Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Purdue University is organized into academic colleges and schools. The Purdue Polytechnic Institute is one of these colleges. The Department of Computer and Information Technology (CIT) is a department within Purdue Polytechnic.

In the end, CIT graduate students have access to all applicable and appropriate Purdue University courses, faculty, libraries, computing, and laboratories.

Computer and Information Technology (CIT) is one of several graduate degree programs offered in Purdue Polytechnic. For the latest listing of all of these programs see the web page for Purdue Polytechnic Graduate Degrees.

Additionally, many Purdue graduate programs are offered through other schools and colleges. For a complete list of these programs, see The Graduate School’s Degree and Academic Programs web page.

You’re right! It can be confusing, and you want to choose the appropriate program since you cannot easily transfer between these four programs because they are offered in different Purdue colleges and schools.

Computer Science

Purdue offers computer science degrees through the Department of Computer Science (CS) in the College of Science. Computer scientists tends to focus on the science of computing, networks, and algorithms. CS graduates build the latest system software and utilities such as computer operating systems, network operating systems and protocols, programming languages and development tools, database management systems, graphics engines, email engines, and software needed to provide the essential capabilities required of all computers and networks. See the CS graduate program web page for more information.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Purdue also offers computer engineering degrees through its School of Electrical and Computing Engineering (ECE) in the College of Engineering.  Computer engineering is focused on the hardware of computing and networks (including firmware).  ECE graduates design the latest computers, peripherals, and devices, including those devices that implement the hardware aspects of networks. See the ECE graduate program web page for more information.

Computer and Information Technology / Information Technology

This is our program! We offer information technology degrees through our Department of Computer & Information Technology (CIT) in Purdue Polytechnic. Information technology professionals apply computers and networks to solve real-world problems for society, industries, and businesses. We are application-focused. You are currently reading a page from the CIT graduate program web site.

Information Systems / Management Information Systems /Computer Information Systems

Information systems professionals build the business databases and applications that run every business. Examples include IT applications such as accounting, finance, human resources, marketing and sales, procurement, manufacturing planning and control, customer relationship management, supply chain management, and business intelligence. Graduate students in our CIT program can specialize in various aspects and applications for information systems. In fact, one popular specialization we offer to information systems professionals is project management and IT leadership. On the other hand, students interested in a more comprehensive graduate degree in information systems should probably explore the graduate program offerings on the Purdue Krannert School of Management web page.

The world needs all four of the above disciplines. Engineers build the hardware. Computer scientists add the system software to that hardware to provide essential computing and network capabilities. Information technologists and information systems professionals then apply the ECE and CS products to develop real-world applications that solve the problems of society, create economic development, and build and support IT solutions and products for various industries and businesses.

The above distinctions are important when applying for admission. If you are interested in our graduate programs, you must specify Computer and Information Technology on your electronic application form.

At Purdue, concentrations are defined sets of courses that, when completed, are recorded as a named concentration associated with the awarded degree. At this time, the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program does not offer such concentrations; however, the graduate faculty is considering establishing such concentrations in the future.

On the other hand, the flexibility within the CIT graduate program allows students to build highly specialized plans of study that can be fine-tuned to each individual student’s professional and research aspirations. Some of these specializations are listed on the MS in Computer and Information Technology home page.

By default, all Computer and Information Technology (CIT) graduate students are admitted to the thesis option; therefore, a thesis is required. Furthermore, most students complete a thesis and their degree is posted to the transcript as “thesis”. The thesis is widely considered as a prerequisite to any future opportunity to pursue a doctorate degree.

Some students elect to switch to a non-thesis degree option called “directed project”. A directed project consists of applied research and development that results in a unique application or product of information technology. The degree is posted to the transcript as “non-thesis”. The directed project course is worth fewer credit hours; therefore, the student must make up those hours with additional coursework.

There exists an exit option for graduate students who cannot complete a thesis or directed project, for whatever reason. The exit option is coursework-only; however, the plan of study has less flexibility (more required courses), and requires more total credit hours than either the thesis or directed project options. Additionally, the student will lose applicability of any earned credits for courses related to a thesis or directed project, and will be disqualified for any teaching or research assistantships that are funded by the Department of Computer and Information Technology (CIT). Obviously, this exit option is a last resort scenario. Students cannot be admitted to this coursework-only option.

At this time, Computer and Information Technology (CIT) does NOT offer a 3+2 (5 year) plan of study that simultaneously earns both the bachelor and masters degrees.

