School of Information Sciences - Telecommunications and Networking Program

PhD 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.

The following are requirements for admission to graduate study in Telecommunications and Networking for pursuing a PhD degree:

1. A master’s degree from an accredited university, a recognized international program, or the equivalent. Students must submit official transcripts as evidence. Exceptional students with a technical bachelor’s degree may be admitted on occasion.
   Such students must still satisfy all other requirements that follow;
2. Attainment in graduate work of minimum quality point average of 3.3 (on a scale with A having a value of 4 points per credit). A student’s quality point average (QPA) will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale;
3. Submission of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Sources on all three sections (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) of the GRE must be submitted;
4. At least three references from persons in the professional and academic communities. MORE letters may be required.
5. Submissions of an application fee determined by the School of Information Sciences;
6. As evidence of the ability to undertake doctoral work, an essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, the student’s academic and professional goals in relation to the doctoral program and identifying potential areas and/or topics in which the student expects to pursue dissertation research;
7. Evidence of academic completion of:

• Two different scientific computer programming languages
• Coursework in probability and statistics
• Differential and integral calculus

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

1. A complete curriculum vitae that provides an overview of education, work, publication, and other professional activities;
2. An example of published writing;
3. A description of any published or unpublished research, contributions to the professional or scholarly literature, and other professional or academic experience relevant to an assessment of his or her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.

The completed application and supporting documents should be submitted online here.

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.

Credentials of prospective students are reviewed by the admissions committee. Students whose complete credentials are not available for full admission may register as special students until the completed credentials are received, provided all other requirements have been satisfied. Students with deficiencies in either coursework or scholastic achievement may be admitted provisionally. Prerequisite courses should be completed within the first two terms. Only students whose transcript shows full graduate status may graduate.

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.

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.

 

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