PhD Admissions

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A masters degree from an accredited university, a recognized international program, or the equivalent is required. Students must submit official transcripts as evidence.

Students must prove that they have attained (in graduate work) a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 (on a scale with an "A" having a value of 4 points per credit). An international student's GPA will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.

Students must submit at least three references from persons in the professional and academic communities. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee may, on occasion, require additional references.

Students must submit as evidence of the ability to undertake doctoral work, an essay (not to exceed 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. This essay is a critical component of the admissions process, and will be used in assigning the student's initial program advisor.

PhD applicants must either have or demonstrate the following prerequisite knowledge. These courses or their equivalents 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)
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.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

All applicants are required to submit a recent score 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.

Applications from all individuals, regardless of citizenship, who have a degree from a non-U.S. institution must be reviewed by the University Office of International Services (OIS) prior to their review by the Admissions Committee.

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 program 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 acheive 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.

In addition, a candidate may elect to include the following optional material:

a complete curriculum vitae that provides an overview of education, work, publication, and other professional activities.
an example of published writing.
a description of any published or unpublished research, contributions to the professional or scholarly literature, and other professional or academic experience relevant to an assessment of his or her capacity to pursue doctoral study successfully.

Credentials of prospective students are reviewed and voted upon by the entire graduate faculty.

Students whose complete credentials are not available for full admission may register as special students until the completed credentials are received (up to a maximum of 12 credits), provided all other requirements have been satisfied. Prerequisite courses should be completed within the first two terms and must be completed before graduation is approved.

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

All application materials for PhD applicants should be received at the school by January 15 for admission the following Fall Term. A separate application for financial aid should also be submitted at this time, if desired. Applications submitted for Spring Term may be considered in exceptional circumstances upon the strong recommendation from a potential faculty advisor.

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 complete policy, click here.