Admissions FAQ

Want to know more about Syracuse University’s online programs from the School of Information Studies (iSchool)? Here, you can find frequently asked questions about the programs and answers from our admissions team.

Don’t see your question here? Contact admissions directly at admissions@ischoolonline.syr.edu or 1-855-497-3255.

When are live class sessions held?
The majority of live class sessions are held during the evening on weekdays and last an hour and a half. In addition, for the applied data science and information systems programs specifically, there are also options for class sessions on weekends and non-evening hours.

Do I need to take bridge courses to prepare for these programs?
No, bridge courses are not required, but faculty may request that you gain some foundational knowledge prior to starting the program.

I live in a different time zone than Syracuse University. Is there a live class that will work with my schedule?
Yes, course offerings and schedules are designed to accommodate various time zones.

How are tests taken in these programs?
There are various methods for grading and test-taking, depending on the course. Some are done in the online platform and some are take-home exams, for example.

If I didn’t have a good undergraduate GPA, can I still be accepted into these programs?
The submission of GRE/GMAT scores is optional, but is recommended for applicants who feel their scores will support their application.

How would you compare the iSchool’s online programs to other online programs?
The iSchool’s online programs provide live, face-to-face classes and asynchronous content that creates an immersive and exceptional educational experience.

How many letters of recommendation do I need to apply?
Two professional or academic reference letters are required to apply. Please see the Admissions Overview page for more details.

I’m an international student. What do I need to do to apply?
Speak with an admissions counselor. International applicants or applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores and possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please note, if students are applying for admission and have received their bachelor’s degree outside of the United States, a credential evaluation may be required. World Education Services (WES) is the preferred service. Please speak with an admissions counselor regarding this need.

Are the online programs different from on-campus programs?
There is no difference from an academic standpoint. Online and on-campus students who graduate from the program earn the same degree. The online program, however, provides a different student experience that focuses on flexibility in order to accommodate the working professional’s schedule.

What are the prerequisites for these programs?
Please view our Admissions Overview page for more information on what we look for in applicants and application requirements. Please note, iSchool programs are interdisciplinary, so students who have received degrees from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Are the online programs full time or part time?
All online programs are part time and built so students can continue to work full time throughout their studies. However, students can choose to take a heavier courseload if they wish.

Does the iSchool accept transfer credits?
Applicants may be able to transfer up to 6 credits, pending school approval. Please contact your admissions counselor for more information.

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How long does it take most students to complete the program?
The MS in Applied Data Science curriculum consists of 34 credits and can be completed in 18 months. On average, students complete the online program in 18–24 months.

Will I need to visit the Syracuse campus while in the program?
Students in the program are not required to visit campus, but do have the option to attend on-campus immersion events. At these in-person immersions, students are able to meet their peers and instructors, and learn from leaders in the data science field. This is important because online students become full members of our Orange community and will benefit from those connections.

What is the typical data science student like?
Data science students are passionate about the power of data and want to use it to lead in their organizations. Our program attracts professionals of diverse backgrounds. Learn more about where our students come from and where they go after graduation on our student and alumni profile page. We maintain high standards for accepting students to the online program—view more about admissions and application requirements on the Admissions Overview page.

What is the cost of the program?
Tuition for the entire program is currently $63,648, or $1,872 per credit. This does not include program fees, and fees are subject to change each academic year. See the Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information.

I do not have programming experience and lack a computer science background. Do I qualify for the program?
The MS in Applied Data Science program takes a holistic approach to data science. We do not require applicants to possess specific programming skills; Python and R are taught in the program from the ground up. However, applicants should have either academic or work experience with data intensive environments.

Does the Data Science program have machine learning courses?
A number of courses in the program cover machine learning. You can explore MS in Applied Data Science courses here.

What programming languages are used in the program?
Students will develop programming language skills in Python and R to master the statistical and computational methods to process and synthesize large unstructured data sets. R and Python are used in the MS in Applied Data Science program, but faculty may introduce additional languages. Students will also build competencies in data mining, regression analysis, text mining, predictive analytics, and machine learning.

