Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences: Applying

“My powers are ordinary. Only my application brings me success.” ~Isaac Newton

Thank you for your interest in the Professional Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences (METALS) at Carnegie Mellon University. If you have a question that is not addressed in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, please feel free to contact us at metals-info@lists.andrew.cmu.edu.

We look forward to reviewing your application.

METALS Application Information

All students interested in applying for the Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences (METALS) must do the following:

Complete the online application.
Enhance your skills and demonstrate your potential to succeed in the program by taking one of our certificate courses in learning engineering. This is an optional step and not required. If you earn a certificate, be sure to mention it in your application.
Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. While not required, this test is highly recommended. Students should have scores sent directly to Carnegie Mellon University institution code 2074, department code 0402 (“Computer Science”). In your application, you will be requested to upload a copy of your official general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores along with the completed application (the subject test is not required).
If English is not your native language, you must submit a TOEFL, DuoLingo, or IELTS score. If you are currently working on or have received a bachelors or master degree in the US, the TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS is still required, but you may submit a copy of a previous score report even if it is more than two years old.
- TOEFL: Send scores via ETS using Carnegie Mellon University — SCS codes (Institutional Code 4256, Departmental Code 78).
- Duolingo: Make sure to request that Duolingo includes your subscores when they send your test results to Carnegie Mellon University – Graduate Computer Science Programs.
- IELTS: Deliver your IELTS scores to:
  - Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science
  - Address: School of Computer Science, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
Include a copy of your most recent transcript from each college and/or university you attended, even if no degree was granted. Submit in PDF format.
Submit your resume.
Write a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose should be concise, one to two-page essay that describes the primary areas of interest, your related experiences, and your objective in pursuing a graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon. You should also include what your plans are after you complete your professional Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences (METALS) at Carnegie Mellon University and how the program will help you achieve your plan. If your background is unusual or non-traditional, this is also the right place to explain it to us.
Include three letters of recommendation.

It is your responsibility to make certain that your application, supporting documents, and letters of recommendation reach the METALS Admissions Committee by the above stated deadlines. You may check your submitted online application to make certain that it is complete.

If you’re interested in applying to the Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences (METALS), you must apply online here by the posted deadline. We do not accept applications by mail.

Fees

You can submit your application at any time and continue editing your application until the final deadline on December 11th.

Early application deadline fee $80 per program.
Application fee after November 20, $100 per program.
We expect all applicants to submit payment with their online application. However, application fee waivers are available for qualified participants of certain events, organizations, and programs. If you qualify, you can submit your fee waiver directly from the SCS Graduate Application’s application/payment screen. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver but experience financial hardship, you may still request one. More details are available at https://www.cs.cmu.edu/academics/fee-waiver.

It is your responsibility to make certain that your application, supporting documents, and letters of recommendation reach the METALS Admissions Committee by the above-stated deadlines. You may check your submitted online application to make certain that it is complete.

Application Timelines

Admission decisions for applications submitted in the fall will be emailed by March 15 at the latest. We will hold an open house for all admitted students in March. Your response is due to us by April 15. All application materials are on our online application site.

During the application process, you may start and continuously revise your application at any time. It will not be reviewed until it is complete.

Important Dates

September 4, 2024 — Application opens for Fall 2025 admissions
November 20 at 3 p.m. EST — Application early deadline
December 11 at 3 p.m. EST — Application final deadline
March 15 — Application decisions made
April 15 — Applicants response due

During the application process, you may start and continuously revise your application at any time. It will not be reviewed until it is complete.

Tuition

Tuition is determined by the Carnegie Mellon Board of Trustees. Please visit the Student Service Website and refer to the per semester tuition rates and fees for graduate degree students in the School of Computer Science (SCS) on http://www.cmu.edu/hub/tuition/graduate/scs.html. Tuition is assessed each semester. Since METALS is traditionally a three-semester program, tuition for the 2024-25 school year for the full-time program is $75,000. Additional semesters will be assessed and the tuition rate for that semester.

Full-time study is defined as taking at least 36 units or four courses per semester. Most courses are 9 or 12 units. Part-time tuition is charged at a per unit basis.

Financial Information

The Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences program does not provide students with financial support. An excellent source for general information on financial aid can be found at FinAid. The Carnegie Mellon Student Financial Services website and the Carnegie Mellon Fellowships and Scholarships Office are also available for assistance and advice on obtaining loans and/or fellowships. Many students have been able to obtain funding or financial assistance from their current employers. Employees of Carnegie Mellon University often receive tuition benefits as part of the benefit package. For current Research Assistant positions and other employment opportunities on campus, please see the Careers@Carnegie Mellon staff positions. A small number of Teaching Assistant positions occasionally become available for enrolled students who have a computer science background. Please note: if you are employed while enrolled in the Master program, the length of your program will be most likely extend beyond three semesters. If you plan to be employed while enrolled in the program, please be sure to complete the “Employment Information” section on your application.

Related Professional Programs

Because we strongly support multidisciplinary interaction at Carnegie Mellon, students can specialize in METALS but still benefit from the expertise in a number of related programs on campus. Some of the related programs are listed here including the professional master program in human computer interaction offered by HCII. To find out more about these programs, click on the links below.

Master of Human Computer Interaction, School of Computer Science
Master of Software Engineering, School of Computer Science
Master of Design in Design for Interactions, College of Fine Art

You can also view our frequently asked questions.

If you have additional questions that cannot be answered by the FAQ, please email metals-info@lists.andrew.cmu.edu.

Statement of Assurance

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.

Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the vice president for campus affairs, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-2056.

Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report describing the university’s security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus and the number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at campuspd@andrew.cmu.edu. The annual security and fire safety report is also available online at www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports.