FAQ
Who should apply?
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. International students who can meet any requirements for on-campus experiences are welcome to apply.
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. An application fee of $50.00 (US dollars) is required to submit your application for admission.
Scores from 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.
When may I apply? When will the program begin?
Click here for application deadlines.
To know when each term begins, visit the University of Pittsburgh's Academic Calendar, which is located here.
When and how will I know if I have been accepted?
You will be informed via e-mail and US mail that you have been accepted to the program.
How much will the program cost?
For the latest tuition and fee rates, please check here. Please note that the part-time tuition fees and rates apply to online students. In addition, if an on-campus experience is required, the student is responsible for any associated travel and lodging costs.
Is financial aid available?
At the present time, iSchool financial support is not available to students in the online 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 in terms of computing capabilities?
We believe the quality of Web-based education depends significantly on the quality of the connection that a student has to the Internet visit our technology requirements page for more information.
How long will it take to earn the MLIS degree?
It should take six terms—two years of year-round study—to complete the MLIS: Pitt Online Program. The statue of limitations is outlined here.
What courses will I take?
Visit our courses page for more detail about classes and courses of study.
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.
Are there other educational experiences available?
In addition to the regular course work, students may take a Field Placement or Individual Research course - or one of the WISE course opportunities. Please note that internships are permitted in ALL states except Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Washington State.
Can I transfer credits into the 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 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 does online learning work?
Courses delivered in the MLIS: Pitt 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. You can explore this online learning platform at: http://www.online.pitt.edu/demo/course-tour.php .
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 are the career opportunities?
There are so many career opportunities for those with the skills and knowledge to manage information. Students will be preparing for careers in technology companies, medical librarianship/informatics, or in academic, public, or special libraries. Click here for more career resources.
What kind of students are in the online program?
Our online students are from more than 35 US states, including 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 55, 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. Many of our students have experience in the library field, but it certainly isn't required.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Our advisors and faculty are available to answer your questions. Start by sending your questions to lisinq@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. More information about WISE can be found here.
Policy on Participation in an online course
Students are required to participate actively in each learning experience as required by the individual instructor and to complete each course assignment by the instructor’s deadline. It is the responsibility of all online students to make arrangements for participating in the course consistently throughout the term. An instructor allots a grade or number of points for timely and regular participation and lowers the grade or number of points if the student does not participate.
“G” (Incomplete) Grades
The instructor decides whether to grant a student the option of not completing a course by the end of the term and granting a grade of "G." Permission is granted only in the case of a medical emergency or a personal or professional crisis. Students may not carry more than one (G) grade into the following term. University policy is that incomplete grades must be completed by the end of the following term.
