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The Information Networking Institute (INI) was established by Carnegie Mellon University in 1989 as the nation’s first research and education center devoted to Information Networking. As a cooperative endeavor of:

The College of Engineering
The School of Computer Science
The Tepper School of Business
The Heinz School of Public Policy and Management

Frequently Asked Questions

MSIN and MSISTM General Program Information

Applying to INI and ECE

Application Process

Required Testing and ETS Reporting: GRE, TOEFL, TSE

Required Documentation: Transcripts, Financial Statements

Internships, TA & RA Positions

Tuition & Financial Assistance

INI Visits

 

 
MSIN and MSISTM General Program Information
Applying to INI and ECE
Application Process
Required Testing and ETS Reporting: GRE, TOEFL, TSE
Internships, TA & RA Positions
Required Documentation: Transcripts, Financial Statements
Tuition & Financial Assistance
INI Visits


What’s the difference between the MSIN and MSISTM programs?

The Master of Science in Information Networking (MSIN) is a unique 16-month alternative to the conventional one-year computer science or engineering degree program. The program provides a solid foundation in information technology and introduces students to management, strategic think, and policy, with the opportunity to study each of these areas in greater depth through electives. MSIN students are well-positioned to pursue leadership, technical, and management positions in a variety of sectors (e.g., financial services, research, government).

The 16-month Master of Science in Information Security Technology and Management (MSISTM) program is ideally suited to students who want to assume leadership positions in the information security arena. The program enhances a technical education with additional courses in management, information security policy, and other topics essential for the effective development and management of secure information systems. Graduates of the MSISTM program become security experts equipped to manage the growing complexities associated with securing data and networks.

Can I apply for both the MSIN and MSISTM?

Yes. Check both program boxes on the application form and indicate the order of your interest. It isn’t necessary to pay the application fee twice.

Can you tell me my chances of being accepted into an INI program?

The list of minimum requirements (provided on the Admissions page) provides guidelines for the basic qualifications needed to be considered for admission to the MSIN and MSISTM programs. Any further evaluation must be undertaken by the admissions committee once a full application is available for review.

Can I use the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department application or other department applications to apply for the INI?

With the Carnegie Institute of Technology's online application, please note that you may not apply to more than one Carnegie Mellon department per application. Applicants who wish to apply to the INI and ECE for instance, must complete a separate form for each and pay a separate application fee as well.

I have a question about ECE Graduate Programs

The Information Networking Institute only administers the MSIN, MSISTM, and MSIT-IS programs. For information on ECE graduate and doctoral programs, please contact the ECE at apps@ece.cmu.edu.

Can I submit my application online?

You may apply online here.

Can I pay my application fee online?

If you are applying online, you may pay your application fee online with a credit card. Applicants who do not wish to pay the application fee online should select “Pay by Check”.

You may also pay with a personal check, money order or cashier's check made payable to Carnegie Mellon University. International students should pay with a check drawn on a bank in the United States. Do not send cash or stamps.

I sent my GRE scores through ETS to the wrong department; do I need to resend my scores to the INI?

No, GRE scores can be retrieved from the Carnegie Mellon central database. If we are unable to retrieve your scores, you will be contacted. If you haven’t already sent in your application, please include a copy of your GRE scores for initial review.

I’ve sent my application materials separately, e.g., recommendation letters sent by recommenders, GRE sent by ETS; will you keep my documents on file until my application arrives?

All documents sent to the INI in support of an application are kept on file until the full application package is complete.

What is the department and institution code I should use to send my GREs through ETS?

Department: 0404
Institution: 2074

I didn’t take the TSE; will my application be rejected?

No, your application will not be rejected. However, if the TSE is missing the admissions committee may request a further evaluation of your ESL skills. If so, a decision on your application may be delayed.

Do I have to take the TOEFL/TSE if my undergraduate language was English?

The TOEFL/TSE are required as standard objective tests accepted by Carnegie Mellon to demonstrate skill levels in written and spoken English for applicants whose first language is not English.Only international applicants who have attended a four-year undergraduate program in a U.S. university can waive these required tests.

Do I have to take the GRE General Test? Can I substitute another test for it?

Only the GRE General test is accepted. Neither the GMAT nor GRE Subject Tests are accepted for admission evaluation.

Does the INI offer Internship positions?

The INI does not offer or manage any internship programs.

Does the INI offer TA or RA positions?

Students at the INI have the opportunity to get involved with activities of other departments by assisting in courses as teaching interns or assistants. These assignments typically offer a stipend that is determined by the offering department. In addition, students with an interest in cybersecurity may have the opportunity to work on research projects through institutions such as the Center for Computer and Communications Security that may also offer additional stipends.

I’m having trouble getting my original transcripts; do I need to include originals with my application or will you accept copies?

All transcripts must be original. Copies cannot be accepted.

I’m an international student; do I have to include financial statements with my application?

Documents demonstrating financial resources are only required of students admitted to the program. There is no need to include them in the application package.

Does the INI offer tuition waivers?

The INI does not offer tuition waivers.

How much is tuition?

Tuition for INI programs is set in the Spring. Please see the CMU Hub web site for amounts.

How much financial assistance can I expect?

Most graduates entering the program receive some assistance in the form of a tuition scholarship. The amount of the assistance, if any, is determined by the admissions committee at the time of application review. In general, students admitted to the program are responsible for the bulk of their tuition. The majority of students find funding either through family, personal loans, government programs, or educational funding organizations.

Can I visit the INI offices?

Prospective students are welcome to visit the INI offices at any time. Please contact the INI at (412) 268-7195 to arrange a visit.

For additional questions concerning the MSIN, MSISTM, MSIT-MOB, MSIT-IS, or MSIT-SM programs, please feel free to contact the Information Networking Institute
(412) 268-7195
(412) 268-7196 (f)
ini@cmu.edu


 
   
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