MST Admissions

Online Application Is Available. We offer a Web-based application to make our application process as easy and convenient as possible for you. You can get started right now.

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 Telecommunications and Networking Program seeks students with diverse interests and abilities. The admission requirements reflect the interdisciplinary nature of our program and roughly correspond to an undergraduate degree in a technical discipline (e.g., math, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, information science, etc.) with appropriate grade point average and GRE scores.

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 MST program include:

baccalaureate degree
computer programming skill in at least one scientific programming language
probability (a 3-credit course)
calculus (a 3-credit course)

Students who lack any of the prerequisite courses may be provisionally admitted pending completion of the prerequisites during the first term of study.

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 Telecommunications 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 institution number for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927 and the department 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

Admissions occur on a rolling basis throughout the year. See Financial Aid for Financial Aid Deadlines.

Term of Admission	Domestic Application Deadline	International Application Deadline
Fall	January 15	January 15
Spring	September 15	June 15
Summer	January 15	December 15

Form for letter of recommendation.