Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Current Students
How do I Meet With the MMIS/MDATA Advisor?
Please go to, https://huntsman.usu.edu/mmis/contact-us. From this link, you can select the advisor based on the questions you need answered. Contact our Program Coordinator for questions regarding our Masters and Post Baccalaureate Certificate programs. Contact our Program Director for cirriculum advising.
What do I Need to do for Graduation?
Ensure that your program of study is complete and accurate, and notify the MMIS/MDATA office of the semester in which you plan to graduate. The MMIS/MDATA office will submit your POS to the School of Graduate Studies for you. However, if you change any courses taken that were not on your initial POS, please contact the MMIS/MDATA office to ensure that your most up-to-date POS in on file. For additional info, please reference the School of Graduate Studies website.
I Want to Pursue an Additional Master Degree at USU. How do I do That?
The MMIS program has set agreement with the MBA and MHR programs. As such, it is relatively easy to pursue the second Master’s degree. In your last semester of your first Master’s program, you will apply to the second Master’s program using an internal application. Please reference the concurrent program website for more information and details on how to apply. If you would like to pair your MMIS degree with a second Master’s degree, aside from the two aforementioned degrees, please contact the MMIS/MDATA office.
How do I Get Involved With Program-Related Student Clubs?
Association for Information Systems
The Association for Information Systems (AIS) club competes annually in data analytics, IT security, IT entrepreneurship, and other data-related competitions. Within AIS there are the Women In Tech and CyberSentinels groups.
CyberSentinels
For aspiring security professionals and newcomers alike. If you enjoy password-cracking, learning about web exploitation, or screaming loudly at your computer then CyberSentinels is the place for you! With workshops, sessions with security professionals, and cyber competitions galore (some with money prizes!!!), you'll be well-prepared for an IT security position in no time!
Women in Tech
Women in Tech is a community to promote and empower women in technology. This organization is open to all; all genders and all majors. There are a variety of activities throughout the semester including panel discussions, study sessions, and opportunities to network with peers, faculty, and professionals.
Prospective Students
I do Not Meet Every Requirement. Am I Still Eligable to Apply?
You are allowed one single deficiency on your application; however the acceptance committee wants to see that the deficiency comes close to meeting the requirement. With one deficiency, you may still be eligible for acceptance. The acceptance committee will review your application as a whole and will search for other compensating factors such as a high GPA, work experience, etc. Our office would be happy to discuss your individual situation. Please contact our office for more information.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Receive an Official Decision on my Application?
Our acceptance committee meets twice a month to review completed applications. Once on the 1st, and once on the 15th. You will be notified, as soon as possible, regarding your acceptance after these committee meetings.
Do You Accept 3-Year Bachelor Degrees?
Yes, as long as your bachelor degree was earned at an accredited institution.
Do You Require the GRE/GMAT?
We do not require GRE or GMAT scores for entrance into our program.
How Many Credit Hours are Required for Program Completion?
The MMIS program requires 30 completed credit hours.
What are the Minimum Requirements for Admission into the MMIS Program?
Qualified applicants should meet the following program requirements:
- 3.0 grade point average (4.0 scale) on the last 60 semester hours completed at a college or university
If you choose to submit GRE or GMAT scores the minimum requirements below must be met:
- 40th percentile on the verbal portion of the GRE or GMAT (only if you choose to submit)
- 40th percentile on the quantitative portion of the GRE or GMAT
International applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:
- TOEFL: 59 Paper Based / 79 Internet
- IELTS score of 6.0 (and a minimum score of 5 on each subscale)
What is the Application Process?
The application process is two-tier. First, all required application information is sent to the USU Graduate School. The application process is outlined at https://gradschool.usu.edu/admissions/index. When the application fee is paid and the application is submitted, you will be asked to submit all supplemental items to include letters of recommendation contact information, transcripts etc.. The MMIS/MDATA program will be notified only after all official supplemental items have been received. Your application will then be reviewed by our acceptance committee for an official decision to be made.
How do I Check my Aplication Status?
Applicants may check their application status after the application is submitted and the $55 fee is paid. Please use the login ID and PIN created when the application was started. After all documentation, transcripts and recommendation letters are received by the Graduate School, they will be processed and sent to our graduate committee for review. Please contact USU Graduate School office with application processing-related questions.
How do I Send my Transcripts?
An official transcript must be ordered from each previously attended college and/or university. They must be sent directly from each institution to USU's School of Graduate Studies (0900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-0900) or from domestic institutions to graduateadmissions@usu.edu. Transcripts must be submitted for all courses above the high school level and for all prior degrees. Transcripts accumulated on one record are not acceptable. Transcripts submitted as application credentials become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be returned to the applicant.
How do I Submit my GRE/GMAT Scores to USU?
We do not require the GRE/GMAT but, if you wish to include your score for review, please send test scores directly to the School of Graduate Studies by the testing agency. The institutional code for Utah State University is 4857. A department code is not required.
What is the Average Profile of the Current MMIS Cohort?
Work experience: 2.5 years
GRE/GMAT quantitative: 60th percentile
GRE/GMAT verbal: 41th percentile
Grade point average: 3.51 (4.0 scale)
What are the Application Deadlines?
