School of Information Sciences - Information Science & Technology Program

MSIS Admissions

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Qualifications

Applicants for graduate study must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

The scholastic average of the final 50 percent of a student's undergraduate course work, as well as of graduate courses that may have been taken, shall be examined in determining achievement of this requirement. Students unable to meet the QPA requirement may use Graduate Record Examination scores as evidence of ability to do graduate-level word in seeking a waiver of the requirement.

The Graduate Information Science and Technology Program seeks students with diverse interests and abilities. An undergraduate computer science major is not a prerequisite. Although many successful students have entered the program with a background in mathematics, engineering, or computer science, many other outstanding students entered with undergraduate degrees in business, music, history, philosophy, or chemistry.

Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. Accordingly, the University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission. For the complete policy, click here.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for admission to the Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) degree program include one three-credit college course in each of the following:

Students who lack some of the prerequisite courses may be admitted provisionally pending completion of the prerequisites during the first or second term of study. Any coursework that the student is asked to meet as a condition of their admission must be completed with a grade of B or better.

Credits for prerequisite courses are not counted toward completion of requirements for the master's or PhD degree.

Transfer Of Credits

A maximum of six graduate credits earned with a grade of B or better may be transferred toward either the master's or PhD degree from institutions fully accredited for graduate study, provided:

  1. these credits have not been applied to any other degree or certificate;
  2. they are applicable to the study of information science or telecommunications;
  3. they are not older than the statute of limitations for the degree.

Credit By Examination

No credit by examination will be granted toward the master's degree, nor credit for work completed in extension courses or in off-campus centers of another institution unless those credit are approved for graduate degrees at that institution.

Letters of Recommendation

Identify and seek the recommendations of two individuals (e.g., professors, employers, information professionals) who are in a position to evaluate your academic performance or your potential as an information professional. Before you submit your application, ask your references in which form they wish to submit their recommendation, by paper or electronically. For both paper and electronic submission of recommendation letters, please follow the instructions outlined on Apply Yourself.

Transcripts

Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate work must be sent directly to the Admissions Coordinator by the issuing institution, following the instructions on Apply Yourself. If your transcript is recorded in a former name, please let us know immediately so that the processing of your application is not delayed.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

All Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) applicants are required to submit a recent score (within three years of the date of application) on the Graduate Record Examination as part of their admission credentials. Scores on all three sections (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the General Section should be submitted. While submission of the GRE scores are preferred, a recent and strong performance on the GMAT will be accepted in lieu of taking the GRE exam. The University code for the GRE is 2927. The Program code is 0404.

International Applicants

There are different documentation requirements for international students. These are explained here.

English Language Proficiency

Graduate students must possess sufficient knowledge of English to study without being hindered by language problems, to understand lectures, and to participate successfully in class discussion. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be taken if the applicant's native language is not English. The institution code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927 and the department code is 90.

A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 80 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL is required for admission to graduate study in this program. The requirement to take the TOEFL may be waived if the applicant has received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States.

Upon arrival, students with TOEFL scores less than 650 (paper) or 280 (computer) will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a foreign language are recommended, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study.

Students may choose to take the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) in place of the TOEFL. Students should receive a score of Band 6.5. Students who do not achieve this score or better, will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a foreign language are recommended, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study.

Application Fee

The application fee is $50 for all applicants and must be paid when you submit your application. The fee will not be waived, deferred, or refunded. Applications will not be considered until the fee has been received. Receipt of payment will be acknowledged by email from Apply Yourself.

Deadlines

The Graduate Program in Information Science and Technology accepts applications on a rolling basis. Full-time students are encouraged to apply for Fall admission only, as the course selections in Spring and Summer term are directed toward more advanced students.

In order for your admissions application to receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by:

 

Fall Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Admission Application (Domestic) July 15 November 1 March 15
Admission Application (International) January 15 June 15 December 15
Financial Aid Application January 15 September 15 January 15

 

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