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

Application Deadlines
Term	Domestic Students	International Students
Fall	July 15	February 15
Spring	November 1	June 15
Summer	March 15	December 15

Tuition
Residency	Full-time per term	Part-time per credit
PA Residents	$14,130	$1,148
Out-of-State Residents	$24,909	$2,044

Note: The above tuition costs are the rates for the current academic year. Tuition rates are updated annually every summer.

Admissions Requirements Apply Now

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

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.

At A Glance

Learn More About Graduate Admissions

Information Sessions

Coursework

The MSIS-SPIA Joint Degree

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