Yes, the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program does offer an online professional masters degree in Information Technology Project Management (ITPM). The admission criteria for this program require significant and relevant IT work experience. For more information, see the M.S. in IT Project Management Online program web page.

At this time, the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) graduate program does not offer its own Ph.D. degree. However, many CIT faculty participate in Purdue Polytechnic's Ph.D. program which offers a Ph.D. in Technology with a Computer and Information Technology specialization. Students who graduate with the M.S. in Computer and Information Technology with a thesis are eligible to apply to continue their graduate studies in Purdue Polytechnic's Ph.D. program. For information, see the Ph.D. in Technology program web page.

It should be noted the Computer and Information Technology faculty are in the exploratory stages of proposing and developing their own Ph.D. program.

Yes, exceptional applicants for graduate study can be directly admitted to the above Ph.D. program based on their baccalaureate degree credentials, experience, and test scores. The admission requirements are more stringent. For prospective students who know they want to pursue the doctorate, this direct-to-Ph.D. program can make them eligible for financial fellowships that are not available to M.S. degree seeking students.

Tuition differs for Indiana residents, U.S. non-Indiana residents, and international students. The current tuition and fees can be found at the Bursar’s Office web site.

You can estimate your tuition, fees and total living expenses using the Bursar’s Office web-based Tuition Calculator. After opening the fill-in form, select “Technology – Graduate” as your SCHOOL. You can compare costs with and without an assistantship (defined below) by selecting either “Graduate Appointment” (with) or “General Purdue Student” (without) in the “STATUS” drop-down field. The other fields should be self-explanatory.

The above tuition calculator does not currently calculate costs for our online M.S. program in Information Technology Project Management (ITPM). The fees for that program are published on the M.S. in IT Project Management Online program web page.

Yes, but financial support is limited by available funding. Most financial assistance for CIT graduate students is in the form of graduate assistantships and fellowships.

Graduate assistantships typically involve approximately 20 hours of work per week to assist a professor in his/her work. In return, you receive a remission of most tuition, plus a monthly stipend (i.e., salary). You may also purchase medical insurance if you work at least 20 hours per week. In CIT, a specific professor generally awards assistantships based on available funds and the qualifications of applicants. However you may also be able to secure an assistantship outside of your academic program.

The two most common types of assistantships are teaching and research. In CIT, teaching assistantships are limited and usually allocated to the highest enrollment undergraduate courses. The supervising course instructor establishes responsibilities and expectations. CIT research assistantships are also limited since they are usually funded through faculty research grants. The supervising faculty researcher sets responsibilities and expectations.

Graduate fellowships are similar to undergraduate scholarships. They are typically awarded by competition and generally do not require work in return for the award. Fellowships usually provide tuition waivers or scholarships, monthly stipends, and possibly a supplement for purchasing medical insurance. Most internally funded fellowships (meaning, funded by Purdue) are limited to Ph.D. students.

For CIT graduate students, fellowships are usually obtained from the Graduate School, or an outside entity, such as a government agency or philanthropic foundation. The funding source establishes eligibility requirements. Most CIT graduate students must apply for fellowships by completing a separate application.

Assistantship benefits generally include tuition remission, although there is a small graduate staff fee to be paid by the student. There may also be supplemental fees assessed by the university that are not paid for by assistantships (e.g., technology, parking, co-recreational gymnasium use, etc.)

Fellowships generally include tuition waivers or scholarships. Tuition waivers scholarships are in addition to the monthly stipend and other benefits. Again, there may be supplemental fees assessed by the university that are not covered by fellowships.

CIT publishes a CIT Funding Opportunities web page to serve as a clearinghouse for available CIT assistantships, fellowships, and part-time employment opportunities. The link to this new web page is also in the named tabs for the web page you are currently reading.

Our vision for the new assistantships web page is to not only include available information about assistantships, but also fellowships and part-time jobs. Please consider the new web page a work-in-progress as we are trying to design and implement tools to improve the page and its currency. Thank you for your patience.

Other published university funding opportunities are posted on the web in the Graduate School’s Funding Database.

To be considered for assistantships offered by the CIT program, you must apply directly to the faculty member who is funding the opportunity. You should submit a detailed resume’ or vita. You cannot apply before you have been admitted to the graduate program.

To be considered for assistantships offered by other academic programs, visit that program's web page or contact the program to determine the appropriate application process.

To be considered for fellowships offered by the Graduate School, you must first be admitted to Purdue. The Graduate School’s Funding Database provides information regarding specific fellowships. In most cases, you must apply for the fellowships.

