PhD Admissions

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The following are requirements for admission to the doctoral program in Library and Information Science.

Requirements

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.

As evidence of the ability to undertake doctoral work, the student's application must be accompanied by:

An essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, the student's academic and professional goals in relation to the Library and Information Science doctoral program and identifying potential areas and/or topics in which the student expects to pursue dissertation research.
A complete curriculum vitae that provides an overview of education, work, publication, and other professional activities.
At least one example of scholarly research or professional writing in any format (print or electronic). The student should describe fully any published or unpublished research, thesis, contributions to the professional or scholarly literature, and other professional or academic experience relevant to an assessment of his or her capacity to pursue doctoral study successfully.
If the candidate has had appropriate professional work experience in libraries, information centers, publishing, the information industry, education, or similarly related areas of professional activity, a brief description should be provided.

A telephone or personal interview may constitute part of the admissions process at the request of the Admissions and Review Committee or of the applicant.

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 department 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.

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.

Deadlines

All application materials for PhD applicants should be received at the school by January 15 for admission the following Fall Term. A separate application for financial aid should also be submitted at this time, if desired.

Students whose complete credentials are not available for full admission may register as special students until the completed credentials are received, provided all other requirements have been satisfied.

Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. Accordingly, the University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission. For the complete policy, click here.