All university and Graduate School requirements for admission to a degree program of Illinois State University’s Graduate School apply. Additional school requirements are listed below.

GRE

Applicants must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general aptitude test. GRE scores for admitted students typically meet or exceed the following scores:

Verbal Score: 350
Quantitative Score: 400
Verbal + Quantitative Score: 1100

Students may learn more about taking the GRE by visiting www.gre.org.

TOEFL or IELTS

International students must have a TOEFL score that meets or exceeds 88 for the Internet-based exam (iBT), 230 for the computer-based exam (CBT), or 570 for the paper-based exam (PBT). Alternatively, international students may submit IELTS scores with a band of 7.0 or higher.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Applicants must have four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale calculated over the last 60 hours. The undergraduate degree need not be in computing. International students without a GPA will have their bachelor's degree scores converted to GPA once their application is received.

Minimum Background

Minimum programming background for the graduate program consists of the equivalent of one year of programming in a high-level, object-oriented language, as well as an understanding of basic data structures and file organization. Familiarity with the current programming language used in the School’s core courses is expected (Java) and knowledge of a second programming language is recommended.

Understanding of systems analysis and design, database concepts, and data communication is also required. In addition, knowledge and expertise with microcomputers is expected. Students lacking this background may be admitted but will be required to take selected foundation courses as program preparatory work.