Master of Engineering

The Industrial Engineering and Operations Research department offers the following Master of Engineering concentrations:

• Management Science & Engineering
• FinTech
• Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Strategy (Updates TBD)

*NOTE: Applicants who are not eligible for the FinTech or the Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Strategy (Updates TBD) concentration will be automatically considered for the Management Science & Engineering concentration.

We require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or recognized equivalent and sufficient undergraduate education for graduate work in your chosen field.

More information HERE (Minimum Admissions Requirement).

Academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended must be uploaded to your online application. Do not mail transcripts or other academic records to our office at the time of application.

More information HERE (Academic Records).

*Note: Official transcripts are preferred. Unofficial transcripts must include at a minimum the name of the institution, your full name as it appears on your application, and a chronological listing of all classes and grades. 

It is strongly recommended that all prerequisites be completed with grades at the time of application submission:

• Management Science & Engineering Concentration: To be successful in this concentration, entering students are expected to have a basic understanding of linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Students will find the knowledge of optimization also beneficial.
• Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Strategy (Updates TBD) Concentration: To be successful in this concentration, entering students are expected to have a basic understanding of linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Students will also find the knowledge of optimization, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship beneficial.
• FinTech Concentration: To be successful in this concentration, entering students are expected to be knowledgeable in probability and statistics, have a basic understanding of optimization, as well as proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Python, C/C++, or Java. Experience with statistical inference and Python programming will be highly beneficial.

• The GRE is the only test accepted.
• There is no minimum score required.
• Please send the official scores to UC Berkeley at institution code 4833. Please do not send them to the IEOR department. Note that a “department” code is not required for your GRE scores to be matched to your online application.
• More information on sending scores HERE (Graduate Record Examination (GRE)).
• Only tests taken within the past 5 years are acceptable. For Fall 2025 admissions, tests taken before June 2020 will not be accepted. Tests must also be taken by the application deadline, January 6, 2025.

*Note: GRE scores are required for all applicants except for those who:

• have earned their UC Berkeley degree with a 3.5 or higher cumulative or advanced GPA; or
• are current UC Berkeley students who have, at the time of application submission, a 3.5 or higher cumulative or advanced GPA; or
• are/were transfer students to UC Berkeley with a 3.5 or higher advanced GPA

If you received or are a candidate to receive your undergraduate degree from an institution outside the United States, you are required to fulfill the UC Berkeley Graduate Division’s Evidence of English Language Proficiency requirement.

• We require two letters of recommendation.
• We strongly prefer that letters of recommendation come from a current direct supervisor, former direct supervisor, faculty, or other individuals with whom you have had significant professional interaction.
• When completing the online application, you will enter the email addresses of your recommenders and click the appropriate box to have the recommenders upload their letters. You are responsible for ensuring that the letters of recommendations are submitted by your recommenders. We cannot guarantee that letters of recommendation uploaded after January 6, 2025 will be reviewed with your application.
• More information HERE (Letters of Recommendation).

• The Statement of Purpose is your “academic statement” and should convey why you are interested in the program, what you will contribute to the program, and what you plan to do after the program.
• This essay should include the following:
  • Academic and research experiences
  • Publications and/or presentations
  • Internship or employment opportunities you have had
  • Your motivation and interests in the program, including your professional objectives, research interests, areas of specialization, etc.
  • Additional contributions to your program of study: Let us know how your experience has led to the perfect fit for this program. Are there specific IEOR faculty you want to work with? Why are you choosing this program at UC Berkeley specifically?
• Be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2 single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor organization.
• More information HERE (Writing the Statement of Purpose).

• The Personal History Statement should provide insight to you as a person and any personal experiences that have influenced you to apply for graduate studies in IEOR. Take this opportunity to write about your personal goals, dreams, and what motivates you towards your degree and objectives. Remember to be authentic in your essay, as we want to hear your voice and perspective.
• Discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. This statement can also include any obstacles or barriers that you have overcome during your educational career or any social or community projects/programs with which you have worked.
• Please include any of the following information:
  • Educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey
  • How you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field
  • How you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree
• Be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2 single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor organization.
• More information HERE (Writing The Personal Statement).

Prompt: Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging, whether through community organizations or in personal or professional settings? (300 words max)

Upload your resume so that the admissions committee may gain a more in-depth understanding about your academic and professional experiences.

Although work experience is not required for admission, we want to know about your professional, internship, and research experiences.

A nonrefundable application fee is required when you apply. Information on the application fee can be found HERE (Application Fee).

APPLICATION FEE WAIVER:

There are two ways in which you may qualify for an application fee waiver:

1. U.S. citizens or current permanent residents who can demonstrate financial need or who have participated in certain programs are eligible to apply for a Graduate Division Application Fee Waiver.
2. Applicants may be eligible for a Berkeley MEng application fee waiver via the Fung Institute.