PHD PROGRAM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The College of Engineering offers a distinctive PhD program leading to a Doctorate of Philosophy. The PhD can be earned with a focus on any of the engineering programs offered in the College of Engineering.

Updated 9/9/2024

Spring 2025 Start Term

  • February 1, 2024: Spring 2025 application Opens
  • August 2, 2024: Spring 2025 application deadline
  • August 2- September 9, 2024: Spring 2025 applications reviewed
  • September 9, 2024: Spring 2025 application decisions released
  • September 11- September 13, 2024: Faculty interviews for GA Openings

Fall 2025 Start Term

  • August 1, 2024: Fall 2025 application opens
  • January 10, 2025: Fall 2025 application deadline
  • January 10- February 14, 2025: Fall 2025 applications reviewed
  • February 14, 2025: Fall 2025 application decisions released
  • February 17- February 21, 2025: Faculty interviews for GA Openings
  1. The College of Engineering has removed the $50.00 application fee. There is no longer an application fee for any College of Engineering graduate program.

  2. Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate universities attended. Unofficial transcripts from U.S. schools are acceptable for application review and may be uploaded in the online application. Official transcripts must be provided upon an offer of admission. Official transcripts are required for all International schools.

    Students who apply prior to completion of their undergraduate (or graduate) work-
    Students who apply prior to completion of their undergraduate (or graduate) work are expected to submit the most up-to-date transcript available. If offered admission, which is contingent upon satisfactory degree completion, you will be expected to submit an updated official transcript showing the conferred degree, conferral date, and final cumulative G.P.A.. Students who fail to submit official transcripts at least two weeks before the first day of classes will not be permitted to enroll.

    Transcripts should be sent to: COE Graduate Programs Office, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Drosdick Hall 309, Villanova, PA 19085. Official electronic transcripts can be submitted via email to: engineering.grad@villanova.edu

  3. Two (2) Applicant Rating Forms completed by your recommenders:

    Recommender 1 - One (1) academic recommender

    Recommender 2 - One (1) professional recommender (If a professional recommender is not available, a second academic recommender is acceptable).

    You will be prompted to provide two (2) recommender’s email addresses within your online application. These recommenders will receive an email with a link to electronically complete our recommendation process. Recommenders will be required to complete an Applicant Rating Form and upload a supplemental letter of recommendation.

    All recommenders must have professional email addresses. Personal email addresses (i.e. Gmail, Yahoo, Comcast) WILL NOT be accepted. An acceptable professional email address is from an educational institution, a business, or the government.

  4. Statement of Purpose - While there are no specific guidelines regarding the content or formatting of this document, you should consider describing your background, your academic and professional interests, and what specifically about Villanova’s College of Engineering drew you to apply to our graduate program. 

  5. Resume

  6. The College of Engineering does not require the submission of GRE scores, but we will consider your GRE scores as part of the application review if submitted.

  7. Complete online application by hitting 'Submit' as the final step.
  1. The College of Engineering has removed the $50.00 application fee. There is no longer an application fee for any College of Engineering graduate program.

  2. Transcripts
    Transcripts from International Schools 
    - Applicants must submit official university/college transcripts bearing the seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar. These transcripts must be sent directly your Registrar's Office. Transcripts are required for all previous undergraduate (and graduate where applicable) education. Students who apply prior to completion of their undergraduate (or graduate) work are expected to submit the most up-to-date transcript available. Transcripts should be sent to: COE Graduate Programs Office, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, CEER 309, Villanova, PA 19085. Official electronic transcripts can be submitted via email to: engineering.grad@villanova.edu

    Transcripts from U.S. Schools 
    - Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review. You may upload a copy of your unofficial transcript in the online application. If an offer of admission is made, it will be contingent upon you submitting official, final university/college transcripts bearing the seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar. These transcripts must be sent directly by mail or by electronic transmission from your Registrar's Office prior to enrollment. Transcripts are required for all previous undergraduate (and graduate where applicable) education. One copy of each transcript is sufficient.

    Students who apply prior to completion of their undergraduate (or graduate) work-
    Students who apply prior to completion of their undergraduate (or graduate) work are expected to submit the most up-to-date transcript available. If offered admission, which is contingent upon satisfactory degree completion, you will be expected to submit an updated official transcript showing the conferred degree, conferral date, and final cumulative G.P.A.. Students who fail to submit official transcripts at least two weeks before the first day of classes will not be permitted to enroll.

  3. Credential Evaluation - Villanova requires that transcripts from colleges and universities outside the U.S. and Canada undergo a course-by-course credential evaluation from any NACES member. Students are responsible for paying all fees for such evaluations and must make arrangements with the credential evaluation company to send and receive their documents.

    SpanTran has created a custom application for Villanova Engineering students that will guide you through the correct evaluation at a discounted rate.

  4. Two (2) Applicant Rating Forms completed by your recommenders:

    Recommender 1 - One (1) academic recommender

    Recommender 2 - One (1) professional recommender (If a professional recommender is not available, a second academic recommender is acceptable).

    You will be prompted to provide two (2) recommender’s email addresses within your online application. These recommenders will receive an email with a link to electronically complete our recommendation process. Recommenders will be required to complete an Applicant Rating Form and upload a supplemental letter of recommendation.

    All recommenders must have professional email addresses. Personal email addresses (i.e. Gmail, Yahoo, Comcast) WILL NOT be accepted. An acceptable professional email address is from an educational institution, a business, or the government.

  5. Statement of Purpose - While there are no specific guidelines regarding the content or formatting of this document, you should consider describing your background, your academic and professional interests, and what specifically about Villanova’s College of Engineering drew you to apply to our graduate program.

  6. Resume

  7. The College of Engineering does not require the submission of GRE scores, but we will consider your GRE scores as part of the application review if submitted.

  8. Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores sent directly from testing centers. Waived if applicant has a degree from a college/university in the U.S. or is a Permanent Resident of the U.S. If your bachelor’s or master’s degree is from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, please provide a letter from your educational institution stating that your education was in English to have this requirement waived.

  9. Complete online application by hitting 'Submit' as the final step.

I-20 Transfer Applicants Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities (domestic and International) must be received before Villanova will initiate an I-20 transfer.

Important Notices for for Distance Education Students

The following includes important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.

Read the Notices for Distance Education Students