Our graduate program is designed for advanced computer and information technology study. Therefore, it is assumed that all CIT graduate students have already earned a bachelor degree that included at least 15 credit hours of study in computing or information technology. Most of our graduate students have earned a bachelor degree in computing or information technology; therefore, they have significantly more than the minimum of 15 credit hours of undergraduate computing credits.

It may be possible to be admitted to our graduate program without the prerequisite computing credits, if a CIT professor sees a background that he or she believes would be valuable to their own research agenda. But realistically, it is more likely that the faculty would find other applicants who already have the prerequisite computing background.

Students with insufficient academic preparation in computing and information technology may be conditionally admitted but required to develop prerequisite computing competencies by enrolling in designated undergraduate courses prior to undertaking their graduate study. These credits will not count toward the graduate degree; therefore, it will take the student longer to graduate.

The Graduate School welcomes applications from Bologna bachelor's degree recipients. Bologna bachelor's degrees are conferred in European countries listed on the following web site.  If your 3-year degree is from some other institution, we encourage you to contact the Purdue Graduate School to determine if it qualifies.

You must possess a minimum of a 3.00/4.00 GPA (where A = 4.00) in order to be admitted without conditions. The graduate faculty will consider admission with a GPA below 3.00; however, an admission is very rare in cases where the GPA is below 2.75.

The figure varies from year to year. Typically, the selectivity in the CIT graduate program is 20-25%. Admissions are highly selective because the number of applications typically exceeds the faculty's capacity to mentor students through the plan of study and thesis requirements. Because of the department’s parallel commitment to undergraduate education, it is necessary to maintain the graduate enrollment within reasonable limits.

It is impossible to predict or guess how likely you are to be admitted to our program. Many factors impact admission decisions, such as the number of applicants, qualifications of other applicants, the number of new students that can be accommodated, and the number of professors that share your research and scholarly interests. All components of the application package, including the application, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, academic record (i.e., transcripts), test scores, resume/curriculum vitae (CV), and other items required by the graduate program are considered.

No, we cannot predict your chances of admission based on GPA or test scores. Other factors impact admission decisions, such as the number of applicants, qualifications of other applicants, the number of new students that can be accommodated, and the number of professors that share your research and scholarly interests.

No, satisfaction of the minimum criteria does not guarantee graduate admission. Other factors impact admission decisions, such as the number of applicants, qualifications of other applicants, the number of new students that can be accommodated, and the number of professors that share your research and scholarly interests.

It should be noted that failure to satisfy the minimum criteria might lead to automatic denial of admission. Also, failure to submit all required application materials will lead to denial of admission.

Prospective students ask many questions about pre-admission tests. We have created an entire section in these frequently asked questions for Pre-Admission Testing Requirements.

Yes, the GRE is required – there are no exceptions. If you have previously taken the GRE, those scores are valid for five years after the year in which you took the test.

No, we currently do not accept GMAT scores as a substitute for GRE scores.

No, you can submit your electronic admission application before you take the GRE test; however, we cannot admit any applicant until we have reviewed the GRE scores

The institutional code for Purdue University at the West Lafayette (main) campus is 1631. The institutional codes for other Purdue campuses are different. See the GRE Requirements web page for the full listing of Purdue campus codes.

The CIT graduate program does not have a minimum required score for the GRE. As a general guideline, GRE scores are expected to be in the upper 50th percentile for unconditional admission.

The overall selection process also considers various information such as prior academic performance, prior work experience, the statement of purpose (for graduate study), letters of recommendation, writing samples, pre-admission test scores, and other relevant information provided as part of a complete admission package as submitted by the applicant.

International degree-seeking applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) unless they have graduated from a university or college that used English as the primary language of instruction. The Graduate School will routinely waive the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE for applicants who have received a baccalaureate degree or graduate or professional degree, within the last 24 months, from a school where English is the primary language of instruction in a country/location where English is the native language. See List of Recognized English Speaking Countries.

Do you accept the IETFL or PTE exams as a substitute for TOEFL?

TOEFL is preferred; however, alternatives include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

No, you can submit your electronic admission application before you take the TOEFL exam; however, we cannot admit any international applicant until we have reviewed the TOEFL scores – unless that applicant has earned a degree from an English-speaking university or college.

In summary, the minimum paper-based score required for admission is 600.

The minimum Internet-based scores required for admission are:

• Writing 20
• Speaking 20
• Listening 20
• Reading 20
• Total 90

Applicants must exceed each of the five scores listed above. For more information on minimum scores for TOEFL or alternative tests, see the Graduate School’s English Proficiency Requirements web page.

The institutional code for Purdue University at the West Lafayette (main) campus is 1631.

