Library and Information Science Program at School of Information Sciences at University of Pittsburgh print this page

   
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Academics / Admissions  
   
   

Admissions Application Process

 
   

Please complete each step in the application process. The timely completion of your application is your responsibility. As soon as your application dossier is complete, it will be forwarded to the Admissions and Review Committee for evaluation. You will be notified in a timely manner of the Committee’s decision.

Application Form

Please complete all information requested in the online application packet. The application fee is $50.00 for all applicants and must be paid when you submit your application via Apply Yourself. This link will take you to the School's online application system.  You must create an account on ApplyYourself in order to view or download the most recent version of the admission application and the financial aid application. The application fee will not be waived, deferred, or refunded. Applications will not be considered until the fee has been received. Receipt of payment will be acknowledged by email from Apply Yourself.

Letters of Recommendation

Identify and seek the recommendations of three individuals (e.g., professors, employers, information professionals) who are in a position to evaluate your academic performance or your potential as an information professional. Before you submit your application, ask your
references in which form they wish to submit their recommendation, by paper or electronically. If your references choose paper, the paper forms are here, and you should provide a stamped addressed envelope to the School (see address below) for quick return of your recommendation. If your references choose the electronic method, please follow the instructions outlined on Apply Yourself.

Transcripts

Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate work must be sent directly to the Admissions Coordinator by the issuing institution. If your transcript is recorded in a former name, please let us know immediately so that the processing of your application is not delayed.

Required Statement of Intent – MLIS/CAS

Please include the following in your online application:

  • Resume
  • A statement of no more than 500 words outlining your career goals

Your resume and statement should reflect and highlight:

  • Relevant experience in libraries, archives, and/or information centers and other relevant work experience; and
  • Relevant experience using information technology; etc.

For FastTrack MLIS Only:

In addition to the general Statement of Intent, please provide an explanation of why you believe you will succeed as an independent learner in the FastTrack MLIS program.

For U.S. Virgin Island Residents Only:

Only U.S. Virgin Island Residents may apply for the IMLS Scholarship program. Each applicant must submit:

  • Resume,
  • a statement of no more than 500 words outlining your career goals,
  • a Statement of Intent for the FastTrack MLIS Program (see above),
  • and a projected ten-year professional goal statement.

Statement of Intent – LIS PhD

Please provide an essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, your academic and professional goals in relation to the Library & Information Science doctoral program and identifying potential areas and/or topics in which you expect to pursue dissertation research.

Important Information for LIS PhD applicants

PhD students may begin their studies only in the Fall Term to ensure a coherent program of study.

 
   

Financial Aid Application

 
   

You must be first admitted to the MLIS or PhD programs before you can be considered for financial aid from the LIS Program. You must be a full-time student to receive a program appointment. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of merit and need. The application is available on Apply Yourself.

 
   

Important Information for International applicants only:

 
   

If you are an international student and you are admitted, you must complete the International Graduate Student Supplemental Application packet for the School of Information Sciences, 2007-2008 (see downloadable forms section). This form must be returned with your acceptance response to our offer of admission. You must submit the Supplemental Application packet by mail because a paper copy with official signatures is required. The form is NOT acceptable in any other format (e.g., by email or fax). We suggest you send it via overnight mail. All information will be verified by the Office of International Services at the University of Pittsburgh before any further action is taken to process an I-20 form for you to apply for a visa. This information must be current for the term for which you apply.

Any additional admissions materials not included in this online packet should be submitted and sent to the following address:

Admissions Coordinator
School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
505 IS Building
135 N. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Phone: (412) 624-5146

For answers to general questions, or if you are unable to find information on our website, please send email to lisinq@sis.pitt.edu or see the contact list that follows.

 
   

Additional Contact Information

 
   

Any questions about the MLIS/CAS Program should be directed to:

Marcy Walls
School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
604 IS Building
135 N. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Phone: (412) 624-9458
Fax: (412) 648-7001
Email: mwalls@sis.pitt.edu

Any questions about the Financial Aid should be directed to:

Debbie Day
School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
605D IS Building
135 N. Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Phone: (412) 624-9420
Fax: (412) 648-7001
Email: dday@sis.pitt.edu

Any questions about the FastTrack MLIS Program should be directed to: Dr. Susan W. Alman

Any questions about the MLIS School Library Certification Program should be directed to: Dr. Mary K. Biagini

Any questions about the Children and Youth Services should be directed to: Leanne Bowler

Any questions about the LIS Ph.D. Program should be directed to: Dr. Sherry Koshman

Any questions about the Archives and Records Management or Preservation Management specialization should be directed to: Dr. Richard Cox

Any questions about the Digital Libraries specialization should be directed to: Dr. Chris Tomer

Any questions about the Medical Librarianship/Informatics specialization should be directed to: Dr. Ellen Detlefsen

 
   
   
   

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For more information about the Library and Information Science Program,
please call 412.624.9420 or e-mail Debbie Day


School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh,
135 North Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Tel: 412.624.3988 | Fax: 412.624.5231 
For information about Admissions & Financial Aid, please contact
Shabana Reza at 800.672.9435

Information Science & Technology Email: isinq@sis.pitt.edu
Telecommunications Email: teleinq@sis.pitt.edu
Library & Information Science Email: lisinq@sis.pitt.edu

LIS SIS Pitt