IS-MSE Accelerated Master's Program

The IS-MSE Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) is a 5th year master's program for undergraduate Information Systems majors in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon. The AMP gives you a head start in earning a master’s degree while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. As a student in the AMP, you will receive your master’s degree three semesters after receiving your bachelor’s degree. Compare that to a traditional plan where a bachelor's degree takes four years, plus one and half to two years to earn a master’s degree. With the IS-MSE-AMP, you save both time and money, launching your career, ahead, above, and beyond.

How to Apply

The following materials are required with your online application:

1. Statement of Purpose: Your statement should include specific details about your professional goals and about your software engineering experience on teams and projects. The Statement of Purpose guidelines can be found here.
2. Resume/CV
3. Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters of recommendation should be submitted on your behalf from academic and/or industry personnel who have worked closely with you recently. Letters are typically written by faculty and supervisors. It is encouraged that you contact your recommenders as soon as possible in order to allow them enough time to compose your letter. The deadline for recommenders to submit your letter is approximately one week after the application deadline.
4. Unofficial Transcripts: You are required to upload electronic transcripts from each college/university that you attended in which you completed coursework. Do not send official transcripts at this time.
5. GRE or GMAT: either the GRE or GMAT is required of all IS-MSE applicants.
6. IS-MSE-AMP Advising Agreement: Applicants must complete this document and upload it in the application portal.
7. Interview: Applicants are required to interview with the MSE Program Manager. Applicants are responsible to contact her prior to mid-February to set up a time to meet.
8. Online Coding Assessment: Invitations will be sent out the day after the application deadline. Applicants have approximately one week to complete the assessment. Previously, there have been anywhere from 3-4 coding tests of varying levels of difficulty that candidates must complete. There is a time limit, but it is rare for an applicant to run out of time. Additionally, applicants may have the opportunity to complete a practice test. Tests may be submitted in any coding language. Instructions on how to access and complete the assessment will be included in the invitation.

IS-MSE-AMP Admissions Timeline