What Students Say
Likes
- The accelerated format allows the students to complete their degree efficiently while still getting a comprehensive education.
- Professors focus on interactive and project-based learning to bring more understanding and develop skills.
- The campus is easy to reach and has good public transport links.
Dislikes
- The very hectic schedule and fast tempo of the program leave hardly any time to enjoy the most vibrant social and extracurricular sides of college life.
- Sometimes, late timings make it difficult to go home comfortably or to deal with personal time effectively.
- The fast-track nature, while efficient, leaves little time to explore interests outside academics.
Admission Experience
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List of colleges applied to:
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Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago
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Georgia State University (GSU)
- DePaul University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Auburn University
- University of South Carolina
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Michigan
- Saint Louis University
- Status for each college: All Admitted.
- Why I Chose Georgia State University (GSU): 1-Year MS Program,Big Data, Analytics, and Information Systems concentration aligns with my goals in technology and business.
- Atlanta is a great place to network, intern, and kick-start my career.
- GRA Opportunities
- GSU Admissions Process: Application Online: Filling out the application form with the application fee. Document Submission: Statement of Purpose, transcripts, C.V., Letter of Recommendations. English Proficiency Requirements: International students have to submit their TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Interviews: The interview was carried out.
- Admission Decision: Finalized and informed on email.
- Eligibility Criteria: Academic Qualification: Bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA.
- Accepted Exams:
- TOEFL with a minimum of 80 and IELTS with a minimum of 6.5.
- Preferred Experience: Work experience in IT or analytics and foundational knowledge in programming or databases.
- Intake Applied To: Fall 2024
- Admission Timeline: Applied in December, got result in February
- Completed and submitted the online application, including supporting documents such as SOP, LORs, resume, transcripts, and test scores
- Timeline: Approximately 6–8 weeks after submission.
- Received an email with the admission decision and instructions for the next steps, including enrollment formalities and assistantship opportunities.
Faculty
- The estimated faculty-to-student ratio in the MS in Information Systems program is 1:20-25.
- This ratio enables students to relate more with professors, hence better their understanding, seeking mentorship, and attention.
- It is a well-structured curriculum that incorporates theory with practice, thus adequately equipping students with the ability to meet challenges in the job market.
- The contents are industry-relevant, covering key areas such as Big Data, analytics, and information systems strategy.
Campus Life
- It is located in the Buckhead area, offering a modern learning environment with advanced facilities designed for business and technology-focused programs such as MSIS.
- Evening and weekend classes are common here, making it accessible for students with daytime commitments.
- GSU houses over 400 student organizations, which include cultural, professional, and recreational clubs.
Part Time Jobs
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Teaching Assistant (TA), Research Assistant (RA), and Departmental Assistant (DA) Positions
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Students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and 40 hours per week during breaks or holidays.
Around 70-80% of MSIS students get TA, RA, or DA opportunities based on their academic background, skills, and faculty requirements. -
Teaching Assistantship/Research Assistantship/Departmental Assistantship: Employment opportunities in teaching, research, or departmental roles that align with academic interests.
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Tech company and startup internships in the high-growth Atlanta business district. Data analytics, IT support, or consulting through various work programs. GSU's Handshake Portal for on-campus jobs.
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The interview for a TA/RA/DA position may be more formal and could include questions on technical expertise and/or academic background.
Placement
- Percentages of Students Employed:
- Approximately 90-95% of graduates secure employment within 6 months of completing the program.
- Graduates of the MS in Information Systems at GSU can expect to earn an average annual salary in a range from $80,000 to $110,000 based on the nature of the position, experience, and geography.
- Roles within data analytics, IT consulting, and business intelligence tend to be at the higher end of the pay scale.
Accommodation
- Off-campus accommodation was one option that could offer more flexibility in terms of budget, privacy, and facilities.
- I found my accommodation through online platforms and student groups.
- Rent: The monthly rents ranged between 500 and 800 dollars.
- Some neighborhoods, being popular with students, had few vacancies, and it was quite difficult to get a spot.
Exams
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5.
TOEFL: Minimum score of 80
Academic Transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Resume (CV)
Test Scores
Passport Copy
Interview in Application Form
Application Fee
Application Fee Waiver: Attending a GSU admissions webinar not only provides valuable insights about the program but also waives the application fee.
Fees
- $50,290 for the entire program
- Housing: Depending on location and type, monthly rent can range from $400 to $700.
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): Approximately $100 to $150 per month.
- Food: Monthly grocery and dining expenses may range from $300 to $500.
- Transportation: Public transportation costs approximately $45-$65 per month for a MARTA transit pass.
- Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal care, etc.): An estimated $200 to $300 per month.
Scholarship
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Yes, I got it.
Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA): providing a stipend and partial tuition waiver.
Departmental Scholarships (CIS Scholarship Fund) -
While opportunities exist, competition is high, and international students should focus on maintaining strong academic performance and networking with faculty to increase their chances.
