Admission Requirements
Distance Education Master of Engineering Degree: Admission to the Graduate School at Penn State is a two-step
process, in which a candidate applies for admission to the graduate school and to the department or program that will be
the student's major. General requirements for admission to the Graduate School are given in the General Information section
of the Graduate Bulletin and will not be repeated here. An individual having a baccalaureate degree from a United States
institution of higher learning, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution of higher education, in an accredited
engineering curriculum or in some other program such as engineering sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics, may apply
for admission to the Graduate Program in Acoustics. An individual with a non-technical background may also apply, but
acceptance into the Program will depend significantly on the applicant's specific background and motives to pursue advanced
study in acoustics. An applicant's undergraduate background must, at a minimum, include at least two semesters of
calculus-based physics and mathematics to include complex variables and differential equations. In addition, an undergraduate
knowledge of statics and dynamics, linear algebra, electronic circuit analysis, and the ability to use mathematical analysis
software such as MATLAB is expected. The minimum acceptable undergraduate grade point average is 3.0 (on a 4.0 point scale)
with a B+ or better average in mathematics, physical science, and engineering courses.
The Graduate School requires a completed application and application fee to be submitted directly to Graduate Enrollment
Services. In addition, the Graduate Program in Acoustics requires the following items:
1. A letter addressed to the Program Chair stating general background, academic goals, and the degree sought (M.Eng).
2. One copy of the completed application for admission form.
3. A one page letter of intent or statement of goals.
4. One copy of the applicant's resume or vita.
5. Two letters of reference sent to the Program from people who are in a position to comment on the candidate's education
and/or abilities. (These must come directly from the individual authoring the reference and should be on institution or
company letterhead.) Forms are not provided.
6. Scores from a recent (less than two years) Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be supplied. Applicants with GRE
scores older than two years should contact the Acoustics Program Office. A distance education student may petition to
waive the GRE requirement requesting that his or her current course performance, past academic performance, and demonstrated
work experience serve as indicators of success in the of engineering program.
7. Two sets of official transcripts from each institution of higher education at which the applicant has enrolled in
course work.
8. An international applicant whose first language is not English must provide scores from the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Distance Education Non-Degree Status: The only requirement for admission into this category is the possession of a
bachelor's degree from an accredited United States institution or higher education or an equivalent degree from a foreign
educational institution. Students in this category are permitted to take courses for credit or audit.
Individuals who wish to take only non-credit continuing education courses are not required to be admitted as either a
degree or non-degree student. However, individuals who do not apply for degree or non-degree status will not have a
transcript record at Penn State.
Continuing and Distance Education Programs
Master of Engineering Degree
Distance Education Courses
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