Heinz College School of Information Systems and Management

About the school

The Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College School of Information Systems and Management trains students to create real value for businesses using technological solutions. It offers four innovative programmes - Master of Information Systems Management (MISM), Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA), Master of Science in Information Security Policy and Management (MSISPM), and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). The school prepares students for real-world challenges through its interdisciplinary approach and encouraging critical thinking.

The Heinz College, which was founded in 1968, ranks as number one for information and technology management, cybersecurity, analytics education, and information systems, as per U.S. News & World Report. The college is also the recipient of the INFORMS-UPS George D. Smith Prize.

Where is the school located?

The School of Information Systems and Management is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in close proximity to the city’s well-known attractions such as gardens, sports grounds, and museums.

Life at Heinz College School of Information Systems and Management

The school offers a multicultural and inclusive environment where you can meet like-minded peers, study, volunteer, and develop on a personal level. The more than 400 student organisations, various campus traditions, and facilities like the 62,000 square feet fitness centre, contribute to a supportive environment for students to pursue their studies

The Heinz College School of Information Systems and Management does not provide on-campus accommodations for graduate students, but there are off-campus options which can be found on the university website. The school offers a diverse selection of options, with 35 dining locations available on the university campus. Popular options range from vegan and vegetarian to halal, or kosher meals. You can also get meals to enjoy on the go.

Additional benefits of studying at Heinz College School of Information Systems and Management

• Real-world Exposure: During your time at the School of Information Systems and Management there are a multitude of advantages students can expect, including exposure to global speakers in the information technology sphere, experiential learning through internships, and research opportunities with experienced faculty members. This practical experience produces graduates that are highly sought after and work for renowned brands such as Hershey’s, IBM, Disney, Amazon, LinkedIn, Apple, Google, Visa, Honeywell, Oracle, and more.

Admissions criteria

The admission criteria at the Heinz College School of Information Systems and Management include:

• Completed online application form
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended in the past (both in English translation and native language)
  
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Professional resume (maximum 2 pages)
• GRE/GMAT score: Optional but recommended
• 1,000-word required essay (covering academic and professional details, career goals, reasons to pursue the programme)
• 250-word optional essay (to include any additional information)
• Video interview (optional but recommended)
• Proof of English proficiency: Duolingo (130)/IELTS (7)/TOEFL (Reading – 22, Listening – 22, Speaking – 20, Writing – 22)
• English proficiency exceptions: If you studied or worked for 5 or more years in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Singapore, etc./earned a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school in the USA

Fees and other expenses

Other costs (per semester) which are not consistent throughout school admissions information online:

• Health insurance: $700 to $3,000
• Room, board, and extras: $7,000 to $12,000
• Books and supplies: Up to $700
• Transportation: $900 to $1,500
  

Please consult the school’s website to gather more details on the admission process and financial assistance.

Job placements

• Effective Job Placements: The School of Information Systems and Management’s rigorous curriculum and practical training attracts the top employers in every sector. Highlights of the school’s job placement statistics include:

Half of MISM graduates find employment in the technology sector, while 17% are absorbed in finance and 11% in consulting. Forty-three percent of graduates' salaries range from $100,000 to $125,000. The major employers include Google, Facebook, Deloitte, IBM, McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays, among others.

Ninety-four percent of MSISPM students secure job offers within 3 months of graduation. 29% find jobs in technology, 23% in security consulting, 17% in government, and 13% in finance. Forty-four percent of graduates have starting salaries ranging from $75,000 to $100,000. Meta, Salesforce, PwC, Accenture, PayPal, Lockheed Martin, EY, Adobe, and Uber are some of the major employers.