Submit a request for more information about this program.
Additional Requirements for Specific Degree Programs
Bachelor's/MSIST
The MS in Information Systems Technology degree can also be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years.
Elliott School Bachelor of Science in International Affairs students may apply to the 4+1 Program for the MS in Information Systems Technology degree.
MBA/Master of Science in Information Systems Technology
For students pursuing a MBA and a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology dual degree program, all requirements for both degrees must be fulfilled. In the dual MBA/MSIST program, up to 24 credits may be double-counted toward degree requirements for the MBA/MSIST as follows:
- 12 credits of required ISTM core courses may be counted as electives toward the MBA
- 12 credits of DNSC, DAT, and/or other ISTM courses completed as electives for the MBA may count toward MSIST electives
Students may pursue a dual degree in any MBA program. Part-time students take courses for both programs simultaneously. Full-time students take courses for the Global MBA in their first year and then complete the remainder of the degree requirements simultaneously. In both cases, the degrees may be conferred sequentially.
Admissions
Admission to the MSIST program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.
Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Strong academic performance
- Demonstrated professional interest in information systems technology
Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.
To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:
- Completed online application form
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
- One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
- Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
- Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
- The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.
International applicants must submit one of the following: an official TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test) or 550 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5, a PTE Academic Score of at least 53, or an official Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 105. Test date must be within the past two years. TOEFL code: 5246
Please note that, if you achieve the following scores, you are also exempt from taking EAP courses: an official TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test) or 600 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, a PTE Academic Score of at least 68, or a DET score of at least 120. Test date must be within the past two years.
Exceptions to this requirement:
- You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction and the official language of the country in which the university is located. In addition to the United States, applicants from the following countries are exempt from this requirement.
- You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution that is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency — see the list of approved schools.
Qualifications
Admissions to the Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) program is competitive. Applicants must present a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meet the entrance requirements of the School of Business.
The review process considers each of the following areas on its own merit and candidates should show significant achievement in each area to be considered a strong prospect for admission.
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The ability to excel academically in an environment that will demand strong technical, analytical, and communication skills.
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Evidence of maturity to integrate educational opportunities into personal and professional goals.
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Management and leadership potential and strong communication skills.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are considered for fall and spring semester admissions. We strongly encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible for the strongest consideration.
Admissions Process
Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for the MSIST program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.
Admitted Student Profile
While we do not have minimum requirements for test scores, GPA or work experience, our program does attract top academic and professional talent. Statistics from the most recent admission period are as follows:
- Average GMAT Score: 590*
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Percentage Military or Veteran: 5.7%
- Percentage Female: 43%
- Percentage International: 72%
- Average Age: 27
*Please note, the MSIST program is test optional. If you choose to submit a test score, you may submit either a GMAT or GRE score. However, neither test score is required for admission.
