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MSIT Application Process
Following are application requirements for students interested in pursuing the MSIT degree. Before applying, please carefully review these requirements:
Application
Carnegie Mellon no longer accepts applications submitted on paper. Please apply online. The application fee is waived with our online application.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, regardless of whether credit or a degree was obtained. Your official transcript should show the titles of all courses taken, grades or marks received, and the date and title of any degree(s) conferred. Transcripts must be enclosed in an envelope and signed across the seal by the registrar's office.
Either the GMAT or GRE
Applicants should take the GMAT or GRE no later than one month prior to the application deadline (please see Deadline information noted below). If you took either of these tests more than five years ago, you MUST take it again. The GMAT or GRE requirement may not be waived based on an applicant's work experience; only applicants who have earned a relevant graduate degree from an accredited college or university within the last 10 years may request a waiver of the GRE or GMAT. Test scores must be submitted directly by the Education Testing Service (ETS). Please have scores sent to the Heinz School using the following codes:
- GMAT: 69H-V8-75
- GRE: 2074 (institution code) and 1903 (department code)
Language Proficiency
For applicants whose native language is not English, we require official results from one of the following language proficiency exams- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants are required to submit official score results from either the IELTS or TOEFL. The only exception is for applicants who have received a degree from a university at which English is the primary language of instruction. If you took the test more than two years ago, you must take it again.
TOEFL scores must be submitted directly by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Internet-based test is preferred. The minimum TOEFL score is 620 (260 computer-based test or 82 on the Internet-based test). If your score is below the minimum, you should consider retaking the TOEFL. For more information on the TOEFL, please contact ETS (Phone: 1-609-921-9000). When registering for the TOEFL, please use the following codes:
- TOEFL: 2074 (institution code) and 94 (department code)
IELTS
You may submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results in place of the TOEFL. IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Test scores must be submitted directly by IELTS. For more information, please contact their office directly (Phone: +1-626-564-2954) or visit www.ielts.org. The minimum IELTS score is 7. If your score is below the minimum, you should consider retaking the IELTS.
Three Recommendations
Recommendation forms must be completed by three people who can provide academic or professional references. Please note recommendations from friends, family members or acquaintances, and other sources not able to evaluate applicants on an academic or professional basis, will not be accepted.
Recommendations are submitted electronically through the online application system by your recommenders. We will no longer accept recommendations submitted on paper. Please let your recommenders know that they may upload an electronic document or scanned copy of a paper-based recommendation using the online system rather than using the text box response fields. You must input the names and contact information for each recommendation provider. Prior to requesting that your recommendation providers complete the recommendation online, be sure to check with them to ensure that you register them with the correct email address and that they know that they may upload their recommendation online and use their preferred letterhead if they so wish.
Résumé
A résumé is a one or two page summary of your education skills, accomplishments, employment experience and volunteer experience. The résumé MUST be current and include all part time and full time work experience, the dates of when the employment began and ended and a brief description of your responsibilities under the title of the position. Click here for a sample résumé (.pdf).
Please note: If there are any gaps in your résumé, address them in your optional essay (see optional essay details below).
Essay
A 1000-word essay describing your background, your career goals and how the program will help you achieve your goals.
Optional Essay
Please include an optional essay to comment on any item(s) in your application that you think worthy of further explanation (address any weaknesses or strengths). Please limit to 250 words.
Academic Preparation
All students must provide evidence (final transcript) of completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or international equivalent prior to enrollment.
Relevant professional work experience
The MSIT program requires a minimum of three years of professional work experience, preferably in the IT industry.
Programming Prerequisite
Applicants to the Software Design and Management Track must have two years prior programming experience or equivalent coursework in data structures and modern programming language, such as C++ or Java
Additional Requirements for non-US citizens
In addition to the requirements for the application for admission you will want to consider these additional requirements:
- Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be translated into English. All original documents must accompany the translations.
- Documentation. All international applicants from abroad or in the United States are required to have valid documentation. The MSIT program (Pittsburgh campus-based and distance-learning) is a part-time program and does not qualify students to apply for a student visa to live and study in the United States. International students residing in the United States must have another legal reason to live and study in the United States (such as employment). International students residing outside of the United States who are enrolled in the MSIT distance program do not need to submit any visa documentation.
- Office of International Education. Carnegie Mellon's Office of International Education (OIE) assists admitted international students with INS requirements and much more.
- Academic Culture and Communication Program. Incoming students who want to strengthen language skills before beginning graduate work in the fall may be interested in attending the Academic Culture and Communication (ACC) Program: "Preparing nonnative English speakers for success at Carnegie Mellon." Some international students may be required to attend ACC prior to enrollment. This program is designed to prepare students for success by enhancing their proficiency in the areas of advanced academic speaking, listening, reading, and writing. By honing these skills before the semester begins, students are better prepared to engage in academic work and take their place in the university community. For more information, visit the ACC Web site.
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Application Deadline
Applications are accepted year-round for any of our three start dates. Be sure to have your application and required materials submitted before the deadline listed below. You'll be notified of our decision approximately 3-5 weeks after the application deadline.
- FALL (late August): July 1
- SPRING (early January): November 1
- SUMMER (mid May): April 1
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Heinz strives to make graduate education accessible to talented students through numerous scholarship opportunities. See what scholarship opportunities exist for you.