FAQ
How do I apply?
The information you need to apply for admission is available here. We only accept applications online: an application is available at: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-is.
When may I apply? When will I know if I have been accepted? When will the FastTrack Program begin?
| For admission May 2010 | |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2010 |
| *Admission Notification | March 15, 2010 |
| For admission September 2010 | |
| Application Deadline | June 15, 2010 |
| *Admission Notification | July 17, 2010 |
*Dates subject to change
To know when each term begins, visit the appropriate course schedule here.
How much will the FastTrack MLIS program cost?
For the latest tuition and fee rates, please check here. Please note that the part-time tuition fees and rates apply to FastTrack students.
Is financial aid available?
At the present time, financial aid from the School of Information Sciences is not available to students in the FastTrack MLIS Program. In addition to government financial aid opportunities, applicants are encouraged to investigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities through local, state, and national information management professional associations.
What do I need to connect?
Students in the FastTrack MLIS program are required to connect to the Internet via a broadband Internet service provider (ISP). What this means is that each student must have a connection that relies on DSL (digital subscriber line) or cable modem technology. The reason for this policy is that we believe the quality of Web-based education depends significantly on the quality of the connection that a student has to the Internet.
What type of computer do I need?
The FastTrack MLIS program requires that each student owns a personal computer that is outfitted with an Intel compatible processor with 2 GB RAM or more and that supports Windows XP or Vista.
In the Macintosh environment, the equivalent computer is an Intel-processor-based MAC with Microsoft Silverlight 2.0 and at least 2 GB RAM. Older PPC Macintosh systems are not supported.
In addition, the FastTrack MLIS program recommends that the personal computer is equipped with a graphic adapter capable of supporting streaming video, a microphone for audio input, and a Web browser with Java support. See technical requirements for a more in-depth description.
How is the FastTrack MLIS program organized as a learning experience? What will I learn?
The FastTrack MLIS program is based on the concept of student cohorts and the belief that group-based learning is a highly effective approach to the mastery learning on which professional education relies. The goals of the MLIS program are defined in terms of a series of competencies that each graduate is expected to possess at the conclusion of his or her course of study. This expectation applies to the FastTrack MLIS, as well as the on-campus program.
How long will it take to earn the MLIS degree?
It should take six terms—two years of year-round study—to complete the FastTrack MLIS Program.
How much time will I have to spend on campus in Pittsburgh?
For those entering the program during the summer, the new cohort will meet in Pittsburgh for five days in July to complete course requirements, get hands-on computer training, and become acquainted with the School’s faculty, staff and other cohort members. Students first enrolling in the Fall term will meet in Pittsburgh for three days in October. In each of the subsequent five terms, this cohort is required to come to campus for a weekend.
How much time will I have to devote to my learning experiences?
Asynchronous learning tends to be comparatively demanding because there is often more emphasis on reading, because contributing in significant ways to threaded discussions and interactive chat sessions tends to be time-consuming, and because it may take more time to locate and assimilate course material presented through a delivery mechanism such as CourseWeb. Hence, two courses in a term represents a full course load in the FastTrack MLIS program.
What courses will I take?
Visit our courses page for more detail about classes and courses of study.
Are there other educational experiences available through the FastTrack MLIS?
In addition to the regular course work, students in the FastTrack MLIS program may undertake LIS 2901: Individual Research, LIS 2921: Field Placement or one of the WISE course opportunities.
May I transfer credits into the FastTrack MLIS Program?
Up to six (6) credits of graduate-level course work can be transferred from an accredited institution of higher education, provided that the credit was not applied toward a previous degree or certificate. Courses that you wish to have transferred must have been taken within four (4) years preceding the date of initial enrollment in the FastTrack MLIS program. You must demonstrate that the course(s) are relevant to your career objectives and to the curriculum. To have credits transferred, you must also obtain the advice and written approval of your faculty advisor.
How will I learn? What teaching methods will be used?
The FastTrack MLIS program will be delivered to students using several methods of instruction: Web-based asynchronous course delivery; synchronized, real-time conferencing for interactive sessions between instructor and students; and an on-campus learning experience each term the student is registered for classes. Asynchronous course delivery using Blackboard's CourseWeb will be the primary method of delivering instruction in the FastTrack MLIS program. This method is based largely on the idea of the Web as an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning. Course delivery is designed to reduce "transactional distance" between instructors and learners by building carefully on the interplay between learning structures and communication as well as facilitating the communication flow between teacher and learner.
Can I specialize?
Yes. The FastTrack MLIS offers these specializations.
What are the career opportunities?
There are so many career opportunities for those with the skills and knowledge to manage information. Students in the FastTrack MLIS cohorts will be preparing for careers in school library and media center management, medical librarianship/informatics, technology companies, archives or in academic, public, or special libraries. Click here for more career resources.
What is the profile of previous cohorts?
Students from the previous cohorts live in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. They range in age from 24 to 65, and hold a variety undergraduate degrees in elementary education, English, psychology, art history, zoology, communications, social work, urban planning, sociology, speech, biology, and mechanical engineering. Many students also hold additional advanced degrees. Though most members of the cohort do have library experience, several members have less than one year experience. The cohort concept makes it possible for all FastTrack MLIS students to learn from other cohort members. The range of backgrounds, experiences and interests adds to the discussions, projects and overall learning experience of each student.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Our advisors and faculty are available to answer your questions. Start by sending your questions or area of inquiry to ftinfo@sis.pitt.edu. We will help you to get all the information you need to make a decision.
What is WISE?
Web-based Information Science Education (WISE) is a unique and groundbreaking opportunity for students enrolled at Pitt to take online courses from other leading schools to broaden the scope of the curriculum. The WISE consortium uses advanced technology as a means to enrich one’s education and foster relationships among students, faculty, and universities. More information about WISE can be found here.