International Student Deadlines:
May 15 for a fall semester start. Applicants should apply for a fall start date. Applications recieved by March 1st will have priority on departmental scholarships.
Domestic Student Preferred Deadline:
August 1 for a fall semester start. Applicants should apply for a fall start date. Applications recieved by March 1st will have priority on departmental scholarships.
Is Computer Programming a Requirement to Start the MMIS Program?
Applicants do not need a programming background to be successful in the program. However, feel free to gain as much experience with various programming languages prior to beginning the MMIS or MDATA-MIS programs. It is highly recommended to learn basic Python before your first semester unless you plan on taking the Data Technologies track. Programming is a part of business applications and is necessary when learning application development, database management, and data analytics (two sectors our STEM-designated program focuses on).
Are Internships Necessary for Graduation?
Internships are not required as part of the program curriculum, but may be taken as an elective course. However, we highly recommend that you still pursue internship opportunities. In most cases, internships help to secure a job with that employer or help open doors with others.
My Undergraduate Degree and/or Work Experience is Unrelated to Information Systems, Can I Still be Successful in the Program?
Our program is structured to ensure that a student with little to no previous exposure to related fields can be successful. The Data Technologies track is dedicated to help those without prior background. Additionally, the skills taught in our program complement just about any educational background. This is due to the fact that they are becoming more and more relevant and universal across nearly every industry.
I am a USU Student, Can I Carry Over Credits From my Undergrad?
Yes. You may take up to nine graduate credits that do not count towards your undergraduate degree (no double-dipping) which can be applied towards your future MMIS/MDATA degree, during your senior year. This enables you to complete your Masters degree in one year. In order to pursue this option, please contact your undergraduate advisor or speak with our Graduate Program Coordinator for details.
I am a Transfer Student, Can I Carry Over any Credits from my Previous Graduate Degree Program?
Transfer students may transfer up to 9 approved credits from their previous incomplete graduate degree. These credits must fulfill a requirement or be a similar course taught in our curriculum. Please contact our office to have your transfer courses evaluated for approval.
Is the MMIS Program STEM Designated?
Yes, the program carries a STEM designation (12-month OPT + 24-month extension work option after graduation) in database management and analytics.
What Skills are Taught as Part of the Program?
IT Security, SQL, Python, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, and Data Mining, SAS, PHP, etc. Additionally, our curriculum committee is always in search of teaching the most relevant and up-to-date skills used in the workforce. Be sure to stay alert of new classes that are offered each year.
Do you Offer Conditional Acceptances?
Due to university policies, we are unable to offer a conditional acceptance under any circumstance.
Am I Able to Submit an Unofficial Transcript for my Application?
A waiver may be requested for extenuating circumstances. However, you are unable to register for your second semester until official transcripts are recieved.
May I Defer my Application or Acceptance?
Yes, for up to one year.
How Many Students Does the Program Tend to Accept Each Year?
We strive to accept each qualified applicant; meaning, a student who meets all of the minimum requirements. On average, we accept 65 students each fall, and have an overall acceptance rate of 70%.
I Have Been Accepted. What are the Next Steps?
Congratulations. First step, accept your offer from the School of Graduate Studies. Instructions are provided in the acceptance email. Next, submit your Letter of Intent that was sent to you in your welcome letter from the Huntsman School of Business and the MMIS/MDATA office. Set up a meeting with the MMIS/MDATA advisor to plan out your Program of Study. If registration is open, register for classes. Please contact the MMIS/MDATA office with any questions leading up to the semester.
If Denied, What are my Options?
You are welcome to reapply, but you may be asked to fix any deficiencies. Please contact the MMIS/MDATA office to inform them that you plan on fixing the deficiency and wish to reapply.
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Yes, funding is available in the form of scholarships, and waivers. All students admitted by 1 March have priority for scholarship funding. We may require an additional application to help our effort to allocate scholarship funds. Information about waivers may be found on the School of Graduate Studies cost & funding webpage. Other (non-departmental) financial aid options are offered through FAFSA. Please contact the USU Financial Aid Office, for more information.
How are Scholarships Awarded?
Scholarships, ranging in value, are awarded in our department based on several factors including GPA. If necessary, you may be asked to fill out an additional application to assist with scholarship allocation. These scholarships are not enough to cover the cost of tuition.
Are On-campus Jobs Available?
Yes, there are many on-campus employment opportunities. These are mostly handled through Aggie Handshake, an online connection to jobs, internships, and career-related events.
Do I Qualify for a WGRP Non-resident Tuition Waiver?
To qualify for the WGRP non-resident tuition waiver you must be a permanent residents of one of the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
Additionally, you must meet all of the School of Graduate Studies minimum requirements. Application is found at the link provided.
What Information Should I Include in my Statement of Purpose?
Be sure to address the following items in your SOP:
What career goals do you have that our program will help you to achieve.
What experience with information systems or data analytics do you have.
What kinds of work experiences do you have, whether they relate to our program goals or not.
How did your previous degree prepare you for our program.
Why are you interested in our graduate program.
If your GPA and/or GRE score is low, why do you think it does not fully represent your skills and preparation for our program.