FAQ
How do I apply to the MLIS Program (on-campus or online)?
All applications are available online at ApplyYourself.
What are the prerequisites for the MLIS Program?
The Library and Information Science Program seeks students with diverse educational and career backgrounds. Applicants for graduate study must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.
The GRE or Miller Analogy tests are required. Applicants with post-baccalaureate advanced degrees (Master's, PhD, JD, etc.) are exempt from this requirement. The institution number for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927. The program code for Library and Information Science is 4701.
Can I specialize in my MLIS studies?
Our current specializations are listed here.
How much does it cost to attend a graduate program at the iSchool?
Tuition costs can be found here.
How long will take to earn the MLIS degree?
You can finish the program in as little as a year – three consecutive semesters of full-time study – or up to four years (twelve terms) of part-time study.
What types of financial support are available for students?
The Program has a limited amount of financial support available, on a competitive basis, for students entering or continuing in its programs and who meet its academic requirements for admission. PhD students will be supported by the Program as Teaching Assistants/Teaching Fellows. For more information, visit our Financial Assistance page.
Who should apply to the MLIS Online Program?
At this time, the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences is authorized to enroll students from all US states EXCEPT these states in our online graduate programs pursuant to state laws and regulations.
As an online student, can I take on-campus courses?
Yes, you have the option to take on-campus courses is appropriate for your course of study.
How does online learning work?
Courses delivered in the MLIS Online Program might involve asynchronous Web classes, real-time conferencing with faculty and peer students, and an on-campus residency. Course delivery is designed to facilitate the flow of communication between instructors and students. You will simply log into the student learning portal and view classes via the University’s Blackboard system. Through the student portal, you’ll have access to the technology and library resources of the University.
Some instructors incorporate real-time sessions, in which you’ll participate using Skype or other Web-conferencing tools. If a team project is assigned, you and your teammates will have a suite of collaborative tools to facilitate the successful completion of the project.
Will my degree be considered an "online" degree?
As a student of the University of Pittsburgh, your degree will be awarded from University. It will not be classified as an online degree.
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. More information about WISE can be found here.
How do I apply to the LIS PhD Program?
All applications are available online at ApplyYourself.
What are the requirements for admission to the PhD Program?
- A Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, a recognized international program, or the equivalent in a closely related field of study. Students must submit official transcripts as evidence.
- Attainment in graduate work of a minimum quality point average of 3.50 (on a scale with A having a value of four points per credit). An international student's quality point average will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.
- Submission of scores from a predictor test such as the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test, taken within the last five years. (The institution number for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927. The program code for Library and Information Science is 4701.)
- At least three references from persons in the professional and academic communities. The Committee on Doctoral Studies may, on occasion, require additional references.
- Submission of an application fee of $50.
For more information about admission to the PhD program, visit our Admissions page.
How do I choose my advisor for the PhD Program?
An advisor will be assigned to the student upon entering the program, but students are free to select a different advisor for subsequent advising and registration as their interests become more focused. The PhD student should seek a faculty program advisor who is knowledgeable in the student's major area of study. The advisor must be a member of the graduate faculty.
Will I get to participate in research projects?
Both Master's students and PhD candidates can—and do—participate in research projects. The faculty has numerous projects underway, including several that have received federal funding.
