Frequently Asked Questions
1) How many years at SMU, how many at CMU?
The program is 2 years at SMU, followed by 1 year as an undergrad at CMU plus 12 to 16 months in the CMU masters programme, depending on which programme they select.
2) In what sense is it a fast-track programme? How does it compare to the conventional case?
These students will complete the SMU BSc ISM and a CMU Masters degree in a total of 4 to 4.5 calendar years. The more conventional case would take 5 to 5.5 years.
3) How do you get a fast-track, and yet not compromise on quality?
Students will complete the full requirements of both programs. By admitting high achieving students and working closely with the faculty at CMU we are able to craft a course plan which leverages the opportunities at CMU to fast-track these students while maintaining the quality and richness expected of an education at both SMU and CMU.
4) What are the masters programmes at CMU? What are the distinctive features of each of these masters programmes?
12 month programs:
- Information Technology - eBusiness – Learning by doing: the program is an integrated series of projects giving students a strong background in eBusiness technologies and concerns.
16 month programs:
- Information Networking (MSIN) – Provides a solid foundation in information technology and introduces students to management, strategic thinking, and policy, with the opportunity to study each of these areas in greater depth through electives.
- Information Security Technology and Management – The program enhances a technical education with additional courses in management, information security policy, and other topics essential for leadership positions in the information security arena.
- Information Security Policy and Management – Integrates strong information security technology skills with training in organizational management and strategy issues with exposure to frontier technology, critical policy issues and leading management practices
5) What are the qualifications needed to get into the programme?
The students need to be high performing, top students. Also, in the spirit of SIS's standard admissions – energy, excitement, motivation, and that spark to use technology to change the world will always help. Studying abroad for a long period can be challenging and we are looking for students with the personal traits to be highly successful in varied environments.
6) What is required to transition from the Bachelors program to the Masters programme?
These fast-track students must meet the admissions requirements of the specific CMU Masters programme they apply for. They need to perform well on their Bachelors degree courses both at SMU and CMU. They will also need good results on the GRE or GMAT taken during their 3rd year.
7) What happens if a highly qualified student is admitted, but then does not perform up to standard?
As mentioned above, students must meet admissions requirements for the master's programmes through their undergraduate work. Students who do not perform well in the first 3 years should not expect the Masters programs to accept them.
8) How many students will be admitted into this special programme each year?
(Assuming there are ample numbers of highly qualified candidates) We expect around 8 students will be admitted each year. If there are sufficient qualified applicants, the number could be increased.
9) What will the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition and fees for both SMU and CMU years plus travel to the US and room & board while at CMU.
10) Will this programme have spill over benefits that will help the SMU SIS undergrad students who are not part of this programme?
Definitely! The IS programs at SMU and CMU are eager to do some joint student projects – real experience in distributed, global teams. The scholarship students will spearhead that effort, enabling them to share their program with students in Singapore . Additionally, the scholarship students will be expected to come back and share their experiences with students here through a presentation or seminar. Without doubt we will find more ways to bring the benefits to everyone at SIS.
11) Will there be other types of ways in which SMU SIS and CMU will be collaborating on educational initiatives?
Yes, keep an eye out there is a lot in the works. For example, we already have an active exchange program and have had faculty from CMU visit SMU to teach. We are continuously helping each other in curriculum development. And keep watching, there will be more high profile initiatives in the future.
12) What sorts of modules will students take at CMU prior to the masters programme?
They will take courses similar to those taken by CMU IS degree students such as an IS application project course, a short course on software architecture, professional communications, IT electives, and a “content area” with several course in one area such as complex models or global systems.
13) How will students apply for the scholarship?
Interested applicants will apply to IDA's National Infocomm Scholarship as well as to SMU School of Information Systems.
14) Is there a bond for scholars?
Yes, for this programme the National Infocomm Scholarship will carry a four year bond to a Singapore-based company in the infocomm industry. Scholars will work out the choice of master's degree with the company prior to enrollment in the master's programme.
15) Can current students apply for the scholarship?
Yes, current students at SMU's School of Information Systems can apply. A few students with top results at SMU will be able join the programme and complete their studies at CMU.
