Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the degree program take?
The degree program takes 3 years. It is part time and mostly distance. The idea is to make it possible for people to keep their jobs and live where they want while still providing a top-quality graduate degree experience. The workload is about 18 hours per week.

How much time is required for the in-person visits to Pittsburgh?
Students must come for one week stretches at the beginning of each year and at the conclusion of the program. A minimum of four weeks in Pittsburgh is required. Depending on students’ progress in the SEI professional courses, more could be required.

What is the average workload?
About 18 hours per week. MSIT faculty explain time required (.MOV, 0:25)

How does the practicum work?
In general, students will have much interaction with their professors and other students. The practicum is an application of principles in the workplace. We explicitly do not allow the practicum to be the same as students’ ordinary work. Students work under guidance from the SEI/Carnegie Mellon and with support from their workplace. This has worked very well for us in related programs.

MSIT faculty discuss

• the real-world application of MSIT-SEM projects (.MOV, 1:11)
• distance education at Carnegie Mellon (.MOV, 1:39)
• interactivity for distance courses (.MOV, 1:15)
• success of past projects at Carnegie Mellon (.MOV, 1:15)

What are the admission requirements?
Background:
Students must have 5 years of experience in software development and software development management. The courses from Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science are technical and rigorous. This degree program is not for non-programmers. Programmers who develop software but lack formal management education are excellent candidates for this program.

GRE:
We require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE general test scores can be sent directly to Carnegie Mellon University (institution) using the following code (78).  No other test scores (such as GMAT scores) may be substituted.

TOEFL:
TOEFL scores are required for international students.

Application:
Print out the pdf file, fill it in, and mail it in as indicated.

Can I receive credit for courses I have already taken?
It is possible, depending on the courses and the judgment of Carnegie Mellon faculty members who teach the same or similar courses.

Is financial aid available for this program?
Carnegie Mellon does not provide aid for this degree program.