.

    If we admit you as a Conditionally Classified student, you need to complete the admission conditions stated in your acceptance letter and apply to become a Classified student.

• I am working in Silicon Valley. Is it feasible for me to attend classes?

  • Attending classes is entirely feasible. We offer most of our EE graduate courses after 4:30 p.m.

• How many units are needed to earn an MSEE degree?

  • You can find detailed information about Degree Requirements on the EE Catalog website.

Standardized Tests for Admission

• Do I need to submit a TOEFL score?

  • Please visit the Test Requirements page on the Division of Student Affairs website for more information.

• What is the required minimum TOEFL score?

  • You can find the minimum required TOEFL scores on the Division of Student Affairs website. 

• Do I need to submit a GRE score?

  • We do not require GRE scores for applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering from an ABET-accredited university, whose GPA in the last 60 units is 3.0 or higher.

    Otherwise, a general GRE is required.

• What is the required minimum GRE score?

  • There is no minimum required GRE score. However, the scores will be used with an applicants’ degree and GPA to rank all candidates for admission.

• What if I don’t have my GRE score by the application deadline?

  • Please submit your scores as soon as possible, even if you don’t have them by the application deadline.

    Note: The ETS institution code for both GRE and TOEFL is 4687. 

• Can I submit my application without GRE scores?

  • Yes, but the evaluator will not process your application until the SJSU Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations (GAPE) office receives your official GRE scores.

Upon Admission

• What should I do after receiving my acceptance letter from SJSU or the EE Department?

  • First, make sure to carefully follow any steps and procedures that your acceptance letter may outline. These are critical for making your admission process as easy as possible.

    There are some crucial steps you should complete before your first semester at SJSU:

    1 - Make sure that your email address and telephone number are up-to-date on your MySJSU account.

    2 - Check your email regularly so you can obtain information and respond to university or department requests on time.

    3 - Explore the Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations website.

    4 - Explore the Office of Graduate Studies and Research website.

    5 - Enroll in your courses and pay the necessary fees by the deadline to avoid possible admission problems.

    6 - Make sure you can attend the orientation sessions outlined in letters or emails sent to you.

    To see a list of tips for new Electrical Engineering students, visit the Info for New Graduate Students page.

• What should I do during my first semester at SJSU?

  • During your first semester at SJSU, you should:

    1 - Complete all admission conditions stated in your acceptance letter.

    2 - Decide on your area of specialization.

    3 - If you are admitted as a “Conditionally Classified” student, you must apply to change your status to “Classified” immediately after completing the admission conditions. (It’s important to do this if you want to apply for university jobs and internships.)

    Note that you must complete the requirements of being a “Classified” student before applying for Candidacy.

    To see a full list of tips for new EE students, visit the info for New Graduate Students page.

• I was admitted to SJSU with another major. How can I transfer to the Electrical Engineering program?

  • You can submit the “Change of Graduate Program Petition” form on the GAPE website.  

    The EE Department will evaluate the transfer request after receiving the petition from the GAPE office. We will determine your transferable courses after you successfully transfer into MSEE Graduate program.

• I was admitted to the program this semester. Is it possible for me to start my studies next semester?

  • You have to take at least one course during your first semester at SJSU. Otherwise, you forfeit admission to the current semester, and you’ll have to re-apply to SJSU.

    Note: If you notify the SJSU Graduate Studies and Research office of your absence, you might not have to resubmit all required documents. 

    Find more information from the Office of the Registrar

• Am I required to make an appointment with the Program Coordinator/Advisor immediately upon admission to the program?

  • You’re not required to make an appointment upon admission.

    Note: Attending the new student orientation session is required. The EE Department will email you information regarding the new student orientation session.