Purdue does NOT accept photocopies of any TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score reports.

TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores are valid for only two years.

The Graduate School routinely waives the English proficiency examination requirement for applicants who have received a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a U.S. institution within the past 24 months. Applicants who qualify for this waiver of the English proficiency examination should bring this to the attention of the program to which they are applying.

All applicants to our graduate program must complete the Graduate School's online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants. Detailed instructions and requirements are available on the application and on the Graduate Program Requirements Web page.

It is extremely important to apply to the correct program. If you are interested in our graduate programs, you must specify Computer and Information Technology on your electronic application form. To differentiate our program from other computing programs at Purdue, see Differences Between Computer and Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Information systems.

In general, it is suggested that you apply. Applying early has its advantages: more funding opportunities are typically available and more spaces may be available for admission, particularly in competitive programs such as ours.

For maximum consideration, applications and all supporting documentation must be received on or before the deadlines listed below.

We do accept applications for all our graduate programs for students seek to start their studies in spring semester.

We generally do not accept applications for students seeking to start their studies in the summer semester because we currently offer few courses during the summer. 

Yes. If you are interested in applying to two or more graduate programs separately, you will be required to create a new application and pay an application fee for each application submitted. If you apply to graduate programs separately, you will have the opportunity to customize your supporting documentation (for example, statement of purpose, recommendations, resume, and fellowship essay) for each program.

No, you must re-apply for admission to the West Lafayette CIT program, and go through the standard admission process. This is even true if you are in a CIT program on the regional campus. Admission to our West Lafayette program is not guaranteed. Also, please be aware that credits from your regional campus may or may not be applicable to the West Lafayette program. Previously earned credits may have been based on an area of information technology specialization offered at your current regional campus. You will be required to file a new plan of study if you are admitted to the West Lafayette program, and some of your previous credits may not be applicable to specializations offered at West Lafayette. Also, we require that at least 51% of credits applied to a West Lafayette masters degree in Computer and Information Technology (CIT) be earned as West Lafayette campus credits.

You must pay your application fee online with your credit card. Visa and MasterCard cards are accepted and processed using a secured online payment system. Your application will not be processed until your nonrefundable application fee has been paid. Our application fee is $60 (U.S. dollars) for domestic applicants and $75 (U.S. dollars) for international applicants.

For admission to our graduate program, you must submit the following supporting documentation. We will not process your application with all documentation listed as required.  IMPORTANT: We do NOT offer conditional admission for students who have not submitted all required supporting documentation.

• Required: Official GRE scores, submitted electronically to Purdue University. Use the institution code, 1631.
NOTE: You can apply for admission without the GRE scores; however, the GRE scores must be submitted prior to formal application consideration.
• Required: Transcripts of all universities and post-secondary institutions attended.  Transcripts can be unofficial; however, if you are admitted you will be given a deadline by which you must submit an official transcript as issued by your undergraduate institutions (as well as showing us your bachelors degree diploma).
• Required: A detailed, reflective Statement of Purpose highlighting career goals, capabilities to be developed, and a self assessment highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. You may also reflect on any irregularities or special circumstances applicable to your background, or elaborate on your special abilities, awards, achievements, publications, and/or professional history.
• Required: At least three letters of recommendation from faculty or individuals with an earned masters or doctoral degree. These letters should attest to the applicant’s potential for successful graduate study.
• Required: A detailed resume’ or vita that describes your education, work history, significant skills, etc.
• Required: Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores; only required for international applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not graduated from a university or college using English as the primary language of instruction.
• Recommended: A writing sample that documents a high level of competence in written communication such as a prior thesis, research paper or report, or other significant personally written product.

Your Statement of Purpose is a critical piece of your graduate school application. In CIT, the statement of purpose is used to match your professional and graduate study interests with those of the graduate faculty. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills - both organization of thought and appropriate style and grammar.  Here are a few tips:

• Be unique. Talk about interesting and relevant experience. One way to do this is to talk about a subject in your field about which you are passionate.
• Write with skill. The Statement of Purpose may be the only writing sample you provide, so editing and organization are imperative. Be sure that you proofread your statement and have others, such as professors, teaching assistants, advisors, and peers read it. Ask for constructive feedback as well.
• Be clear and specific about your experiences. Instead of providing broad generalizations such as “my research internship provided valuable experience,” write, “By transcribing interview protocols and coding the data, I gained a deeper understanding of how teenage mothers make attributions.”
• State specific professional goals. Information technology is a very broad discipline. Narrow down your interests to specific IT areas of specialization. The faculty are looking for students that will compliment their own research and teaching interests. (Note, Faculty profiles can be viewed in the Graduate Faculty menu item.)
• Give yourself enough time to write the Statement of Purpose, to get feedback from a variety of people, and to make the necessary revisions.
• Be yourself; avoid using too much jargon and too many big words that aren’t a part of your day-to-day vocabulary. 

