Information Technology

The following are the minimum requirements for applying to the information technology doctoral program. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as the admissions committee conducts a holistic review of each application, considering academic achievements, research experience, professional background, and other relevant factors.

Academic Requirements:

Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

1. Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an ABET-accredited Information Technology degree program with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
2. Have completed an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and either:
   • Have completed a minimum of 18 graduate-level credits in Information Technology with a GPA of 3.2 or above, or
   • Have completed significant years of professional experience in information technology as determined by the graduate director.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Submit unofficial transcripts from all universities attended (official transcripts will be required upon admission).
• Submit three academic or professional letters of reference from credible sources who can speak to relevant IT experience and/or work ethic. Two or more reference letters should be on letterhead.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that includes any prior research or teaching experience, and a list of publications with full citations, if applicable.
• Submit responses to a series of 3 essay questions, discussing applicable research experience, academic accomplishment, professional experiences within the field of IT, and research interests/a possible dissertation topic.

Optional but Highly Recommended:

• While not required, applicants may submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to demonstrate their potential for success in the doctoral program. This is highly recommended for applicants who have not yet completed a Master's degree.

International Applicants:

• International applicants must submit a transcript evaluation by a NACES member in place of the unofficial transcript(s) to reflect both a converted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) as well as the US equivalence of the degree earned.
• International applicants must submit English Proficiency Scores (if applicable) to meet the following minimum requirements:

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

• 590 (paper-based test) or

• 243 (computer-based test) or

• 97 or above (internet-based test)

Duolingo English Test: 

• 120 or above 

The International English Testing System (IELTS):

• Overall band score of 7.0 or above

The Pearson Test of English:

• A score of 75 or above

Additional Materials:

• Applicants are encouraged to share the following documents to further demonstrate aptitude for doctoral-level research and writing skills:
  • A copy of a Master's thesis and/or academic publication(s)
  • Industry-recognized certifications or evidence of awards 
  • Personal Statement