Admission: Information Science
 

Admission:  Information Science


Before applying, International Applicants MUST click here.

Students are admitted to the program throughout the year.   Courses are offered in 7 and 14-week formats. You may begin at the start of any session. 

Nondegree Admission

For information about submitting a nondegree application call 610-725-5382 or e-mail gvengin@psu.edu.

For nondegree admission, you need to:

  • have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with credit conditions substantially equivalent to those required by Penn State;
  • meet requirements of the Master of Science in Information Science program;
  • contact the Engineering Division at enghelp@psu.edu.

The admissions committee reviews applications and makes decisions based on the quality of an applicant's credentials relative to other applicants.  Up to 9 credits (3 courses) may be completed in nondegree status.  Course work completed in nondegree status may not always be applicable to the degree program to which you apply. 

Note that some employers do not support nondegree course work. Also be aware of the implications of nondegree course work to financial aid eligibility.

Applicants should submit the following.  Send transcripts and your résumé to Penn State Great Valley's Admissions Office, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355:

  • an online nondegree application.  (learn more about how to apply.)
  • a copy of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts showing proof of graduation;
  • if approved for course work, official sealed transcripts of any undergraduate and graduate course work by the end of the first course;
  • a current résumé. 

Degree Application Requirements 

To apply, please submit the following:

  • Online application 
       •  Under degree sought, enter M S 
       •  Under  major sought, enter IN SC
       •  The employment history requested on the application is helpful in evaluating your application.
  • Non-refundable application fee, payable by credit card online or by check or money order payable to The Pennsylvania State University. more
  • Two official transcripts from each college or university you have attended.  Penn State students do not need to submit transcripts.  (More Info)
  • Résumé (More Info)  
  • Statement of intent or career objectives (one page) (More Info)   
  • One Recommendation Form.  (More Info
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are  not required but may be submitted to support the application. 

Please send all supporting documentation to Penn State Great Valley, Admissions Office, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355 by the suggested deadlines.  Applications will be reviewed after your application portfolio is complete.

International Students

For application requirements in all visa categories, click hereNOTE:  International students are not eligible for nondegree admission.


Concurrent Degree Programs 

Penn State offers an opportunity to pursue two degree programs on a concurrent basis. For more information, click here.


Contact information

610-648-3243
gvengin@psu.edu

Information Sessions
Information Request


Information Science curriculum and course schedule

Engineering Faculty
Management Faculty


IT Job Market Information


Helpful Information

Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Transcripts

The Admissions Committee will review an applicant’s undergraduate and graduate transcript. Individuals with a combined junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale and appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission. An applicant’s area of concentration and the balance of communication and analytical courses are also considered. Periodically, exceptions to the minimum grade-point average may be made for individuals with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.

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Résumé

A current résumé gives the committee information about an applicant’s relevant work experience. An applicant’s leadership skills, a desire to advance in the information science industry, and general knowledge of the business environment are also reviewed.

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Statement of Intent

A one-page statement of intent should outline personal career goals and reasons for desiring to enroll in the program. This statement should be specific and include information about short- and long-term goals and how enrolling in the program may help achieve them. The statement of intent also offers applicants the opportunity to demonstrate writing and communication skills, specify examples of leadership, and provide pertinent information that will assist the committee in selecting candidates who can benefit from and contribute to the program.

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Confidential Recommendation

One confidential recommendation provides a more complete personal understanding of an applicant’s technical and leadership ability. The recommendation should specifically address: current employment or recent academic experience; examples of speaking, writing, quantitative, and analytical abilities; group interaction skills; and an applicant’s potential to successfully complete the program.

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