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CECS LAC Scholarship Application

College of Engineering and Computer Science Latin American Caribbean Scholarship Information

Award Description

The College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) supports the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship. The CECS LAC scholarship is a multi-semester award (maximum of three semesters) for students who are citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean to be re-classified as a Florida residents for tuition purposes. The CECS Office of Graduate Affairs award a limited number of awards to students pursuing selected CECS-based MS degrees. This award has been renewed for the upcoming academic year. Students interested in receiving the CECS-LAC Scholarship must submit a CECS Scholarship Application after they are admitted to a CECS MS program, but before their official admission term begins.

Interested students can learn more details about the general LAC award at the following UCF Global website: https://global.ucf.edu/programs/lac/ or by contacting Mr. Sergio Ponce-Cordova at Sergio.PonceCordova@ucf.edu. Please note that your eligibility will be verified with UCF Global and the college before any award can be made. You must also maintain eligibility during the fall and spring award semesters.

Eligibility

  • Students admitted to any CECS MS program except for MS Data Analytics, MS Industrial Engineering – Healthcare Systems Engineering Track, fully online programs
  • Citizens of LAC countries (Note: to see the list of countries please see the (UCF Global site)
  • Students receiving graduate transfer credit applied towards the UCF MS are not eligible to participate
  • Students receiving Graduate Assistantships at UCF are not eligible to participate.
  • The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or better

CECS Scholarship Application

  • CECS Scholarship Application for Fall must be submitted by 5:00 PM ET on June 1st and for Spring must be submitted by December 1st.
  • A short essay that explains how students will benefit from the LAC Scholarship is required as a part of this application; students interested in pursuing the MS thesis will be given more consideration than non-thesis students.
  • If you are continuing on the LAC Scholarship, please fill out the form under the Continuing LAC Scholarship Application.
  • To begin the application:

Newly Admitted LAC Scholarship Application APPLY HERE            Continuing LAC Scholarship Application

Scholarship Requirements

Students awarded with the CECS-LAC Scholarship are required to maintain steady academic progress. In order to receive the award:

  • The student must be registered for UCF graduate-level courses; pursing the MS thesis is required
  • The student must be attending UCF full-time (i.e., no more or less than 9 graduate student credit hours unless the student is in their final semester)
  • The student must have a valid immigration status
  • The student must have a GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Renewals: This award is renewed one semester at a time. Students making progress towards an MS thesis will be the only ones considered. Students applying to the doctoral program will receive higher consideration than those who do not. Students renewing the LAC Scholarship must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better to be considered for renewal.

Essay

Eligible and interested applicants will submit a short but strong essay (750 words maximum) detailing why we should sponsor you for this award. We want to know about your commitment to completing your degree and how the LAC Scholarship will benefit you. If you are applying for a continued award, let us know how the LAC Scholarship has benefited you and how continuation of the award will be beneficial.

External Support

Several countries provide significant monetary support for students to complete their graduate studies at UCF. The support can take the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or hybrid funding. Some loans are forgivable if the student returns to their home country for a fixed period of time.  A few of these support organizations are:

  • Colfuturo
  • HonduFuturo
  • Guatefuturo
  • Fiderh
  • OAS – The Rowe Fund

For more information about these programs, please see the link below.

EXTERNAL SUPPORT

Award Timeline

Fall Awards:

January 1 – UCF Graduate Programs Application Deadline
January-February – Application Period for Country-Specific External Funding Support (see the “External Funding” link below)
March 1 – CECS-LAC Application period opens to new/continuing students for FA23/SP24 sponsorship
June 1 – CECS LAC Application period closes
June 30 – Applicants notified of pending award and reminded of eligibility requirements
July 2 – Scholarship form available from UCF Global
July 27 – CECS Office of Graduate Affairs completes the LAC Scholarship application form
Mid-August – Admitted students arrive to the US and classes begin
September 1 – UCF Financials will set student’s tuition to in-state

Spring Awards:

July 1 – UCF Graduate Programs Application Deadline
July 15 – Scholarship form available from UCF Global
Varies by Program/Country – Application Period for Country-Specific External Funding Support (see the “External Funding” link below)
November 1 – CECS-LAC Application period opens to new/continuing students for FA23/SP24 sponsorship
December 1 – CECS LAC Application period closes
December 4 – CECS Office of Graduate Affairs completes the LAC Scholarship application form
December 15 – Applicants notified of pending award and reminded of eligibility requirements
January – Admitted students arrive to the US and classes begin
February 5 – UCF Financials will set student’s tuition to in-state

