Is the GRE required? Can I get a waiver for the GRE?
The GRE is required. We generally do not waive the GRE unless you are a current Purdue University student.
I sent my GRE scores but don't see them on my application, how can I get them added?
You can email the graduate coordinator with your score report and they can add them to your application.
I have not heard back about my application, when will I hear something?
Your application will be reviewed by at least 3 faculty committee members. Once the reviews are finished a decision will be made, but this takes time.
How do I find members of the faculty to reach out to for research?
The faculty and their areas of research are on the School of Computer and Information Technology website.
After admission, can I take the courses in the program part time?
The MS and PhD programs are considered residential and full time; it depends on if you are an international student, you must register for 8 credits a semester. If you are a domestic student, you are free to take fewer credits.
What tests do are accepted for English Proficiency for admission?
TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET)
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
You need 3 letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty.
Do you have application fee waivers?
Occasionally The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Scholars will have a seminar that will lead to an application fee waiver, but generally we do not waive the application fee.
Can you provide me with a program handbook?
Yes, the handbooks are on website.
At which location will my program be located? Can I take courses at both locations?
Each program has a location that is central, either West Lafayette or Indianapolis. Purdue has buses that travel between locations several times a day.
When are the start and end dates for the semesters?
You should check the Purdue website for the academic year calendars.
Can I complete the MS program in one calendar year?
No, it is a 2-year program or four semesters at minimum.
If my GRE or English Proficiency scores come in after the application deadline, will my application be considered?
Yes, we will still review your application.
Could you share details on funding packages available to incoming PhD students, particularly regarding teaching or research assistantships?
An email with the TA application will be sent to you.
When will the TA application be released? If I am selected, when will I hear back?
The official date the TA application is released will vary from semester to semester. The TA application will be sent out as soon as it is available. The timing of the TA hiring process can also be variable so there is no official date you may hear back regarding your application once you have applied.
How do I receive a research assistantship?
Reach out to any faculty in ACC that you think you would like to work with and see if they have an open position. If they do then then the faculty member will reach out to the business office and state that they would like to hire you. RA positions are not guaranteed even if a faculty member has an open position.
I am enrolled in research credits with no instructor or an instructor that isn't my academic advisor/committee member.
You are required to register with your instructors CRN. Please reach out to Joy Kane (jakane@purdue.edu) or Maison Wooldridge (mlwooldr@purdue.edu) to obtain your instructor's CRN if you do not already have it.
If you enroll in research credits with an instructor that is not your faculty supervisor, you will need to drop the course you registered for first, then re-register using the correct CRN.
Who is my advisor?
Your academic advisor is listed on your offer letter into the program.
How do I submit my POS and what do I do if I need to edit it?
Your Plan of study should be submitted as soon as possible once you begin your studies. Your plan does not have to be perfect. You can edit it at any time once it is approved. Please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss what courses you should be taking so that you can add them to your POS.
Please see this link for instructions on how to submit your Plan of Study: Plan of Study
Please make sure to save your POS as a draft first. A grad coordinator from ACC will reach out to you to let you know if your POS is ready to submit as final or if it needs editing before final submission.
You cannot directly add your research credits as a course to your plan of study. Please add your 6 research credits and when you plan to take them as a supplemental note that will appear at the bottom of your POS. This is required.
You must have 3 people on your committee. 2 must be from ACC and one may be from outside the university, but having your committee consist of 3 ACC faculty members is highly recommended.
How do I schedule my thesis proposal/defense? What does the process look like?
You will need to speak with your committee before you defend or propose to schedule a time when all members of your committee are available to attend the event. Your proposal and defense must be in person. At least one, preferably all, of your committee members must be in person at the time of your proposal and defense as well.
Once you have the date and time, you will reach out to one of the schedule deputies in ACC, and they will be able to help you set up a room for the proposal or defense.
You will not have to fill out a form to propose. Your proposal must happen at least one semester before you plan to defend/graduate
To defend, you will fill out a form 8, which can be found in your MyPurdue portal once you decide on a date, time, and room for your defense. This must be done before the date of your defense.
If you have any questions about defense deposit or general questions about your thesis, please reach out to thesishelp@purdue.edu.
I am registering for classes and I need my registration PIN, how do I get that?
Please reach out to Joy Kane (jakane@purdue.edu) or Maison Wooldridge (mlwooldr@purdue.edu) to obtain your PIN. Your PIN will change every semester.
How do I get my masters credits on my plan of study for my PhD?
Reach out to your academic advisor, and they will add your MS credits to your plan of study.
How do I add transfer credits to my plan of study?
Put the course and the university you took the course at to your plan of study and then your POS will go through its approval process.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
It will depend on your degree and concentration. Please reach out to an ACC grad coordinator for more information.
How do I change faculty advisors?
You will reach out to your current advisor and the advisor you would like to switch to and get approval from both that you can switch to your new advisor. Once you receive that approval, you will need to change who you have listed as your chair on your plan of study.
Frequently used contacts and emails
gradweb@purdue.edu - This is the email address to the grad school. This is one of the most important and most frequently used emails you will encounter. They are able to answer general questions, give information and updates on forms you may have to submit, and provide information on procedures related to graduation and your account/records.
thesishelp@purdue.edu - Thesis help will assist in Thesis and dissertation formatting, deposit questions, and general inquiries regarding your thesis and the thesis timeline.
