Graduate Studies in Computer & Information Technology
The Department of Computer and Information Technology (CIT) offers graduate
studies with a plan of study that is highly flexible and interdisciplinary.
Accordingly, it is possible for graduate students who are interested in the
application of information systems or information technology to a distinct
professional domain, to design a valuable graduate education experience.
Students are expected to have completed a baccalaureate degree in computer
information systems, computer science, computer engineering, or a related field
of study. Minimally applicants should possess at least 15-18 semester credits
of computing coursework or equivalent experience or credentials. Students who are interested in augmenting their technical or
scientific undergraduate studies in CIT may be required to demonstrate competencies in the
fundamentals of Computer and Information Technology by enrolling in selected undergraduate
courses prior to undertaking their plan of study.
Applicants who do not have the prerequisite backgrounds in computing may consider
pursuing an undergraduate computing degree, or a graduate business or management
degree with a concentration in information systems.
Students pursuing graduate studies in the Department of Computer and Information
Technology may focus their studies on one of the following (details for these
areas are also listed in "CIT Majors" sub-tab under Academics):
Each graduate degree plan is unique to the individual student and his/her
background, experience, and degree objectives. Each degree candidate will be
appointed an advisor from the graduate faculty to assist with program planning.
Advisors are assigned based on a review of the candidate's application
materials. Candidate requests for a specific advisor are accepted but not
guaranteed. Once a candidate is admitted to the graduate program, the advisor
becomes his/her most important contact person.
The master of science plan of study has a minimum requirement of 30 semester
hours of course work and 3 semester hours of directed project (TECH 598). Each
candidate's plan of study will ultimately be directed by the advisory committee.
Admissions are highly selective because the number of applications typically
exceed faculty's capacity to mentor students through the plan of study and
directed project requirements. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of several
criteria including: GRE scores, prior academic performance, prior computing
courses completed and computing work experience, and references. Most
importantly, the applicants' Statements of Purpose are carefully screened to
determine whether an appropriate match exists between the professional goals and
interest of the applicant and a specific faculty member.
All students must apply through the University Graduate School office. For more information on admissions,
see
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/admissions/