CECS LAC Successes
Diana Rodriguez De Francisco

Biomedical Engineering MS		 Tisana Richards

Biomechanics MS		Diego Linares Gonzalez

Computer Engineering
VenezuelaJamaicaPeru
Advisor: Dr. Swaminathan Rajaraman
Thesis Title: Long Lasting Levothyroxine Sodium Microneedle Array for Hashimoto's Treatment		Advisor: Shahana Ibrahim
Thesis Title:Robust Multi-label Recognition with Label Noise Modeling
Update: In just her second semester of study at UCF, Diana was able to secure a Graduate Research Assistantship. After finishing her MS degree and thesis, she will be headed to the PhD program.Update: Tisana has received a Graduate Assistantship. Diego has now been hired on as a Researcher with Dr. Shahana Irabhim.

Selected Current Scholars
Laura Edith Andrade Barron

Environmental Engineering MS		Nigel Francis

Cybersecurity		Juan Lainez

Mechanical Engineering MS
BoliviaDominicaEcuador
Advisor: Dr. Kelly Kibler
Thesis Title: "Investigation of vadose zone soil-hydrologic interaction to improve nutrient remediation efficiency and cost-effectiveness of stormwater BMP design"		Advisor: Dr. David Mohaisen
Thesis Title: "Deepfake Detection and Defense: A Comprehensive Analysis of Techniques and Robustness"		Advisor: Dr. Yuanli Bai
Thesis Title: "How to Calibrate the Fracture toughness of a material quickly"
"I am very grateful to have been selected for the Latin American Scholarship. This scholarship is important to me for several reasons. It represents more than just financial help; it will allow me to gain the skills and knowledge I need for my future career and provide opportunities to participate in research projects. This support motivates me to work harder and shows me that my efforts are recognized, which makes me even more determined to succeed. I am committed to excelling in my studies and using what I learn to help my community."

"Estoy muy agradecido de haber sido seleccionado para la Beca Latinoamericana. Esta beca es importante para mí por varias razones. Representa más que solo una ayuda financiera; me permitirá adquirir las habilidades y conocimientos que necesito para mi futura carrera y me brindará oportunidades para participar en proyectos de investigación. Este apoyo me motiva a trabajar más duro y me muestra que mis esfuerzos son reconocidos, lo que me hace aún más decidido a tener éxito. Estoy comprometido a sobresalir en mis estudios y usar lo que aprendo para ayudar a mi comunidad."		"The increasing significance of AI and the prevalence of cyber tools have elevated the demand for cybersecurity expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean. The LAC scholarship has played a pivotal role in enabling me to address this need by removing financial barriers and facilitating my pursuit of a master's degree in cybersecurity at the University of Central Florida. As a first-generation college student, this opportunity has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong aspiration of becoming a leader in the field, capable of making a positive impact on the region.""My name is Juan José Laínez, and I was born and raised in Ecuador. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that I wanted to delve deeper into research in my field. Since I’ve always regarded the United States as a leading country in research, I was determined to study here. However, the cost of attending any university, especially for graduate students, is often very high. When I heard about the LAC scholarship, I knew this was my opportunity to make my dream come true.
Now, I am in the U.S., pursuing my master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I strongly believe that this degree will open doors to the U.S. industry and allow me to gain valuable experience in research. Thanks to this opportunity, I am confident that my future in this field will be bright. My parents always told me that the best investment you can make is in educating yourself."

"Mi nombre es Juan José Laínez, nací y crecí en Ecuador. Después de completar mis estudios universitarios, me di cuenta de que quería profundizar en la investigación en mi campo. Como siempre he considerado a Estados Unidos como un país líder en investigación, estaba decidido a estudiar aquí. Sin embargo, el costo de asistir a cualquier universidad, especialmente para estudiantes de posgrado, suele ser muy alto. Cuando escuché sobre la beca LAC, supe que esta era mi oportunidad de hacer realidad mi sueño.
Ahora estoy en los Estados Unidos, cursando mi maestría en ingeniería mecánica. Creo firmemente que esta carrera me abrirá puertas a la industria estadounidense y me permitirá adquirir una valiosa experiencia en investigación. Gracias a esta oportunidad, estoy seguro de que mi futuro en este campo será brillante. Mis padres siempre me dijeron que la mejor inversión que puedes hacer es educarte".