How technical is the program?
The program provides an interdisciplinary approach to advanced data science learning. The program blends the social sciences and business with computer science and statistics to ensure students gain a comprehensive knowledge of data science that they can apply in the field.

What level of mathematical knowledge is required?
There is no required level of mathematical knowledge. Professional and academic backgrounds among other factors like knowledge of statistics are considered in applicants’ admissions.

What is a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)?
The iSchool offers Certificates of Advanced Study (CAS) in Enterprise Technology Leadership and Information Security Management. The coursework for these certificates allows students to develop specialized skills to advance their careers. Learn more about our CAS offerings.

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How long does it take most students to complete the program?
The iSchool offers a standard 36-credit curriculum program that can be completed in 18 months, as well as an option for Executives with more than six years of full-time professional experience, which consists of 30 credits and can be completed in as few as 15 months.

Will I need to visit campus while in the program?
Standard and Executive students are required to attend at least one on-campus immersion while in the program. At these in-person weekend events, students are able to meet their peers and instructors and learn from leaders in the information field. Immersions are offered on campus two to three times per year.

What is the typical MS in Information Systems student like?
Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) seeks students who want to harness the power of information to drive organizations forward. Learn more about where our students come from and where they go after graduation on our student and alumni profile page. We maintain high standards for accepting students to the online program—view more about admissions and application requirements on the Admissions Overview page.

Do I qualify for Information Systems for Executives?
The MS in Information Systems degree program offers two paths of study based on professional experience. The 30-credit online MS in Information Systems for Executives requires students to have three or more years of full-time professional experience in the information management field with a record of continuingly increasing job responsibilities.

What is a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)?
The iSchool offers Certificates of Advanced Study (CAS) in Data Science, Enterprise Technology Leadership, and Information Security Management that can be completed with no additional coursework if planned properly. The coursework for these certificates allows students to develop specialized skills to advance their careers. Learn more about our CAS offerings.

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How long does it take most students to complete the program?
The 36-credit MS in Library and Information Science and MS in Library and Information Science: School Media programs are typically completed in 18 months.

Will I need to visit campus while in the program?
Students in the program are required to attend one on-campus immersion. At these in-person immersions, students are able to meet their peers and instructors and learn from leaders in the library and information science field. Immersions take place on campus two to three times per year. While there, students will have the opportunity to visit a wide range of our academic libraries.

What is the typical MSLIS student like?
MSLIS students want to become leaders in the modern library and information science field. They are often driven by a desire to help communities more effectively access and use information. Learn more about where our students come from and where they go after graduation on our student and alumni profile page. We maintain high standards for accepting students to the online program—view more about admissions and application requirements on the Admissions Overview page.

What is the typical MSLIS: School Media student like?
Master of Science in Library and Information Science with School Media Specialization (MSLIS: School Media) students are focused on becoming library and information science professionals with the skills to instruct children in grades pre-K through 12 in all areas of literacy and technology fluency. In addition, school media graduates are qualified to work in any type of library. We maintain high standards for accepting students to the online program—view more about admissions and application requirements on the Admissions Overview page.

What is a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)?
The iSchool offers a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in School Media for students who have already completed a master of science in library science and wish to work in school libraries. For students looking to begin their MSLIS, this CAS can be completed with no additional coursework if planned properly. Learn more about our CAS offerings.

Are the MSLIS and MSLIS: School Media programs accredited?
Yes, both programs are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), providing students with a thorough grounding in the knowledge, skills, and values of librarianship in an interdisciplinary context. MSLIS: School Media graduates are also eligible for NYS DOE certification.

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Who can I contact for assistance regarding veteran and military benefits at Syracuse University?
For more information or assistance, contact the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, or visit your local installation education center.

Who can I contact about disability services at Syracuse University?
Our goal at the iSchool is to create learning environments that are useable, equitable, and inclusive. For more information or assistance, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS).

What kind of career resources are available?
The iSchool offers career services that include career development training, individual counseling, job search resources, and professional development events.

What kind of alumni resources are available?
The iSchool’s expansive alumni community consists of more than 10,000 professionals that participate in sponsored networking events and share information regarding job opportunities.