For our graduate program, the Graduate School's online application will require you to upload the Statement of Purpose, resume/CV (optional but recommended), and the names of your letters of recommendation providers.

Test scores will be sent to Purdue from the testing agencies, but you must specify the Purdue University West Lafayette campus code, 1631, to make this happen.

Additional supporting documents, such as transcripts, should be mailed from a registrar's office directly to our office at the following address:

Computer & Information Technology

Purdue University

KNOY Hall, Room 255
 
401 North Grant Street

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021

USA
Attention: CIT Graduate Program Assistant

Do I have to submit OFFICIAL transcripts?

You may submit unofficial transcripts (meaning "copies") for use during our screening and review process.  BUT, we must receive your OFFICIAL transcripts (as printed by the institutions) BEFORE we can offer you admission.  

For international students who do not currently reside in the United States, the absolute deadlines by which we must RECEIVE your OFFICIAL transcripts are as follows:

• For admission to start in the spring semester, we must receive your OFFICIAL transcript by November 15.  
• For admission to start in the fall semester, we must receive your OFFICIAL transcript by June 15. 


For all applicants (international and domestic), you may choose to send OFFICIAL transcripts to our office yourself, but such transcripts must be in an envelope sealed by the registrar.

Once you submit official transcripts to Purdue University, they become property of the University and will not be returned. We recognize, in very rare instances, that students may have access to only one transcript (or an extremely limited number of transcripts) or other academic credentials. In this instance, you may submit a request (at the time you apply) to preserve your original documents to the graduate program. Requests forwarded to the Graduate School will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For contact information, please visit Graduate Program Requirements web pages.

You may submit your application only once. You will not be able to make changes to your application information using the online application system after submission. The application should be submitted and all required materials should arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Once your application is submitted, you do not have the ability to return and make revisions to your recommendation provider list.

It is preferred that most or all of your letters come from faculty; however, all of your letters must come from individuals who have earned at least the same degree you plan to pursue (e.g., masters or doctorate).

If a complete application has been submitted (meaning, you have completed and submitted the Graduate School's application, paid the application fee, and submitted letters of recommendation, official transcripts, test scores, and any other items required by the program), no additional action is required. Your application status is available through the Graduate School's online application system.

You may check the status of your submitted application by visiting the Graduate School's online application system. We update your application status on that system.

If you have additional questions regarding your application status, please contact our CIT Graduate Program Assistant.

If you have questions regarding receipt of your supporting documentation, please contact our CIT Graduate Program Assistant.

If you have questions regarding receipt of your test scores please contact our CIT Graduate Program Assistant.

Inform our CIT Graduate Program Assistant of your decision to attend, or not attend Purdue University. 

You can defer your start date for up to one year. If you want to enroll more than one year later, you must reapply and pay another application fee. Contact our CIT Graduate Program Assistant to defer your start date.

You are classified as an international student if you are not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States.

The current tuition and fees can be found at the Bursar’s Office web site.

Additionally, international students pay a $60 fee each semester to help fund the unique services the University offers to international students, such as immigration regulation advising, cultural/educational programming, SEVIS reporting (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), and compliance with the United States' government.

Yes, although specific fellowship, assistantship, and other award eligibility may vary, funding is generally available for both domestic and international students.

Yes, the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program classifies it as a STEM field of study. As a STEM field of study, this currently extends the period of time during which you can work in the United States after graduation.

Purdue University's first and largest campus is located in West Lafayette, Indiana. West Lafayette and its neighboring city, Lafayette, are often referred to as Greater Lafayette. Both cities boast a competitive cost of living that is below the national average, giving graduate students more purchasing power. For more information on Greater Lafayette, visit the Community Information Web page.

Indiana enjoys four distinct seasons each year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. January is typically the coldest month of the year with normal daily maximum temperatures ranging from 31 to 38F. July is the warmest month with daily maximums averaging 80 to 83F. Average annual precipitation ranges from 37-47 inches. For more Indiana climate information, visit the National Climate Data Center web page.

There are a variety of affordable housing options available both on campus and off-campus. Visit our Graduate Student Housing Web page for more information.

Contact our CIT Graduate Program Assistant to inquire about visitation opportunities.