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Apply now to the MISM program


Review the information below to successfully submit your MISM application

Information Systems Management (MISM) Application Process


The Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program has multiple, specialized academic pathways emphasizing multidisciplinary thinking, teamwork, and leadership through experiential learning and co-curricular programming. Some pathways have different application requirements, so it is important for you to review the information below regarding the application deadline and requirements before you begin your online application.

If you’re looking for MISM program overview, including information regarding curriculum, experiential learning, scholarships and financial aid, or career outcomes, please visit the MISM main page.

MISM Program Page

Before you begin your online application, please carefully review the information below.

MISM is a STEM-designated degree program. Students enrolled in the program are eligible for 24-month OPT STEM extension. For more information, visit the Office of International Education’s website.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

We have two application deadlines for the August 2025 starting date for our full-time master’s programs. Please select the deadline that meets your needs.

Priority Deadline: December 2, 2024

Submit your application form and required supporting materials by the priority deadline to receive a decision by the end of January. The required supporting materials are two (2) recommendations, official transcript/evaluation report for your bachelor's degree, and official test scores (if applicable). Review the application checklist below for more details.

Applicants who are currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree are encouraged to apply by the regular deadline (see below) so your fall (or seventh) semester grades are included on your official transcript/evaluation report.

Regular Deadline: January 10, 2025

The regular deadline is best for applicants who have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree, or for those who do not need an earlier decision from us. Applicants who apply by the regular deadline can expect to receive a decision by the end of March.

The required supporting materials required to make your application file “complete” can arrive after you submit your application and after the regular deadline. The required supporting materials are two (2) recommendations, official transcript/evaluation report for your bachelor's degree, and official test scores (if applicable). Review the application checklist below for more details.

We will continue to accept applications after the regular deadline as long as space remains in the incoming class. Access to competitive fellowships may be limited after the regular deadline.

How to Submit Your Application

Regardless of your chosen deadline, you will complete these steps to submit your application:

  • Answer required questions within the online application form
  • Upload required essay and résumé
  • Register each recommender's name and email address
  • Enter test date and registration number for any required standardized test(s)

Applications are reviewed after all required materials have been received.

Schedule a Visit

Schedule a visit to our campus to learn more about CMU and interact with current MISM students and faculty members.

Schedule a Visit

Attend an Online Info Session

Register to attend an upcoming live webinar, or view any of our previously recorded webinars at your convenience.

Register or Watch On-Demand

Attend Fall Visitation

Register for our Fall Visitation, where you can meet fellow applicants, current students, and faculty members.

Learn more and Register

Request Information

Request email updates or additional information on the MISM program.

Request Information

Connect with a Current Student

Find out how you can connect with a current MISM student via email to learn more about the program.

Connect with a current MISM student now

Events Near You

Find out about Heinz College events near your hometown, including visits from reps from our Office of Admissions.

Find an event near you

Application Checklist


Before you begin the online application process, please carefully review the list of application requirements and admission criteria for the Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program.

The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we will complete the review of your application after we have received all of your application materials.

Pathways with Additional Application Requirements

MISM 12-Month Pathway

At least three years of work experience is required to be accepted into the MISM 12-Month Pathway.

At least three years of work experience is required to be accepted into the MISM 12-Month Pathway.

Apply Now

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) Pathway

The MISM-BIDA Pathway requires that you have a background in these three required coursework areas: programming, database, and statistics.

MISM-BIDA requires that you have a background in these three required coursework areas: programming, database, and statistics. See the "Prerequisite Coursework Information" section below for detailed information.

Apply Now

Exchange Students

Click here for more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.

Click here for more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.

Learn More

Applying to an Accelerated Master's Program as an Undergraduate Student


Prerequisite Coursework Information


You may want to consider enrolling in prerequisite coursework prior to applying for admission.

If you have not previously completed a college-level class in object-oriented programming (OOP), we encourage you to enroll in a class before you apply for admission in order to strengthen your profile. Completing the OOP course (with a grade of B or higher) is a great way to show the Admissions Committee that you are proactively preparing for the MISM program and fulfilling the prerequisites for enrollment. Please see below for more details regarding the OOP prerequisite in addition to a list of pre-approved OOP classes.

If you have not previously completed a college-level class in probability/statistics, you may want to enroll in a course before or during the admission process.  Enrolling in a probability/ statistics class before you apply for admission in order to strengthen your profile. Completing the probability/ statistics class course (with a grade of B or higher) is a great way to show the Admissions Committee that you are proactively preparing for graduate school and fulfilling the prerequisites for enrollment.  Please see below for more details regarding the  probability/ statistics prerequisite in addition to a pre-approved probability/ statistics class.

If you are applying specifically to the MISM-BIDA pathway and you have not previously completed college-level database class, we encourage you to enroll in a database class before you apply for admission in order to strengthen your profile. Completing the database course (with a grade of B or higher) is a great way to show the Admissions Committee that you are proactively preparing for graduate school and fulfilling the prerequisites for enrollment. Please see below for more details regarding the database prerequisite in addition to a list of pre-approved database classes.

Heinz College does not prefer any specific institution at which you should complete your prerequisite coursework. Courses offered through Coursera or other MOOC platforms do not meet the prerequisite coursework requirements for admission to Heinz College.

Our faculty and staff are here to help you review courses you are considering. If you have any questions regarding admission and enrollment prerequisites, please contact the Office of Admissions via email at hnzadmit@andrew.cmu.edu, or give us a call at 412-268-2164.

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Frequently Asked Questions


Didn't find what you were looking for on this page? Check out our Admissions Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information on any of the topics or processes outlined above.

FAQs