FAQ
How do I apply to the MSIS Program?
All applications are available online at ApplyYourself.
What are the prerequisites for the MSIS Program?
Prerequisites for admission to the MSIS program include three-credit courses in a structured programming language, statistics, and mathematics. You must have acceptable scores on the GRE and the TOEFL (if an international student). For more information, visit our admissions page.
What types of financial aid are available for MSIS students?
The Information Science and Technology Program has a limited amount of financial aid available, on a competitive basis, for students entering or continuing in its programs and who meet its academic requirements for admission. For more information, visit our Financial Assistance page.
How do I apply to the IS PhD Program?
All applications are available online at ApplyYourself.
What are the requirements for admission to the PhD Program?
A master's degree from an accredited university, a recognized international program, or the equivalent. Students must submit official transcripts as evidence.
Attainment in graduate work of a minimum quality point average of 3.3 (on a scale with A having a value of 4 points per credit). An international student's quality point average will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.
Submission of scores from a predictor test such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or equivalent examination. Scores on all three sections (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the GRE must be submitted.
At least three references from persons in the professional and academic communities.
An essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, the student's academic and professional goals in relation to the Information Science and Technology doctoral program and identifying potential areas and/or topics in which the student expects to pursue dissertation research.
PhD applicants must have or demonstrate the following prerequisite knowledge. These courses or their equivalent should be taken before seeking admission but may be taken during the first four terms of study. All courses must be at the graduate level and may have been taken in the course of pursuing another graduate degree:
- Statistics or Discrete Math (e.g., IS 2060 Statistics or IS 2020 Mathematical Foundations)
- Cognitive Psychology (e.g., IS 2300 Human Info Processing or IS 2350 Human Factors)
- Systems Analysis and Design (e.g., IS 2510 Information Systems & Design)
- Data Structures (e.g., IS 2500 Data Structures)
- Database Management (e.g., IS 2710 Database Management)
If petitions are made, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide full syllabi and supporting documentation for any courses taken at other institutions that they view as equivalent. Prerequisite courses, and any coursework required to prepare for prerequisite courses, are not considered in the 60 credits required for the PhD program.
How do I choose my advisor for the PhD Program?
An advisor will be assigned to the student upon entering the program, but students are free to select a different advisor for subsequent advising and registration as their interests become more focused. The PhD student should seek a faculty program advisor who is knowledgeable in the student's major area of study. The advisor must be a member of the graduate faculty.
What kind of jobs can I get with the MSIS degree?
Our degree program prepares you for a leadership position such as a system analyst, application developer, system engineer and an information security analyst.
What kind of jobs can I get with the PhD?
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Information Science and Technology prepares students for independently engaging in advanced research, leading to research laboratory or teaching positions.
Will I get to participate in research projects?
Both Master's students and PhD candidates can—and do—participate in research projects. The faculty has numerous projects underway, including several that have received federal funding.
