Admissions | NC State OR

Three students completing their admissions to the NC State Operations Research Program

Admissions

Last Updated: 12/03/2024 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

You can apply for master’s degree programs if you majored in mathematics, economics, statistics, or engineering.

For the doctoral program, we prefer applicants with a master’s degree from a recognized program, especially in OR or a related field. You should show promise for Ph.D. success through past academic performance and independent research.

However, if you have an outstanding bachelor’s degree, you can apply directly to the Ph.D. Program.

Although there is no minimum GRE requirement, consider these average scores for a recent class of twenty students: Verbal 491, Quantitative 735, Analytical 4.0.

Admissions Procedures

  1. Read through “How to Apply” for important Graduate School information.
  2. Complete and submit the NC State Graduate School Online Application with the application fees and all supporting documents directly to the Graduate School. Supporting documents include:
  3. Complete and submit the NC State Graduate School Online Application with the fees and all supporting documents.
    • You will need one transcript from each post-secondary institution you attended. Upon acceptance recommendation, you must provide an official transcript.
    • If you claim NC residence for tuition purposes, submit a residence form.
    • Get references from at least three people familiar with your academic record and potential for graduate study.
    • Also, include the non-refundable application fee and official GRE test scores.
  4. The GRE is optional if you have a degree from a US institution in a related major. Otherwise, it is required. We review applications as a whole, not just one factor. Including GRE scores, even when optional, can strengthen your application.

International Student Applicants

In addition to the above, international students must submit the following with their application to the graduate school:

  • You must submit official GRE scores. However, sending GRE scores is optional but encouraged if you have completed, or will complete, a degree from a US institution in a related field.
  • Submit a TOEFL certification that is less than two years old.
  • You must also include a certificate of financial responsibility.

For more information, visit the university’s International Scholars and International Students pages.

NC State Admissions Policy

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina to provide equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees. Accordingly, the university does not practice or condone unlawful discrimination in any form against students, employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Nor does the university allow discrimination based on sexual orientation for internal university matters that do not contravene federal or state law or interfere with the University’s relationships with outside organizations, including the federal government, the military, ROTC and private employers. See Admission to Graduate School REG 02.15.1 policy.

Can I Afford It?

NC State is one of the most affordable universities in the U.S. with the numbers to back it up:

We know that money is a big part of your planning, and we have some resources to help.