Andres Felipe Fonseca Rueda

Biomedical Engineering MS		Leonardo Sandoval

Cybersecurity		 Vinicius Da Silva Costa

Computer Engineering MS
ColombiaColombiaBrazil
Advisor:
Thesis Title:		Advisor: Michael Borowczak
Thesis Title: "S-CHIRP Secure Communication for Heterogeneous IoTs with Round-Robin Protection"		Advisor:
Thesis Title:
"The LAC scholarship supports my studies abroad, granting me with valuable exposure to diverse perspectives in my field. It also aligns with my ambition of becoming an international professional by providing opportunities to build a global network and develop the skills needed to succeed in a competitive, globalized job market."

"La beca LAC apoya mis estudios en el extranjero, brindándome una valiosa exposición a diversas perspectivas en mi campo. También se alinea con mi ambición de convertirme en un profesional internacional al brindar oportunidades para construir una red global y desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para tener éxito en un mercado laboral competitivo y globalizado."		"I earned my Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering in my home country, where I developed a deep passion for cybersecurity. Seeking to expand my knowledge and expertise, I explored universities worldwide, considering programs in Germany, the UK, and Canada. Ultimately, I chose the University of Central Florida (UCF), where I was awarded the CECS LAC Scholarship. This opportunity significantly reduced my tuition costs, making it possible for me to pursue my studies. Currently, I am working toward a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Privacy at UCF, driven by my commitment to advancing in this ever-evolving field, Thanks CESCS department and UCF for the opportunity."

"Obtuve mi Licenciatura en Ingeniería de Telecomunicaciones en mi país de origen, donde desarrollé una profunda pasión por la ciberseguridad. Buscando ampliar mis conocimientos y experiencia, exploré universidades de todo el mundo, considerando programas en Alemania, el Reino Unido y Canadá. Finalmente, elegí la Universidad de Florida Central (UCF), donde obtuve la beca CECS LAC. Esta oportunidad redujo significativamente mis costos de matrícula, lo que me permitió continuar mis estudios. Actualmente, estoy trabajando para obtener una Maestría en Ciberseguridad y Privacidad en UCF, impulsada por mi compromiso de avanzar en este campo en constante evolución, agradece al departamento de CESCS y a la UCF por la oportunidad."		"The LAC scholarship has been a crucial support in my journey to study abroad, significantly reducing the financial strain and helping me navigate the many difficulties that come with being an international student. From adjusting to a new culture to managing living expenses, the challenges can be overwhelming, but this scholarship has provided the stability I needed to focus on my academic goals and make the most of this opportunity. Without it, the path would have been much harder to pursue, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has opened up for me."

"A bolsa da LAC tem sido um apoio crucial na minha jornada para estudar no exterior, reduzindo significativamente a pressão financeira e me ajudando a enfrentar as muitas dificuldades que surgem quando sou um estudante internacional. Desde a adaptação a uma nova cultura até o gerenciamento de despesas de subsistência, os desafios podem ser esmagadores, mas esta bolsa proporcionou a estabilidade que eu precisava para me concentrar em meus objetivos acadêmicos e aproveitar ao máximo esta oportunidade. Sem ela, o caminho teria sido muito mais difícil de seguir, e estou extremamente grato pelas oportunidades que ela abriu para mim."

Other Opportunities for Graduate Students

The College of Sciences identified several countries that provide monetary support for students to complete certain graduate programs at UCF. This support can take the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or hybrid funding. Some loans are forgivable if the student returns to their home country for a fixed period of time.

For more information about these award opportunities, please see the College of Sciences’ LAC Scholarship webpage.

