HCP Master’s Admissions
HCP MS Admissions FAQ
Admissions overview
Each department conferring graduate degrees establishes its own application deadlines. An applicant may apply to only one degree program at Stanford University, meaning the applicant must choose one department and degree program and can have only one active application. All components of an application to the Department of Chemical Engineering must be received by the department no later than the appropriate due date. Applications and supporting documentation from external applicants are accepted on a rolling basis for autumn and spring start. All components of a MS application must be received by the department prior to the due date.
All applicants must make an official application, using the university's online forms and procedures, and following the directions from the Office of the Registrar, Graduate Admissions. Visit the Grad Admissions site for more information about the graduate admissions process at Stanford and to apply for graduate admission.
We invite excellent students from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in engineering, to consider Stanford University for their graduate studies. In making admissions decisions, the Department of Chemical Engineering will comply with the requirements of the law as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, evaluating each applicant based on their “experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.” We continue to value a diverse student body that benefits the educational experience of our students and our mission of generating knowledge at Stanford University.
What are the application deadlines?
For our MS program, applications and supporting documentation from external applicants are accepted on a rolling basis for autumn and spring start.
- Spring Quarter Admission Deadline
January 8, 2024 - Autumn Quarter Admission Deadline
April 12, 2024
Application Materials
- Completed Online Application
- Statement of Purpose(2-3 pages)
- Recommendations from three people who can knowledgeably discuss your suitability for pursuit of the selected degree.
- Bio-demographic information, educational history and test results (official and self-reported scores and percentages).
- Transcripts (Current, unofficial transcript uploaded in your application. Do not send physical transcripts to the department). Official transcripts will only be required if you are accepted. Communication regarding how to submit your transcripts will be sent as part of your acceptance.
Email: chemicalengineering@stanford.edu (for graduate admission inquiries)
The Department of Chemical Engineering does not accept letters of recommendation submitted through Interfolio.
Application evaluation
Our admissions committee carefully considers all completed applications to Chemical Engineering's HCP MS program. Decisions are based on the student’s academic record and experiences, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and test scores. While most applicants to our advanced degree programs have traditional chemical engineering backgrounds, we do accept applications from students in other related fields: chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, biology and so forth.
If your bachelor’s degree is in another field, do you have sufficient background knowledge in the key engineering concepts required of an undergraduate majoring in chemical engineering and thus would thrive in an advanced degree chemical engineering program? Those with non-traditional backgrounds should expect, if admitted, to spend some additional time acquiring the background necessary to complete a graduate degree in chemical engineering. For reference, the requirements for a Stanford BS in Chemical Engineering can be found in the Handbook for Undergraduate Engineering Programs
A departmental committee of Chemical Engineering faculty members makes all decisions regarding admission to our advanced degree programs. Decisions are based on thorough evaluations of all aspects of completed applications, i.e. applications are evaluated in their entirety and within the context of the program pool. Hence, final decisions are not made on a rolling basis, but rather when the pool is complete, on the deadline date.
We are unable to provide informal recommendations or evaluations on the basis of partial information, e.g. a CV or test scores or a transcript. Inquiries and materials sent to individual professors will be redirected to administrative staff. We encourage potential applicants to consider discussing their issues with faculty recommenders who know them well and could give better, individualized academic advice.
HCP Master’s Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
Can HCP MS students apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
No; Knight-Hennessy is for full-time students only. The HCP MS program only allows for part-time enrollment.
My official test scores will not arrive by the application deadline! Can I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply. You should take your ETS tests and request that scores be submitted to Stanford as well. Your application will not be considered complete until your official transcripts and test scores arrive. We will contact otherwise competitive applicants with incomplete applications for follow-up. Be sure your e-email address and telephone number are correct.
Are TOEFL scores required for admission?
In general, yes, if your first language is not English. On your application, self-report both your ETS scores and percentages. The Graduate Admissions website has further details about the university-wide test requirements and exceptions. Any request for a TOEFL waiver must to directed to central Graduate Admissions. Individual academic departments may not approve requests for waivers. In general, there is a high expectation for English language fluency in both formal use and informal interactions, in written and oral situations. One of the key goals of our educational programs is the further development of communication skills in English and ongoing opportunities are built into the curriculum.
Is there a TOEFL exemption process if I received a degree from an institution whose primary instruction was in English?
TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned a US bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provide in English (Australia, Canada except Quebec, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK. Stanford does not accept IELTS scores.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
The Department of Chemical Engineering no longer requires or accepts GRE scores for admission.
What are my chances of getting financial aid?
The department is unable to offer financial aid to MS students.
When will I find out about the decision on my application?
All applicants must maintain current and correct email addresses so we can communicate with you via email. MS applicants can expect to hear from us by the end of one month after the application deadline. MS decisions will be communicated to all applicants, in writing, via email.