Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plastics Engineering

All applications are submitted through EngineeringCAS.

1. An application
2. An application fee
3. A statement of purpose
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Official transcripts
6. Official test score report  - GRE required for:
   1. Computer Engineering, MSE
   2. Electrical Engineering, MSE
   3. All Ph.D. Programs

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.  

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will not need to apply via the application portal. Visit Bachelor's to Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications will only be accepted through EngineeringCAS, an application service for graduate engineering programs. All application documents and test scores need to be submitted through EnginneringCAS.

Apply for Summer 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Apply for Summer 2026, Fall 2026 or Spring 2027

app-fee 2. Application Fee

The application fee is $75.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. LOR Letters of Recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to provide three (3). Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. They may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. You will be asked via EngineeringCAS to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process and that an automated request will be sent out to your recommenders. You will be able to track the status of your recommendations and send reminders by logging back into your application.

5. TransTranscripts

Provide a complete transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

You have two options for submitting transcripts:

1. Self Report your transcript to EngineeringCAS. This will expedite your application review. Self-reported transcripts must correspond to the official transcript. The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if false credentials are provided at the point of application.
2. Send official transcripts directly to UMass Lowell, either through a secure submission or via mail to:
   
   University of Massachusetts - Lowell
   Graduate Admissions - GPS Center
   839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
   Lowell, MA 01854-3941

If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

International transcripts must clearly indicate that you have received (or will soon receive) a four-year bachelor's degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Additional information about international transcripts is available on the EngineeringCAS website. *You will need to provide an official copy prior to your first semester on campus. Self-reported transcripts must correspond to the official transcript.* The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if false credentials are provided at the point of application.

*UMass Lowell will require You to provide a copy of your Official Transcripts & Scores prior to your first semester.

6. OTSROfficial Test Score Report(s)

The following programs require the GRE for admission consideration:

• Computer Engineering, MSE
• Electrical Engineering, MSE
• All Ph.D. Programs

Please have ETS send your GRE scores directly to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530.

A GRE waiver may be available to qualified master’s degree candidates. Further information can be found at GRE/GMAT/MAT Waiver Forms. You may also self-report your GRE scores.*

English Proficiency Tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are required. If you have taken the TOEFL, have ETS send your scores to EngineeringCAS (school code: B887). You may also self-report your scores. If you have taken the IELTS you may self-report your scores on the application.*

The requirements for the tests are as follows:

• TOEFL - 79 or above
• IELTS  6.5 or above

*UMass Lowell will require you to provide a copy of your Official Transcripts & Scores prior to your first semester.

Get more information about standardized tests.