Applying For Admission
I have no background in computers nor in engineering. Is this program right for me?
No prior technical background is required for the IS Program. Applicants come from all disciplines including the arts, the sciences, engineering, business and many others. Those who do not have a technical background will most likely need a few prerequisites.
Do I have to take the GRE exam?
All applicants are required to take the GRE general test. The purpose of the exam is to evaluate a candidate's analytical and quantitative skills for the purpose of determining aptitude for the Information Systems field. Candidates who hold a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, mathematics or computer science from a U.S College or University may request a waiver of the GRE. This request must be in writing and accompany the application.
What is the minimum GRE score?
Students should achieve a minimum score of 680 in the quantitative section and a minimum of 4 in the analytic writing section.
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
Applicants who have lived in the United States for two or more years may request waiver of the TOEFL exam. All others are required to take the TOEFL exam. To be considered for acceptance, the minimum TOEFL score is 250.
Is there a minimum undergraduate grade point average I must have?
Generally, applicants should have a grade point average of 3.000 or higher.
What if my grade point average is below the minimum requirement? Can I still apply?
Applications are evaluated on the basis of all aspects of a student's background. We look at performance at the undergraduate level, as well as test scores. Letters of recommendation and life experience are also considered.
Can I begin the program at any time?
The course schedules are set up so that both full and part time students may begin the IS Program in any semester. Most full-time students begin in the fall, but are eligible to begin at any time.
Can I take courses without being admitted?
No. There is no open enrollment in the IS Program. All students must apply for admission and be accepted before registration is allowed.
Can I take the GRE and/or TOEFL after having been admitted?
No. All required admissions material must be submitted before any decision will be made.
Is it possible to be admitted on a provisional basis pending completion of a required exam?
No. Provisional admission is for students who have submitted all required material, and whose background indicates likely success in the program, but for whom some monitoring is suggested. It is not a temporary admission status for those who have not submitted required material.
Can an international student be admitted as a provisional student?
No. International students require a regular student admission to obtain an F-1 visa.
Is there any type of financial aid? How about assistantships?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid. Deadlines for financial aid are quite strict, and may differ from the application deadlines posted by the Graduate School. For more information on the deadlines and the options for graduate students, contact the Student Financial Services office at 617.373.5899 or visit the web site at http://www.customerservice.neu.edu/welcome.html. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to full-time students. If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship, you must submit an assistantship application along with your application for admission.
How long does it typically take to complete the IS program?
For full-time students who do not go on co-op, the program generally takes four semesters. Part-time students should plan on three to four years. Full-time students who participate in the co-operative plan will require some additional time, depending on the length of the co-op assignment.
If I apply, how long will it be until I receive an answer?
Once all required materials have been submitted, it generally takes no more than a few weeks for the applicant to be informed of the admissions decision.
What options do I have if I am denied admission?
All applicants have the right to ask for reconsideration of the admissions decision. However, a decision is generally not changed unless additional supporting documentation is submitted. For example, an improved GRE or TOEFL score may be needed. In such a case, no additional application fee is required. If you do decide to ask for reconsideration, you must do so in writing to the Director of the Graduate School of Engineering, and be sure to include the additional supporting documentation.
Are there application deadlines?
The Graduate School of Engineering posts the application deadlines at http://www.coe.neu.edu/gse/applying.html. If you submit your application after the official deadlines, every effort will be made to review it, but we are not able to guarantee an answer prior to the start of the semester.
What is the difference between this program and a degree in computer science? An MBA?
The IS Program is unique, providing the opportunity for students from all backgrounds to pursue a technical career. Unlike a business degree, the courses are technical in nature. However it is not a theoretical program such as one might find in a CS program. For some, it is an opportunity for career transition, for others an opportunity to continue their education in a technical area.
What kinds of jobs are available for graduates of this program?
Our graduates find employment in a wide range of positions. Many will take their new skills and apply them to the field from which they originally came. For example, someone with a health sciences background may choose to return to the area of medical information services. Most, however, tend to move on to new areas. Our graduates find positions as software developers, web application developers, database administrators, IT consultants, and product support specialists, to name a few.