MS Information Systems Application Deadlines & Requirements

Application Deadlines


  • The sooner you are able to apply, the better your chances for funding, an earlier admission decision, additional time to find housing, and, for international students, additional time to secure your visa.
  • Applications will close when a program reaches capacity, so it’s important to apply early.
  • Your application is not considered complete until we have all the application materials (listed below).

Spring 2026

  Application Deadline Decision Release Date Confirmation Deadline
Priority Deadline October 1, 2025 October 15, 2025/Rolling November 1, 2025
International Deadline October 1, 2025 October 15, 2025/Rolling Nobember 1, 2025
Domestic Deadline November 15, 2025 November 21, 2025 December 1, 2025

Fall 2026

Round  Application Deadline Decision Release Date   Confirmation Deadline
Priority Deadline October 1, 2025 November 1, 2025 December 1, 2025
Round 1 January 5, 2026 February 1, 2026 March 1, 2026
Round 2* March 2, 2026 April 1, 2026 April 15, 2026
Round 3 May 1, 2026 May 15, 2026 June 1, 2026
Round 4 (if needed) June 15, 2026 Rolling July 15, 2026

*International applicants must apply before the international deadline on March 2, 2026.


Application Checklist

Select the year in which you plan on entering the program. International students based abroad are only eligible to apply for full-time enrollment (fall semester application deadline).

Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit or any other leadership experiences. There is no formatting requirement, however, please review your resume for any grammar mistakes. It should be no longer than two pages.  

An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework, even if from the University of Cincinnati. These documents must show a complete record of your courses and grades. Uploading an unofficial transcript is recommended, but an official transcript may also be sent. Your application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are received.

International Applicants: You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an international equivalent before starting the program. While NACES course-by-course evaluations are not required, one may be requested in certain cases. Your unofficial transcripts must be translated into English. If your grading scale isn't on a four-point scale, you will be asked to translate in the application process. For international three-year bachelor’s degrees, use the free WES degree equivalency tool to confirm U.S. equivalency. 

 At The University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, we value thought-driven leaders, with this in mind please upload a personal statement expressing the following:

  1. Given that today's Information Systems professional needs to be both technically proficient and an excellent communicator, how will pursuing a Lindner MS-IS degree enhance your communication skills?
  2. How will earning an MS in Information Systems degree from the Lindner College of Business help you achieve your career goals?

Formatting: We recommend the personal statement be between 250 and 500 words, double-spaced. 

Please select two recommenders who will be able to discuss your professional performance, academic performance and work style. This can include previous supervisors, faculty members or mentors. Letters of recommendations must come directly from the listed recommender on your application.

IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive both letters of recommendation.

The GMAT and GRE are currently optional beginning with the fall 2025 entry term. However, if submitted, we will consider the scores in the application process. The admissions committee accepts the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. 

Applicants are required to pay a fee to complete their application:
  • U.S. Residents: $65
  • International: $70

English proficiency

  • If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English. This includes submitting an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo test score. Please reference the Graduate College website for information on the minimum score needed to be eligible for the program. 

Work experience

  • We strongly recommend that international applicants have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience.