A lot of students that want to apply to the MSIS or MST program are concerned about their computer background. I’m here so bring you comfort and reassurance…and maybe a little fear…just a little. The iSchool at Pitt admits students from from Bachelor of Arts to Bachelor of Engineering. I have a Psychology degree and my buddy has an Economics degree. They accept any and everyone that shows potential and a strong academic or professional background. Information Science in itself is an interdisciplinary field, so naturally students of various backgrounds are welcome to learn and interact! Qualifications When you apply to the MSIS or MST program, you are required to have completed the following prerequisites (probably with a B or higher for a better chance of approval):

  • Discrete Mathematics or Calculus
  • Structured programming using Java, C# or C++
  • Statistics

You do NOT need all of these when you apply. If you are accepted, you will be offered a provisional  admission where you will have to complete these courses within the first 12 credits of study with a B or higher. How hard is the program without having completed the prerequisites? Hearing from other students, it can difficult for at least the first semester, but it can be done! The graduate courses are very fast-paced, so some subjects are a shock to the system if you have not been introduced to certain mathematics or programming before. But, because you are learning so much so quickly, you will graduate with a vast amount of knowledge and resources that you didn’t have when you started! Tips to Make It Easier:

  • Take your prerequisites or another useful course before you start your program. It’s not required, but it definitely would be helpful. I would suggest taking Java. I would also take a look at R if you are on the MSIS Big Data track. I took SQL because I knew I was interested in Database Management.
  • Talk to your advisor! The faculty are familiar with the courses and the instructors of those courses. Tell your advisor that you are concerned with the workload or the difficulty of your coursework and he/she should be able to tell you better options or reassure that you will be okay!
  • Avoid courses with heavy coding or mathematics while you are still taking your prerequisites. If you are unsure if a course has a lot of technical work, ask an advisor or talk to Student Services to see if they can refer you to a student! From personal experience, Intro to Information Science, Intro to Telecommunications, Human Factors, Human Information Processing, Geospatial Info Sys, and Project Management are some of the concept-focused courses.
  • BUT! Don’t try to avoid coding during your entire program. It’s inevitable; you will HAVE to at some point. The earlier you learn, the easier your courses will be, and the more courses you will feel comfortable taking. Also, it’s a resume builder!! Everyone loves someone who has coding experience in a couple of languages. Not only is it a skill in itself, coding develops problem-solving and analytic skills too.
  • Make friends! There will be students who have no problem working with you and helping you through your courses. Never feel scared to ask for help. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet new people in class; we have tons of group work! Just don’t ask people for their homework; no one likes to get caught up in plagiarism in graduate school.
  • See your instructor or teaching assistant. They are here to help you succeed in your program. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to go to office hours or ask questions in class.
  • And, the one I never got right… DON’T PROCRASTINATE. My life would have been so much easier if I hadn’t!

So, don’t be afraid everyone! You CAN do it! It is possible! Email cwscholars.ischool.pitt@gmail.com if you have any further questions or concerns!