1.  Submit Final Transcripts: Send official transcripts showing degree conferral to the Graduate School before the end of your first semester.   

Electronic Transcripts (Recommended): Have your previous institution email your official electronic transcript directly to graduate_applications@ncsu.edu. Accepted electronic services include ClearingHouse, e-Scrip, Parchment, TrueCopy, and WES.

Courier Mail: Mail physical, sealed official copies to: The Graduate School, North Carolina State University, 1000 Main Campus Drive, Campus Box 7102, Raleigh, NC 27695

In-Person Drop-Off: Hand your unopened, sealed official transcript envelope directly to the Graduate School Front Desk (NOT ECE Graduate Office).

2.  Complete the Patent Agreement:All graduate students must submit the Patent Agreement via Student Self-Services in MyPack Portal before the end of their first semester.

3.  Explore ECE Resources on MyECE:Visit MyECE to access the ECE Graduate Handbook, degree roadmaps, and essential departmental resources. MyECE is your one-stop portal for managing your graduate program.

4.  Register for Classes:Check MyPack Portal for your enrollment date, your advising holds will be removed by the ECE Graduate Office. Use the Enrollment Wizard in MyPack Portal to search and add classes to your schedule. Graduate course enrollment is capped at 13 credit hours per semester. (Note: -6xx sections are strictly reserved for Distance Education students). Individual & Research Credits: Submitting an Enrollment Request Form is required before enrolling in independent study, directed research, thesis, or dissertation credits.

5.  Bookmark Key Academic Calendars: Stay on top of critical university deadlines, enrollment/drop/billing dates, and university holidays by bookmarking both the NC State University Academic Calendar and the Graduate School Academic Calendar.

 6.  Establish NC Residency (MANDATORY for Domestic Students): Out-of-state US citizens/permanent residents must apply for NC residency via RDS. GSSP tuition waivers only cover out-of-state rates for your first year.

7.  Transfer Prior Credits: Ph.D. students can apply prior MS credits automatically once transcripts are verified. Submit transfer requests for unapplied graduate coursework (grade B or better) in your Plan of Work.

8.  Attend Orientations & Language Tests: Complete mandatory Graduate School, OIS, and any ECE Department orientations. TAs must attend the New TA Workshop and the SPEAK Test (If your scores are 5 or higher on the Speaking section of the TOEFL, a 7.0 or higher on the Speaking section of the IELTS, or a 125 or higher on the Duolingo English test then the SPEAK test is not required).

9.  Join ECE-GSA: Connect with the ECE Graduate Student Association for academic, professional, and social events.

10. Check Your Email Daily: Official ECE department updates, funding opportunities, and deadlines are sent exclusively to your @ncsu.edu email.

11. Set Up a Proctor (Distance Students): Engineering Online (EOL) students must nominate an approved exam proctor within the first two weeks of classes.

12. Graduate Student Resources: Locate ECE administrative offices and labs in Koch Hall on Centennial Campus, and explore engineering counseling, dining, and campus recreation.

Research Assistantships (Ph.D. Students Only): Admission to the program or your GRA offer letter indicating your appointment does not automatically initiate your RA appointment. Your faculty advisor must submit an official hiring request each semester for you to be hired as a GRA. If you have questions about your appointment status, contact ECE Assistantships at ece-assistantships@ncsu.edu.