Frequently Asked Questions
Discover what makes a degree from a top university, delivered in this flexible manner, a sound investment in your education, your future and your life.
Admissions
What is the minimum GPA?
Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their undergraduate degree or rank in the upper third of their graduating class at an institution whose status and programs are readily assessed.
When are applications due?
There is an application deadline approximately 45 days prior to each term start.
How much is the application fee?
There is an application fee of $50 for each graduate school application; it is payable online during the application process. Speak with an admissions outreach advisor about waiving your fee.
Are transfer credits accepted?
Yes, up to six semester hours of graduate-level courses may be transferred in for master’s candidates. Transfer of credit must be requested in the student’s first academic year, and must be appropriate for the student’s planned program of study. There is a Petition for Transfer of Credit Form that must be completed and submitted.
Are online transcripts accepted?
Once you are officially admitted to Case Western Reserve University, you must submit official transcripts from all past universities attended. Electronic official transcripts may be emailed to gradtranscripts@case.edu. Hard-copy official transcripts may be mailed directly from the college or university to the following address:
Case Western Reserve University
School of Graduate Studies
Tomlinson Hall 203
10900 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106-7027
Case Western Reserve University
School of Graduate Studies
Tomlinson Hall 203
10900 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106-7027
Does my bachelor’s degree need to be from a regionally accredited university?
Students who wish to be considered for graduate admission at Case Western Reserve University must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
Are international students eligible for the online program?
Courses offered in Case Western University’s online engineering programs (Master of Engineering, Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Systems and Control Engineering) are online or distance learning courses that do not require a student’s physical attendance for classes, exams or other purposes integral to completion of the courses. Please be aware that USCIS regulations give strict limits to the amount of online or distance coursework international students may pursue when in the United States. We offer the following for your information and convenience.
- F-1 and J-1 visa students are not eligible to pursue online degrees while residing in the United States; therefore student on those visas are not eligible for the online engineering programs.
- International students in the United States on visas other than F-1 and J-1 should consult their employers or immigration attorneys to verify eligibility of the online programs.
Where do I send my required documents?
Mailed documents should be addressed to the same department/program address as your transcripts.
Will I be eligible for financial aid?
Yes, all registered degree-seeking students are eligible as long as they meet federal criteria for aid and are enrolled in an appropriate number of credits.
Test Scores
The GRE requirement for MS applicants has been temporarily suspended through Fall 2025.
What is the minimum GRE score?
The GRE requirement for MS applicants has been temporarily suspended through Fall 2025. Please contact an admissions outreach advisor for more information.
The GRE is not required not required for applicants to the Master of Engineering program.
The GRE is not required not required for applicants to the Master of Engineering program.
What is the minimum IELTS score?
The minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7.0
What is the minimum TOEFL score?
The minimum acceptable internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score is 90; the minimum acceptable paper-based TOEFL score is 577.
How long are GRE and TOEFL scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for five (5) years from the test date; TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date.
How do I send my test scores to CWRU?
You must request that Educational Testing Service (ETS) send GRE and TOEFL iBT test scores electronically to institution code 1105. TOEFL paper-based and IELTS score reports may be mailed to the same program address as your transcripts.
Program Details
How long will it take me to earn my degree?
These programs can be completed in 16-20 months, depending on the chosen degree and the number of credits taken each semester.
Is this a 100 percent online program?
Yes, the program is 100% online and generally asynchronous, meaning students may log in at their own convenience. Assignments, participation, other course requirements and outcomes are determined by each professor and listed in the syllabi. It is up to each student to log in and complete course work.
How long is each term (semester)?
Each semester comprises 14 weeks; there are three semesters per year – fall, spring and summer.
Will I have access to the CWRU Library?
Yes, students will have online access via network credentials assigned during the admission and initial registration process.
Curriculum
How many online courses are in the program?
All online MS and ME degree programs consist of 10 (3-credit) courses.
Is this a research-oriented program and is a thesis required?
The programs are practice-oriented, not research-oriented. As such, a thesis is not required.
Is there a comprehensive exam or project?
Yes, each candidate for the master’s degree must take an approved project course, or satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination, to be administered by the department or curricular program committee. The examination may be written or oral or both.
Request a Brochure