CS PhD Admission Requirements
• A strong undergraduate background in Computer Science or closely related areas (e.g. Software Engineering, IT, Computer and Electrical Engineering) • 3.0 GPA • GRE: No minimum but preferably Q:160, V:150 or above • TOEFL80/IELTS 7 (only for international students) • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted. • Three letters of recommendation
ECE PhD Admission Requirements
• Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BSCpE) with 3.0 or Greater GPA • GRE at Least 308 on the Quantitative & Verbal Sections: (Q+V)>=308 • Three Letters of Recommendation for PhD – from your professors • Résumé • A Statement of Educational, Research, & Professional Career Objectives
Industrial PhD Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater • Official transcript • An official, competitive GRE score taken within the last 5 years • Three letters of recommendations • Resume • Goal Statement
Materials Science PhD Admission Requirements
• Earned a bachelor’s or master's degree • Earned a 3.0 GPA or better • GRE is not required • Application form • Official Transcript • Resume • Personal statement • Three recommendation letters
MAE PhD Admission Requirements
• Resume • Personal Essay • 3 Letters of Recommendation • Transcripts • WES/Josep Silny Evaluations • TOEFL (>=80) and IELTS (>=6.5) for International Applicants • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
CECE PhD Admission Requirements
3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only). • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants. • GRE required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required. • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries. • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted. • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials. • 3 Letters of Recommendation.
CECE PhD Admission Requirements
3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only) • 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants • No GRE required for admission; is required for some fellowships • Spring 2024 Admission: GRE will be required and the WES evaluation will not be required. • International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries • Screening Process for International Students delays admission process weeks or, sometimes, a month or two • Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials • 3 Letters of reference
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CS MS Admission Requirements
• A strong undergraduate background in Computer Science or closely related areas (e.g. Software Engineering, IT, Computer and Electrical Engineering) • 3.0 GPA • GRE: No minimum, but preferably Q:160, V:150 or above • TOEFL 80/IELTS 7 (only for international students) • Duolingo English Test is acceptable. You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted. • Lacking the background, a prospective applicant can take the following prerequisite courses as non-degree seeking and scoring “B” or better in all of these course: • EEL 4768C Computer Architecture • COP 4020 Programming Languages I • COP 4600 Operating Systems • COT 4210 Discrete Computational Structures • and/or related industry experience. • 2 Letters of Recommendation
CECE MS Admission Requirements
• 3.0 GPA – can submit 2 applicants with < 3.0 per program (domestic only)
• 3.0 GPA – absolute for international applicants
• GRE is not required
• International transcripts evaluation by WES or Josef Silny required
• TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, or via UCFs ELI for international students from non-English speaking countries College of Engineering and Computer Science MS Admission
• Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
• Essay: 1.5 pages at most including why do you want to obtain the degree and what will it make you capable of that you can’t do with your current knowledge/credentials
• 3 Letters of Recommendation.
ECE MS Admission Requirements
• Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BS-CpE) with 3.0 or Greater GPA • Two Letters of Recommendation • No GRE is required • Résumé • A Statement of Educational, Research, & Professional Career Objectives • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Industrial MS Admission Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater • Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent) • An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics • Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, C, C++, Visual BASIC, Java, etc.) • Official transcripts • Two letters of recommendations • Resume • Goal Statement
Materials Science MS Admission Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related discipline. • The GRE is not required for admission to this program. Résumé. • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only. • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Computer Vision MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé. • 1 Letter of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Cyber Security MS Admission Requirements
• An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to cyber security, or have taken several basic computer or cyber security courses in Bachelor study, or have obtained one or two cyber security related professional certificates. • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in all work attempted as an undergraduate student or in the last 60 attempted hours for the Bachelor's degree. • A personal statement (essay) not exceeding 500 words describing the applicant's academic and professional experiences and goals. • One letter of recommendation assessing the applicant's potential to do master's-level work. • Résumé. • GRE is NOT required.
Digital Forensics MS Admission Requirements
• An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited university. • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in all work attempted as an undergraduate student or in the last 60 attempted hours for the Bachelor's degree, or, a graduate degree or professional degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited US institution in a field related to digital forensics • A personal statement (essay) not exceeding 500 words describing the applicant's academic and professional experiences and goals. • One letter of recommendation assessing the applicant's potential to do master's-level work. • Résumé.
Modeling and Sim MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae • Goal statement: The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous academic, research, and/or teaching experience. • Two letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation should: 1. Address the educational and career goals of the applicant. 2. Clearly address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level study and research. 3. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
Modeling and Sim PhD Admission Requirements
• A competitive score on the GRE, taken within the past five years. • Résumé or Curriculum Vitae • Goal statement: The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous academic, research, and/or teaching experience. • Three letters of recommendation: The letters of recommendation should: 1. Address the educational and career goals of the applicant. 2. Clearly address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level study and research. 3. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
Trasportation Engineering Admission Requirements
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
  • A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or another closely related engineering degree.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
The GRE is not required, however, taking the GRE is highly recommended for students wishing to pursue a thesis. In order to be considered for any fellowships, a GRE score is required. 

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.

Healthcare Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent)
  • An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics
  • Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, C, C++, Visual BASIC, Java, etc.)
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendations
  • Resume
  • Goal Statement

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.


