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, either 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.
There is no deadline date for application submission. However, because of the sequencing of courses, admission is for Fall smester only.
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., M.S., or Ph.D.).
2. One copy of the completed application for admission form (if using paper 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) General Test must be supplied. Applicants with GRE scores older than two years should contact the Acoustics Program Office.
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). The minimum acceptable TOEFL scores are 580 (paper test) and 237 (computer test).
The Graduate Program in Acoustics maintains an Admissions Committee composed of three Acoustics Program faculty members. The Admissions Committee conducts an independent evaluation based on the information supplied by the applicant as described above. The committee considers the overall record of the applicant and places particular emphasis on courses taken, undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA), GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if required), and supporting letters. A written recommendation is submitted to the Program Chair who then makes a final decision on admission.
Graduate Program in Acoustics, The Pennsylvania State University
