Frequently Asked Questions

A common question MSITM receives from potential applicants relates to the level of technical skills required to successfully complete the fast-paced MSITM curriculum. While not required, we strongly suggest evaluating your technical skills as you consider applying to the MSITM program. Please utilize the Suggested Skillsets below and/or complete the online programming challenges below to help you gauge your level of technical preparedness as an MSITM applicant.

Suggested Skill Sets

While not required, we strongly suggest testing your skills to be prepared for the fast-paced MSITM curriculum. Utilize the coursework below to help you gauge your level of preparedness as an MSITM applicant.

For UT Austin students, the following 3 courses offered by the University of Texas at Austin (or their equivalent at another institution) are excellent preparation for the MSITM Program. Links are for recent syllabi of courses - students should review current course descriptions to see topics covered and determine equivalency at other institutions:

• C S 303E. Elements of Computers and Programming
• C S 313E. Elements of Software Design
• C S 327E. Elements of Databases

We also feel that any of the topics for CS 329E would also prepare students to succeed in our program:

• Elements of Data Visualization
• Elements of Mobile Computing
• Elements of Programming Languages
• Elements of Software Engineering
• Elements of Web Programming (optional)

For non-UT Austin students, we recommend finding equivalent coursework at your university or college.

Questions regarding content or equivalency for the above courses can be directed to our admissions team at TexasMSITM@mccombs.utexas.edu.

Test Your Skills

The following HackerRank challenges allow you to assess your ability to solve logical problems using programming languages, as well as your knowledge of SQL. Feel free to use any programming language or version of SQL to solve the problems below. 

(Disclaimer: Successful completion of these challenges does not guarantee admission into the MSITM program. These challenges are not used in the application process. These challenges are provided to help you personally gauge whether you have the technical background to potentially be a good candidate for the MSITM program.)

Programming

• Birthday Chocolate
• Sock Merchant
• Electronics Shop
• Library Fine

SQL

• Higher than 75 Marks
• Top Earners
• Average Population of Each Continent
• Top Competitors

Questions regarding content above can be directed to our admissions team at TexasMSITM@mccombs.utexas.edu.

What do I need for a complete application?

A completed application consists of the following:

• Official transcripts uploaded in PDF format
• GRE or GMAT scores (optional)
  • GMAT: 396-44-30
  • GRE: 6882
• TOEFL or IELTS score for all international applicants
• Two Required Personal Essays and an additional video essay
• Three letters of recommendation, from either professors or professionals with whom you have worked
• Resume

All sections within the online application must be filled out completely. Additionally, if the admissions committee requires further information about a candidate, an interview may be required.

I am an international applicant. Can I apply after the final international deadline?

No. The final international deadline is set in order to allow time for visa processing. Additionally, due to a high volume of applications, we cannot accept applications after the final deadline.

I submitted my application by the deadline but I am unable to pay my application fee. Will my application be considered “on-time?”

Yes. Your application is considered “on time” if submitted by the deadline, regardless if the fee is paid on that date. However, your application will not be evaluated if you do not pay the fee once it’s due.

Can I apply to more than one MS Program?

Yes, you can apply to two MS Programs (MSBA, MSF, MSM, MSITM). You will be required to submit another application to the additional program(s); however, you will only be required to submit one application fee.

Do you offer a part-time or online MS IT & Management option?

No. The Texas McCombs MSITM program is only offered on a full-time, in-person basis.

Can I enroll in your classes as a non-degree seeking student?

No. MS Programs courses are reserved only for students admitted to the MSBA, MSF, MSM and MSITM programs.

Are your programs STEM?

The MS in Finance, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing, and the MS in IT & Management are all STEM-eligible.

Is the GMAT/GRE optional?

Yes! Beginning with the 2023-24 admissions cycle, we are pleased to announce that GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs! Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.

If you opt to submit GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE scores, you will need to provide your test scores in order to submit your application. While the official score report may reach the Graduate School after we have received your application, you will not be able to submit unless you have entered your scores and at least uploaded an unofficial score report. Read more about tests now being optional on our blog.

What are the codes for GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS?

The Educational Testing Service institution code for the GRE and TOEFL is 6882. The institutional code for the GMAT: MSM: 396-44-93 MSF: 396-44-78 MSBA: 396-44-73 MSITM: 396-44-30 To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, have an official paper score report sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Do you prefer taking one test over the other?

No, we do not have a preferred test. We accept both the GRE and the GMAT.

What’s your minimum acceptable test score? What test scores do I need in order to secure admission?

We are looking for overall exceptional applications, including high grades, strong professional development, high test scores (if submitted), and communication skills. Our faculty committee is concerned when GRE/GMAT scores are below the 50th percentile for MSM, MSITM, and MSF (verbal or quantitative) and below 60th percentile for MSBA, or TOEFL scores are below 100 (IELTS below 7).