***Note to applicants to the graduate program who are awaiting admissions decisions:
Due to some significant staffing changes, we were unable to contact applicants with the two communications that were promised at the beginning of the cycle. Please be assured that we are reviewing all applications. If there was a problem with your specific application, you would have received an e-mail directly from us regarding the exact situation. If you did not hear anything from us, it means that your file is complete and being reviewed. We are planning to notify everyone with final decisions by the middle of March, if not sooner.
If your checklist status remains incomplete, please do not be concerned. We are not updating checklists for official transcripts. As long as you have uploaded unofficial transcripts, and you have provided unofficial GRE/TOEFL scores, and we have received three letters of recommendation, your file WILL BE reviewed for admission. Thank you.***
If you plan to visit us, PLEASE e-mail meinquiry@stanford.edu for an appointment. We are a very small office and do not have dedicated staff to meet with prospective students, and therefore we are unable to accept drop-in visitors. Drop-in visitors will be turned away if we are occupied with other activities, events or deadlines. We are happy to meet with people who pre-arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time.
To be eligible for admission to the department, a student must have a BS in engineering, physics or a comparable science program.
All students interested in pursuing a Masters or PhD in Mechanical Engineering use the Stanford Graduate Admissions Application. Your application will consist of the following:
Graduate application checklist
- Application
- Application fee
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts*
- GRE general results
- TOEFL results* (if applicable)
- Product design portfolio* (required for MS-ENGR in Product Design applicants)
Statement of purpose
Your statement of purpose should identify personal and professional goals. It should also discuss your development to date and your intentions relative to graduate study and life beyond Stanford. The ME Graduate Admissions Committee reads your statement of purpose with interest because, along with the letters of recommendation, it offers insight into who you are as an individual. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced).
Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required — one letter must come from an academic source, although we prefer two. If your background includes industrial experience, involvement in performing arts, athletics, public service or entrepreneurial activities, you may wish to include one reference who can comment on that part of your experience. Recommendations must be submitted online. Please see the "Recommendations" section of the online application for information.
Transcripts
One original, official transcript from all colleges or universities attended full time for one year or more are required. Transcripts can be received via mail or electronically. Send them to:
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Admissions Office
Stanford University
440 Escondido Mall
Building 530, Room 125
Stanford, California 94305-3030
Official electronic transcripts can be sent to meinquiry@stanford.edu.
GRE general results
GRE general results must be from an examination taken within the last five years. No GRE Subject test is required. Official results must be sent electronically by ETS to Stanford. Our institution code for ETS reporting is 4704. You do not need a department code. For more information on GRE requirements, please see the “Test Requirements” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections on the Graduate Admissions website. To meet the December 1 deadline, the GRE should be taken no later than October 31.
TOEFL results
TOEFL results must be from an examination taken within the last 18 months. The Stanford institution code for ETS reporting is 4704. You do not need a department code. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please see the “Test Requirements” and “Frequently Asked Questions” sections on the Graduate Admissions website.
Reapplying
Reapplicants must submit new supporting documents and complete the online application as outlined above in the Graduate Application Checklist. Only prior official test scores can be reactivated.
Application deadlines
A completed application (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores) must be received by the following dates:
Autumn 2016-2017: December 1, 2015
(SCPD Part-time HCP only) Winter 2015-2016 (January Start Date): October 6, 2015
(SCPD Part-time HCP only) Spring 2015-2016 (April Start Date): January 19, 2016
(SCPD Part-time HCP only) Summer 2015-2016 (June Start Date): April 26, 2016
Note: students applying to the HCP program to start in either the autumn, winter, or spring quarter, please contact meinquiry@stanford.edu directly first.
Product Design Program (Stanford Design Program)
Updated as of September 21, 2015:
The Stanford Design Graduate Program, including the Masters of Science and Masters of Fine Arts, will not be accepting applications for the 2016-17 application cycle. This does not apply to graduate students who are applying for a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with an interest or focal area in design. This program is ongoing and prospective students are encouraged to apply.
The Design Graduate Program (also referred to as the Joint Program in Design) is taking a hiatus from admissions in order to refresh our curriculum and application process. Over the course of the hiatus, we will modernize our masters-level design education with feedback from academia, both internal and external to Stanford, and our alumni and current students; incorporate the vision of two new faculty members, Sean Follmer, Erin MacDonald and Camille Utterback; strengthen ties with the d.school; and build international connections for the program.
Students interested in our graduate degrees in design are encouraged to check back on this website next Fall for further information on how to apply to the revised program.
The Joint Program in Design focuses on synthesis of technology with human needs and values to create innovative product experiences. This program is a joint offering of the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Art Department. To be eligible, applicants must have at least one year of work experience after conferral of their undergraduate degree. Applicants to the Stanford Design Program program must electronically submit a Portfolio/Case Book. Contact Product Design Program Administrator Renée Chao for more information.
Students wishing to apply for the MS-ENGR (Product Design) degree will choose Engineering Master program and select the proper term. Save your selection and press next. On the following page, please make sure the Department Specialization is listed as Product Design.
Application deadlines
A completed application, as desribed above (including letters of recommendation, transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores) must be received by the following dates:
Autumn 2016-2017: closed for the 2016-2017 academic year
