Frequently Asked Questions

Index to Categories of Questions

Available Programs and Options

Is the Purdue Polytechnic Institute part of Purdue University?
What other graduate programs are available through Purdue Polytechnic and Purdue University?
I’m confused! Purdue seems to offer several graduate programs in computing. What’s the difference between Computer and Information Technology, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering? And what about Information Systems? 
What concentrations and specializations are available to CIT graduate students?
Does the CIT M.S. program require a thesis?
Do we offer a CIT coursework-only M.S. degree option?
Do we offer a CIT 3+2 undergraduate + graduate M.S. program?
Do we offer any online CIT M.S. programs?
Do we offer a CIT Ph.D. program?

Costs and Funding Opportunities

How much are tuition and fees? How much will it cost me to attend Purdue University?
Is financial support available?
What is a graduate assistantship?
What is a graduate fellowship?
Are tuition and fees covered by a graduate assistantship or fellowship?
How do I find out more about available graduate assistantships and fellowships, or other opportunities for part-time employment?
How do I apply for a graduate assistantship?
How do I apply for a graduate fellowship?

Admission Criteria

I do not have an undergraduate degree in a computing-related discipline. Can I be admitted to your program?
Are three-year undergraduate degrees acceptable for admission?
What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) required for admission to your program?
What is the selectivity (i.e., the percentage of applicants that are admitted) to your program?
How competitive am I for admission?
If I give you my undergraduate GPA and test scores, can you tell me what are the chances of admission?
I meet all your admission criteria. Does this guarantee admission?
Must I take certain pre-admission tests?

Pre-Admission Testing Requirements

Is the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) required? Can it be waived?
Do you accept the GMAT as a substitute for the GRE?
Must I take the GRE test before applying for admission?
How do I make sure that my GRE test scores will be received by Purdue University at West Lafayette?
What is the minimum GRE score that is required for admission?
Is an English proficiency examination required?
Must I take an English proficiency test before applying for admission?
What are the minimum TOEFL scores that are required for admission?
How do I make sure that my TOEFL test scores will be received by Purdue University at West Lafayette?
Will you accept photocopies of TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores that are more than two years old?
Are TOEFL, IETFL or PTE scores that are more than two years old accepted?
I am an international student currently studying in the United States. Do I still have to take an English proficiency examination?

Admission Process

How do I apply for admission?
What is the application deadline?
Do you accept applications for spring or summer semester admission?
Can I apply to two or more graduate programs separately?
Can I transfer from a Purdue regional campus to the Purdue West Lafayette CIT program?
How do I pay my application fee?
What supporting documents must I submit?
How important is the Statement of Purpose?
Where do I send my documents supporting my application?
Can my official transcripts be returned?
Can I update my online application after it is submitted?
Can I add or remove recommendation providers after my application is submitted?
Do all of my letters of recommendation need to come from faculty?
I have already applied for admission. Now what do I do?
How do I check the status of my submitted application?
Has the graduate program to which I applied received documents supporting my application?
Has the graduate program to which I applied received my GRE or TOEFL scores?
How do I accept or decline my offer of admission?
Can I apply and delay my enrollment, if I decide to begin my studies later?

International Students

Am I considered an international student?
How much is the international student tuition and fees?
Is financial support available to international students?
Does the United States Department of Education classify the Purdue Computer and Information Technology graduate program as a STEM discipline (meaning “Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics”)?

Life at Purdue University

Where is Purdue located?
What is the weather like?
What housing is available for graduate students?
How do I schedule a campus visit?