Admissions Criteria
The Information Networking Institute's master's degree programs provide robust, interdisciplinary experience and unique flexibility to build depth and breadth from coursework and research opportunities across four of Carnegie Mellon University's top-ranked colleges.
Minimum qualifications:
- An undergraduate degree.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4-point scale).
- Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test to be reported through official channels and has not expired for applicants whose native language is not English.
Successful applicants to the INI also typically have:
- A technical background or academic exposure that supports advanced study in their area of interest.
- Strong quantitative, analytical and programming skills.
- Effective communication and other interpersonal skills needed for success at the INI and beyond.
Components of Your Application
1. Online application
You will create an account and have unlimited access to perfect your application until you are ready to submit.
- Non-refundable application fee
- The preferred method of payment is by credit card to finalize submission of the online application
- Application Fee: $75
2. Transcripts
As part of the online application, you will be asked to share details of your full academic history. Be sure to list all schools of attendance and upload an unofficial transcript from all colleges and universities you have attended, regardless of whether you have obtained a degree.
Please do not mail your official transcripts; the INI will only request official (hard copy) records from admitted applicants who accept enrollment.
3. Three Letters of Recommendation
The letters should be from faculty and/or recent employers who know you well and can speak to your technical abilities and quality of work. Letters may be submitted by your recommender(s) following the submission of your online application.
4. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores
The INI is not accepting GRE General Test scores for spring 2024 application cycle.
Please note: students will not have the option to upload scores to their application; should scores be received, they will not be included in the application review.
5. Proof of English Proficiency (if applicable)
If you are an applicant whose native language is not English, Proof of English Language Proficiency is required. Students may submit one of the following: TOEFL (including At Home and Best Score tests), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test that is current and can be reported officially through the testing website. Expired reports are not accepted.
Duolingo English Test: select "CMU – College of Engineering"
IELTS reports: we accept electronic IELTS scores only. The Test Report Form (TRF) number should be included when self-reporting test results. Use the physical address to confirm the right college/department. The address should be:
Carnegie Mellon UniversityCollege of Engineering
431 Hamerschlag Drive
Ansys Hall Suite 250
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
TOEFL: use Carnegie Mellon ETS Institute Code #2074. A Department code isn’t required because the INI doesn’t require or accept paper reports.
6. Skills & Competencies, Short Essays
Use these questions to provide information regarding your skills/competencies inprogramming, courses relevant to your INI program(s) of interest, extracurricular and/or leadership experience.
7. Employment History and Resume
You will be asked to share any industry experience, relevant internships and/or research experience, in addition to uploading a recent resume of no more than 2 pages.
8. Financial Support
You will be asked if you wish to be considered for financial support. Answering "Yes" to this question will enable us to consider you for funding. (Please note that your answer will have no impact on your admissions decision.)
The INI offers students a variety of awards and funding assistance to ensure financial need is not a barrier for students who are passionate about becoming a leader in information networking, information security or mobile and IoT engineering.
We recommend U.S. citizens to submit the FAFSA.
9. Video Essay
All applicants are required to submit a 3-minute video response to a random question. This feature allows students to supplement their written essays and permits the admissions committee to “meet” them in a new way. A 60-second preparation time is included before the recording starts. Prepared statements aren’t recommended.
Application Deadlines
All deadlines are 11:59 p.m. ET on the dates below*
*Please note that the deadlines for upcoming admissions cycles are tentative and subject to change.
Spring 2024 - Opens July 1, 2023
Priority Application Deadline: August 1, 2023
Final Application Deadline: September 1, 2023
Accelerated Master's for CMU Undergraduates
Complete our interest form to learn more!
Note: the INI Accelerated Master's is available only to qualifying CMU undergraduates. All other applicants must apply through the regular admissions process.
Explore Our Programs
M.S. in Information Networking (MSIN)
M.S. in Information Security (MSIS)
M.S. IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ENGINEERING-INFORMATION SECURITY (MSAIE-IS)
M.S. in Mobile and IoT Engineering (MSMITE)M.S. in Information Technology-Information Security (MSIT-IS)
Accelerated Master's Learn more
Highly-qualified Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students are eligible to add a fifth year to a customized undergraduate curriculum to earn an INI's master's degree. We recommend undergraduates approach the INI to discuss the opportunity no later than two semesters before they complete their undergraduate degree.
Part-Time Program LEARN MORE
Consider enrolling part-time in our highly-acclaimed master’s programs, the M.S. in Information Networking, M.S. in Information Security or M.S. in Mobile and IoT Engineering, offered on-site at Carnegie Mellon's Pittsburgh campus.
Statement of Assurance
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state or local laws or executive orders.
Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-1018.
Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000.
Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report describing the university’s security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault and fire safety policies, and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus, and the number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The annual security and fire safety report also is available online at www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports.
Information regarding the application of Title IX, including to admission and employment decisions, the sexual misconduct grievance procedures and process, including how to file a report or a complaint of sex discrimination, how to file a report of sexual harassment, and how the university responds to such reports is available at www.cmu.edu/title-ix. The Title IX coordinator may be reached at 5000 Forbes Ave., 140 Cyert Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; 412-268-7125; or tix@cmu.edu.
For more information regarding the statement of assurance please visit www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html