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Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

  • have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
  • present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA
A student applying to this program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master's program.

GRE
Applicants will need to submit GRE scores. An admitted student's typical GRE score meets or exceeds 300 (verbal and quantitative).

Information Systems MS GRE Waiver Petition
Applicants to the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Illinois State University may petition to have the GRE requirement waived if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from an institution accredited by globally recognized bodies (e.g., AACSB, ABET, or equivalent), or have completed at least three graduate-level courses in a related field with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from accredited institutions in US.
  • Demonstrated exceptional academic potential through significant scholarly contributions (such as peer-reviewed publications, academic awards, or presentations at major academic conferences) or professional accomplishments in fields related to information systems or computer science (including patents, software development, or significant project management roles). Interested applicants may petition for a waiver by completing the necessary form.

Approval for GRE waivers will be at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee based on all available information regarding your potential success in the program.

English Proficiency (International Students Only)
International students must obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based testing), IELTS of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.

View English Proficiency details about acceptable documentation or English waiver guidelines.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Term Application Deadline
Fall  March 1 preferred; May 1 final 
Spring  Currently not accepting applications for spring admission. 

Graduate Coordinator

Name Office Email Phone
Dr. Yongning Tang  Old Union 107  ytang@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-8002