How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Applicants MUST submit all application materials electronically by the following deadlines to be considered for admission. Please read through the following application instructions prior to beginning your application.

Applicant TypeAutumn Quarter 2026Winter Quarter 2027
International ApplicantsApril 1, 2026October 1, 2026
Domestic ApplicantsMay 1, 2026October 1, 2026

Winter application now open

Application Checklist

The application to the Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering is submitted online via the Graduate School application. All application materials should be submitted online and are due by the application deadline.

Select a checklist item to navigate for detailed instructions:

Please complete all components of the application as follows:

Note: The UW Bothell MSECE program does not require the GRE at this time.

1. Application & Paid Fee

Complete the Graduate School application and pay the application fee. Applications must be completed online.

  • Create an applicant profile or log in to an existing applicant profile
  • Create a new application
  • Select your application type (choose from the drop down list: Graduate)
  • Select “Electrical & Computer Engineering – Bothell” from the drop-down list of graduate programs
  • Complete application as directed

2. Unofficial Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded into the online application. Report all post-secondary schools you have attended, even if you did not earn a degree. Applicants will be asked to submit an official hardcopy transcript only if offered admission. Please do not send hardcopy transcript materials until you are asked to do so.

Applicants with degrees from outside the United States must upload detailed official mark sheets (front and back) and official documentation showing degree earned. It is encouraged to include the grading scale/scheme used if not already listed on the transcript. All documents must be in English, and be the official translation from the institution in which the degree(s) was earned.

3. Statement of Purpose

Please limit your response to the following statement to a maximum of 1000 words:

Describe why the Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering is of interest to you and how it will support your scholarly and career goals.

4. Current Resume

Showing relevant work experience or coursework in detail, including any and all information relevant to admission prerequisites.

5. Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of two recommendations is required. Each recommender will automatically receive an e-mail with instructions on how to submit their letter of recommendation. Professional references may be substituted for academic ones if academic recommenders are unavailable.

6. English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington as outlined in Policy 3.2. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Proficiency for this program can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  • Residency: For applicants using an English‑medium‑of‑instruction (MOI) degree to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement, the following residency conditions apply [Note: students that are non-native English speakers will be asked if they meet these residency requirements in the Graduate School application. Remote, distance, online, or primarily offsite enrollment does not satisfy the residency requirement.]:
    • For institutions located in an English-speaking country: The student must have been in residence in that country for the full duration of enrollment in the degree program.
    • For institutions located in countries where English is not the official or dominant language: The student must have been in residence on, or in close proximity to, the degree granting campus for the full duration of enrollment.
  • Documentation: Official documentation from the applicant’s degree-granting institutions verifying that all instruction is in English is required, except for degrees from accredited institutions in the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Canada, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, the United States, or the Virgin Islands.
    • Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
    • Official transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
  • TOEFL iBT (at test center or home)
    • Minimum score 4.5 (92 for test taken before January 21, 2026)
    • MyBest scores are not accepted
    • Sent via ETS to institution code 4854
  • Academic IELTS (at test center or home)
    • Minimum score 7.0
    • One Skill retake are not accepted
    • Sent via E-TRF to organization code 365
  • Duolingo English Test
    • Minimum score 130
    • Sent via Duolingo to University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma)

Previous UW graduate degree completion or previous admittance and current enrollment in a UW graduate program.

Information for International Applicants

  • International applicants are those who currently hold or expect temporary U.S. Visas, including holders of H1-B, H-4 or any other non-immigrant classifications.
  • U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders or immigrants) are NOT considered international applicants.
  • International applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, including a statement of financial ability. View more details on additional requirements for International applicants.