Master's Degrees

M.S. in Information Science

The Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) program explores the junction of information, networks, and human behavior. Students gain the skills and knowledge to model and design systems that are accountable, resilient, trustworthy, sustainable, and ethical.

The GRE is optional for admission to the MSIS or MSIS-GSPIA joint degree programs. GMAT test scores are also accepted.

At A Glance

Credits: 36                       Duration: 2 to 4 years to complete                        Format: On campus

Next Start Date: August 24

Application Deadlines
TermDomestic StudentsInternational Students
FallJuly 15February 15
SpringNovember 1June 15
SummerMarch 15December 15

Tuition     Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

General guidelines for applying to a graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh should be reviewed prior to submitting an application for admission. These guidelines are available on the University’s Application for Admission Catalog page.

All applicants will be judged on their own merits. Applicants for master’s study must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better; the doctoral programs have more stringent requirements. For those who have been in the workforce, admission will be based upon academic achievement, area of study, career orientation and work experience.

Applicants for graduate study must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.

Prerequisites for admission to the MSIS degree program include one (three-credit or higher) college course in each of the following (the corresponding Pitt course numbers are indicated):

  • Programming: A course on object-oriented programming using Java, Python, C#, or C++. (CMPINF 0401) or (INFSCI 0201) 
  • Probability and Statistics: A course covering data collection, descriptive and inferential statistics is optimal. It should cover measures of central tendency and variability, regression, correlation, non-parametric analysis, probability, and sampling, Bayesian analysis, significance tests, and hypothesis testing. (STAT 0200 or STAT 1000)
  • Mathematics: A college-level mathematics course in linear algebra, calculus, or discrete mathematics (MATH 0120, MATH 0220, or MATH 0400)
What can you do with a master's degree in information science?

MSIS graduates enjoy the limitless potential for exciting careers in virtually every industry in careers as information professionals, including systems analysts and designers, database developers and managers, information security experts, and more. Many students work in fields like healthcare, finance, law, manufacturing, government, higher education, research, and more.

Top 5 Industry Sectors Hiring SCI Master's Graduates (excluding MDS and MLIS)*
  • Technology, Software, and IT Services
  • Financial Services, Banking, and Insurance
  • Retail, Consumer, and E-Commerce
  • Aerospace, Engineering, and Industrial
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
Top 5 Job Areas of SCI Master's Graduates (excluding MDS and MLIS)*
  • Software Engineering & Development
  • Data Science, Analytics, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity, Cloud, & IT Infrastructure
  • Business Analytics, Product, & Consulting
  • Research and Academic

Learn More About Graduate Admissions

Jane Smith
Graduate Admissions Manager
412-383-2031
jeb286@pitt.edu

Admissions Information

Information Sessions

Learn what you need to know about our master's degrees and get all your questions answered.

Upcoming Sessions
July 17, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (US)
August 24, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (US)
September 18, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (US)

Additional dates are available on our Information Sessions page.

Register Now
$93,053
average salary for employees with a master's degree in an Information Sciences and Systems major**
81%
of SCI graduate students completed at least 1 career development experience before graduation*

Coursework

This degree requires 36 credits of formal coursework. View full Master of Science in Information Science degree requirements in the Pitt Course Catalog. This program may be completed in three semesters of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study.

Students can also choose to focus on a defined areas of concentration to meet the specific needs of different industry and academic sectors. Specializations are not required. Options include:

To declare a specialization, students need to fill out the Graduate Academic Plan Change Form before the end of the term in which they will earn 18 credits. In the form's "Current Subplan" section, students select their desired specialization. 

The MSIS-SPIA Joint Degree

Another option for MSIS students is the joint master's program with Pitt's School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). Students gain a strong foundation in data management and market-relevant technological competencies and prepare for leadership roles in public service in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. Graduates of the joint degree program will have earned both the MSIS and one of the SPIA graduate degrees.

Inside Cathedral Commons room

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*Employers, experiences, and jobs reported by masters-level graduates in survey responses between fall 2022 and summer 2024. Survey responses are collected within 1 year of graduation.“Career development experiences” includes but isn’t limited to: Internship or practicum, co-op, field work, skills-based volunteering, industry projects or competitions, on-campus employment, research under faculty or in labs, independent research, etc.

**This information is from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2026 Winter Salary Survey.