Application Process

Please complete each step in the application process as outlined on the Apply Yourself web site. As soon as your application 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

You will submit your application and supporting materials online via Apply Yourself. You must create an account on Apply Yourself 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.

Application Fee

The application fee is $50 for all applicants and must be paid when you submit your application. The 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. For both paper and electronic submission of recommendation letters, 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 Statements of Intent

Please include the following in your online application:

resume
a statement of no more than 500 words outlining your career goals reflecting relevant experience in libraries, archives, and/or information centers; other relevant work experience; and relevant experience using information technology; etc.
in addition to the Statement of Intent described above, please provide an explanation of why you believe you will succeed as an independent learner in the FastTrack MLIS program.

Any questions about the FastTrack MLIS Program should be directed to ftinfo@sis.pitt.edu.

International Applicants

There are different documentation requirements for international students. These are explained here.

English Language Proficiency

Graduate students must possess sufficient knowledge of English to study without being hindered by language problems, to understand lectures, and to participate successfully in class discussion. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be taken if the applicant's native language is not English. The institution code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927 and the program code is 90.

A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 80 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL is required for admission to graduate study in this program. The requirement to take the TOEFL may be waived if the applicant has received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States.

Upon arrival, students with TOEFL scores less than 650 (paper) or 280 (computer) will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a foreign language are recommended, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study.

Students may choose to take the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) in place of the TOEFL. Students should receive a score of Band 6.5. Students who do not achieve this score or better, will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a foreign language are recommended, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study.