Graduate Programs

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FAQ

Prospective Students

Admitted Students-Lincoln Campus

Admitted Students-Omaha Campus

Especially for International Students

 

Prospective Students

What is the deadline for application for admission?
While there is no set deadline for Ph.D. applicants, it is recommended that international applicants have a complete file no later than 90 days prior to the first day of classes. Domestic students should have a complete file no later than 60 days prior to the start of classes.

Can I take a course without seeking a degree?
Students interested in taking courses but not yet ready to begin a degree program should apply for non-degree post-baccalaureate admission. Use the same application as for those seeking a degree.

Will the course I take as a non-degree seeking student count towards degree requirements later?
Non-degree students intending to apply courses toward a degree program at a later date should consult the department of interest. Some departments have specific requirements about accepting coursework undertaken while in a non-degree status.

What do I need to make my application file complete?

What are the minimum requirements required for admission to a graduate program in the College of Engineering?

I took the GRE (or TOEFL) several years ago. Do I need to re-take it?
Departments will determine whether GRE scores are recent enough to accept. TOEFL scores are considered current for two years from the test date.

Who should provide letters of recommendation?
You should provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your past academic history as well as your potential.

Where should I send these documents?
College of Engineering Graduate Programs
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Othmer Hall 114
820 North 16th Street
Lincoln, NE 68588-0642

The College of Engineering allows the Letters of Recommendation for Ph.D. applicants to be sent electronically. However, you will need to sign the sheet indicating whether you want access to these letters and provide your reviewers with a copy of the sheet. If you choose to e-mail your documents, please have your reviewers send the electronic copy to gradengineering@unl.edu.

How long will it take to receive a decision on my application?
Once your application file is complete, please allow 6-8 weeks for a decision to be reached. You will be notified via surface mail once a decision is made.

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Admitted Students-Lincoln Campus

When do I need to be on campus?
It is recommended that graduate students arrive on campus at least one week prior to the start of the semester.

Where should I go when I get to campus?
Graduate student orientation will be held on August 20 at noon in the Beadle Center. You should also be sure to check in with your department office. Each department secretary will have the information you need with regards to fellowships and assistantships, as well as working with faculty advisors. If you do not know the location of your department office, please contact the College of Engineering & Technology Dean's Office at (402) 472-3181.

How do I get a Nebraska driver's license?
Department of Motor Vehicles (http://dmv.state.ne.us):
  500 W "O" St (402) 471-2823
  625 N 46th St (402) 471-3008 (Express Service Station)
Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

If you plan on driving while attending the University of Nebraska, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of driving in Nebraska. Manuals are available online at the DMV website, and at local exam stations. If you need to obtain a Nebraska driver's license, you can also do so at the local exam stations. The price of a Nebraska driver's license is $23.75, and lasts for five years.

Individuals attending school in Nebraska on a full-time basis (at least 12 credit hours) and whose vehicles are currently registered in their home state do not have to register their vehicle in Nebraska. Students should have their Student Identification Cards in their possession at all times when operating the motor vehicle in the event they are asked by law enforcement to produce evidence of their student status.

How do I find an apartment?
Many graduate students choose to take advantage of the wide range of off-campus housing close to both campuses. For a current listing of available off-campus housing, roommate listings, and landlord/tenant information, contact the Commuter Student Services at (402) 472-2585 or visit the student association (ASUN) website at http://www.unl.edu/asun/. Want ads for apartments and houses for rent can also be found in the Lincoln Journal Star and at the following website: http://www.offcampushousingguide.com.

Lincoln Utility Companies

 

How many credit hours must I enroll for?
Different programs will have different enrollment requirements, but to be considered a full-time student, you must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester.

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Admitted Students - Omaha Campus

When do I need to be on campus?
It is recommended that graduate students arrive on campus at least one week prior to the start of the semester.

Where should I go when I get to campus?
You should check in with your department office. Each department secretary will have the information you need with regards to fellowships and assistantships, as well as working with faculty advisors. If you do not know the location of your department office, please contact Marquetta Kinnamon at (402)554-6009.

How do I get a Nebraska driver's license?
Department of Motor Vehicles (http://dmv.state.ne.us):
  7425 Dodge St. (402) 595-2038
  4107 South 24th St (402) 595-2039
  7414 North 30th (402) 595-2040
  5306 South 136th St (402) 595-2424
  2918 North 108th St (402) 595-3106
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

If you plan on driving while attending the University of Nebraska, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of driving in Nebraska. Manuals are available online at the DMV website, and at local exam stations. If you need to obtain a Nebraska driver's license, you can also do so at the local exam stations. The price of a Nebraska driver's license is $23.75, and lasts for five years.

Individuals attending school in Nebraska on a full-time basis (at least 12 credit hours) and whose vehicles are currently registered in their home state do not have to register their vehicle in Nebraska. Students should have their Student Identification Cards in their possession at all times when operating the motor vehicle in the event they are asked by law enforcement to produce evidence of their student status.

How do I find an apartment?
http://mbsc.unomaha.edu/och.php

Most students based in Omaha choose to live off campus. Off Campus Housing Information is located in the Administrative Offices of the Milo Bail Student Center. You will find the office in the northwest corner of the second floor. For housing assistance stop by or call (402) 554-2383. You may also want to check the Omaha World Herald, rental magazines, and real estate agencies.

Omaha Utility Companies

How many credit hours must I enroll for?
Different programs will have different enrollment requirements, but to be considered a full-time student, you must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester.

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Especially for International Students

Where should I go when I get to campus?
Report to International Affairs, 420 University Terrace, Lincoln

Do I have to have health insurance? If so, how do I get it?
Health insurance (with a death benefit) is required by the University of Nebraska in order to comply with immigration regulations. The University offers a reasonably priced health insurance plan. You will receive information on applying for this health plan in your admission packet.

How do I get a social security number?
You may apply for a social security number during the international student orientation. At that time, you will receive the necessary information to apply for a social security number.

How/where do I buy car insurance?
Nebraska auto insurance laws require that every driver carry auto liability insurance. This coverage helps insure you against the cost of injury and damage you cause to someone else in an auto accident.

Nebraska auto insurance laws require minimum liability limits of 25/50/25. (That's $25,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $50,000 for all, and $25,000 for damage you cause to the other party's property.)

Nebraska auto insurance laws also require that you purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. These policies apply when another driver with inadequate liability coverage causes injury to you. The required minimums on these policies are also 25/50 ($25,000 for injuries per person, up to $50,000 total).

However, these are only minimums, and carrying higher levels of both liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is strongly recommended in addition to optional coverage such as medical payments, collision, and comprehensive.

There are several auto insurance companies that offer plans to Nebraska drivers including Geico, Allstate, State Farm and Progressive. Check the Yellow Pages to find an auto insurance provider that will best suit your needs.