Electrical Engineering BS - Applying to the Program

Admission to UB is based on a holistic review. We consider high school average, class rank (where applicable), strength of the high school academic record and SAT or ACT scores, if applicable. UB supports SUNY’s decision to temporarily suspend SAT and ACT requirements for admissions for the 2021-22 academic year. This temporary change of admissions eligibility requirements applies to the spring 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022 cycles. A personal essay, recommendations, documented creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service and special circumstances are also considered.

The following is not required for admission, but is suggested as adequate preparation for university-level coursework:

• Four years of English (with a substantial writing component).
• Four years of social studies.
• Three years of college-preparatory science.
• Three years of a second language.
• Three years of college-preparatory mathematics.

Visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn more.

To be considered for admission to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), select the engineering or applied science major of interest on the standard application form. A separate application is not required. If you are undecided about the particular field within SEAS you would like to pursue, simply indicate “engineering.” If you decide on a major after you send in your application, contact the UB Office of Admissions with the update. You need not submit a new application. Enrolled students who remain in good standing can readily switch majors in their first year.

Admissions Criteria

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each application, with factors such as an applicant’s high school academic performance, standardized test scores, Regents and Common Core Examination scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and noncognitive attributes considered.

Admission to engineering or computer science major requires the following:

1.  Submission of the UB Application. Students are strongly encouraged to submit an application by the end of March for fall admission and by early October for spring admission.

2.  Admission to the University at Buffalo.

3.  Submission of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Supplemental Application.
Note: Incoming international students do not need to submit this application.

4.  Satisfactory performance in a series of core courses (see below). There are two paths to meet this requirement.

1. Standard: Completion of four core courses with a combined core course grade point average of at least 2.5
2. Fast-Track: Completion of at least two of the four core courses (graded on an A-F basis) with a combined core course grade point average of at least 3.0.

5.  The minimum overall cumulative GPA required for the major. Students can meet the GPA standard by attaining an overall cumulative GPA or UB cumulative GPA (with minimum of 12 earned UB credits) that meets or exceeds the minimum value.  The GPAs required for admission vary by academic year and requested major. The table below provides the GPA requirement for the 2022-23 academic year. Learn more about cumulative GPA requirements for previous academic years. 

Core Courses

Engineering Courses:

1.  Calculus 1 (MTH 141 or MTH 153)
2.  Calculus 2 (MTH 142 or MTH 154)
3. General Chemistry 1 (CHE 101, CHE 105, or CHE 107)
4. General Physics 1 (PHY 107 or PHY 117)

Computer Science / Bioinformatics Courses:

1.    Calculus 1 (MTH 141 or MTH 153; students applying for the BA computer science degree may complete MTH 121 or MTH 131)
2.    Introduction to Computer Science for Majors 1 (CSE 115)
3.    Introduction to Computer Science for Majors 2 (CSE 116)
4.    Discrete Structures (CSE 191 or MTH 191)

Overall GPA Requirements

The SEAS will consider a student's entire academic record in reaching an admission decision. Factors such as a history of repeating, resigning, or failing classes, or low grades in classes relevant to the student's desired discipline may result in conditional admission or denial of admission.

Admission to engineering or computer science major requires the following:

1.  Matriculated student with academic good standing at the University at Buffalo.

2. Submission of the School of Engineering and Applies Sciences Supplemental Application. Students are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of May for fall admission and by early December for spring admission.  Submission of an application by these suggested dates will allow ample time for processing and provide time for advisement before the start of the semester. 

3. Satisfactory performance in a series of core courses (see below). There are two paths to meet this requirement.

1. Standard: Completion of four core courses with a combined core course grade point average of at least 2.5.
2. Fast-Track: Completion of at least two of the four core courses (graded on an A-F basis) with a combined core course grade point average of at least 3.0.