College of Information Sciences and Technology

The Fall 2020 application cycle is now OPEN! Start your application here.

Application Timeline

• December 15, 2019: Final deadline for applications, including test scores, recommendation letters and supplemental application materials. 
• January 2020: The Graduate Recruiting Committee begins reviewing applications.
• February, March and April 2020: Admission offers will be sent via email. Only those applicants with a complete application will be sent an offer.
• April 15, 2020: Reply deadline for admitted applicants.
• April 30, 2020: Admission non-acceptance will be sent via email.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application to The Graduate School of Penn State University. All applicants must satisfy the graduate admissions requirements of the Penn State Graduate School. 
2. Upload a one to three page Statement of Research Background and Goals. The statement should detail your personal motivation for obtaining an advanced degree in Information Sciences and Technology. 
3. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted. Using the electronic application, applicants will enter referee contact information. The Graduate School will contact the referee with instructions on how to upload a letter of recommendation. 
4. Upload a complete resume or curriculum vitae to include current position and publications. 
5. Upload an applicant writing sample. Examples of acceptable documents include a journal article, conference paper, or final paper for a course.
6. Upload official transcripts from each institution attended. Upon an acceptance of an offer of admission, hard copies of official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution(s) attended to The Graduate School for verification. International applicants should submit transcripts in English and their native language.
7. Record your self-reported GRE test scores, taken within the last 5 years, to be submitted for application evaluation. GRE test scores must be sent electronically from ETS to the Penn State Graduate School (institution code 2660).
8. International applicants must arrange for TOEFL iBT scores to be sent electronically from ETS to the Penn State Graduate School (institution code 2660). Please visit the Graduate School for English proficiency exceptions. The College of IST will accept IELTS scores, but we prefer applicants to submit TOEFL iBT scores.

Questions?

• Please reference our Frequently Asked Questions for inquiries about the admission and application process. 
• Check the status of your application throughout the admission process.
• Contact our Graduate Programs Office for assistance.