Computer Forensics Admission Requirements

Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Admission to the program is competitive on a space-available basis. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance and the applicant's potential for completing the certificate.

• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.

Project Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Quality Assurance Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.
• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

  • In addition, applicants to this certificate must provide: Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc only.
Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.

• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Mixed Reality Engineering Admission Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF with a minimum GPA of 3.0. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition, applicants to this certificate must provide:

  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.
  • Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms only.
• No Letters of Recommendation Required.

For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Guidance Control and Dynamics Admission Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline with a minimum GPA 3.0
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
For international students interested in UCF Global Pathway Program (immersive English-language learning), please contact Dr. Ali P. Gordon for guidance.
Travel Technology and Analytics Admission Requirements
  • The GRE/GMAT is required
  • A goal statement. This is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally in the future.
  • Updated résumé.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • A computer-based TOEFL score of 220 or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL is required if an applicant is from a country where English is not the official language, or if an applicant’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, or if an applicant did not earn a degree in a country where English is the official language or a university where English is the official language of instruction. Although we prefer the TOEFL, we will accept IELTS scores of 6.5.
  • Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
Systems Engineering Admission Requirements
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vita
  • Goal statement
    • The goal statement should discuss all relevant professional background and any previous research and/or teaching experience. The statement should explain the motivation behind the pursuit of an MSSE. Future educational and career goals after the completion of the applicant’s master study should be discussed.
    • If the applicant is interested in completing a Master thesis, then the applicant must clearly describe the particular area of research interest. The applicant should identify at least one UCF faculty member who shares a similar research focus and is believed to be best suited to serve as a potential thesis advisor. 
    • The goal statement should between 500 and 1,000 words.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • The letters of recommendation should be from faculty members, university administrators, and employers with a supervisory role of the applicant. The letters, which must be current to the application and must not be for another degree program, should address the educational and career goals of the applicant. The letter writers should also know the applicant well enough to discuss the applicant’s capacity to perform, excel and succeed in a graduate program. Letters for Master’s thesis students must discuss the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level research.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Data Analytics Admission Requirements
    • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
    • Résumé.
    • 2 Letters of recommendation
    • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering is desirable but not required. Applicants without a strong undergraduate background in Computer Science and Statistics must demonstrate an understanding of the material covered in upper-division undergraduate courses listed under the Articulation Section of the Curriculum Information. Applicants may choose to demonstrate their knowledge of these courses by taking these courses as non-degree seeking and scoring “B” or better in all of them.

Biomedical Engineering Admission Requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree in Biomedical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline. 
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Aerospace Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
  • Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of educational, research, and professional career objectives.
  • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
  • No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Biomedical Engineering PhD Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
  • Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
  • Résumé.
  • A written statement of experience and research, areas of current and future potential research interests, and future career goals.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
HEC 101A&B
  • Camera
  • Multiscreen
  • Projector/Screen
  • Touch Screen
  • Microphone
  • Food Allowed*
  • Projector Panel
  • Document Camera
*Room users should leave the room clean and ready for any groups meeting after them. Food and trash must be placed in cans outside of the room.
Master in FinTech Admission Requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related discipline or business discipline from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. • The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Completed coursework in statistics, econometrics, computer science (Artificial Intelligence) is preferable. • A goal statement. This is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally in the future. • Updated résumé. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only. • Test of English as a Foreign Language for Non-U.S. Citizens: A TOEFL or IELTS is required of all applicants who do not have a degree from a U.S. institution or English instruction institution. A minimum score of 577 paper-based; 233 computer-based; 91 Internet-based; or 7.0 IELTS is required. For more information on exams and locations, go to www.ets.org/toefl.
• Duolingo English Test is acceptable.  You must score a 120 for the test to be accepted.
• No Letters of Recommendation Required.
Masters in Engineering Management Admission Requirements
• General UCF graduate application requirements • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended • Résumé or Curriculum Vita • Goal statement • Two letters of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Big Data Analytics PhD Admission Requirements
  • A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in statistics, data analytics or a related field from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • A current curriculum vitae.
  • A personal statement identifying the area of research interest and a description of the applicant’s academic and professional experiences.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • The student should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all bachelor’s level work completed.
  • Applicants to this program, except those that have earned or will earn a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF, who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems MS Admission Requirements
• The GRE is not required for admission to this program. • Résumé. • Two Letters of recommendation • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
Engineering Management - Professional Project and Systems Engineering MS Admission Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline. • A letter of recommendation from the corporate sponsor. • Résumé. • Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
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