Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree is required for admission to the master of professional studies degree program in information sciences. Since the program is multidisciplinary in nature, students from almost any discipline may be accepted into it. A bachelor's degree in a related area (e.g., engineering and science), while not necessary for admission, is helpful in the successful completion of the degree.
The students are expected to have a basic level of competency in statistics, computer language, and information technology (related work experience can be used to demonstrate such competency). A student may be accepted into the program with "provisional status" for no more than one year while work is completed to meet these expectations.
Successful applicants are expected to have an overall grade-point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher for their undergraduate study (and/or graduate-level studies). However, accomplishments demonstrated through work experience and recommendation letters from an applicant's academic adviser or employer will also play an important role in the admission decision.
The most qualified applicants will be accepted into the program until all spaces for new students are filled.
Getting Started
To help you manage the application process, our online application management system will provide you with complete details regarding the required elements of your application portfolio—and will even help you track your progress.
The application portfolio is to include the following items submitted online:
- application form (completed and submitted online)
- official GRE or GMAT (waived if 5+ years of relevant work experience)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if applicable. TOEFL scores must be submitted by all international applicants unless otherwise specified. Please see the Language Proficiency section of the International Students page of the Web site for undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Visit the TOEFL Web site or call 609-771-7100 for more information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
- 3 letters of reference
- 1- to 3-page personal statement of relevant experience and goals
- current résumé
and the following items submitted by surface mail:
- 2 official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed (Penn State has a convenient transcript request form. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State.)
Your transcripts can be submitted to:
Karen Brewster
Program Manager, Research and Education
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
332 Information Sciences and Technology Building
University Park PA 16802
E-mail: kqb2@psu.edu
Technical Requirements
Our courses are designed to use technology in a way that enriches the learning experience and helps students communicate and collaborate with faculty and classmates in a productive and convenient way. Technology is an important cornerstone of this program; therefore, we provide "live" support from HelpDesk support staff via real-time chat. Please view the technical requirements for this program.
Applying
After reading through the admissions requirements above, start the application process.
