Application Process

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 access the most recent version of the admission application.

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 two individuals (e.g., professors, employers, information professionals) who are in a position to evaluate your academic performance or your potential as an information professional.

Transcripts

Only official transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts for any 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.

Transcript evaluation for international applicants is described here.

Standardized Test Scores

Submission of scores from a standardized predictor test is required. Applicants with post-baccalaureate advanced degrees (Master's, PhD, JD, etc.) are exempt from this requirement.

By nature, an MLIS degree is multi-disciplinary, and we welcome applicants with bachelor’s degree and/or advanced degree from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Our multi-disciplinary nature is reflected in the wide range of standardized tests that are accepted by our admissions committee, which include the GRE, MAT, MCAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

To send us your test scores, please use the following designations:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE institution number for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927.
The GRE program code for Library and Information Science is 4701.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT)

The MAT institution number for the University of Pittsburgh is 2732.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

The MCAT institution number for the University of Pittsburgh is 162.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Include "University of Pittsburgh" as a recipient of your GMAT test scores.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Include "University of Pittsburgh" as a recipient of your LSAT test scores.

Applicants proposing to submit scores from tests other than those listed above should contact the admissions team for advice on how to proceed.

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 and/or information centers; other relevant work experience; and relevant experience using information technology. Address how you will succeed as an independent learner in the MLIS: Pitt Online program.

International Applicants

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

Deadlines

For admission in Fall term
Application Deadline	July 1
*Admission Notification	July 30

*Dates subject to change

Once your completed application and supporting documentation is received, an admissions decision is usually reached within 4-6 weeks, or by the date listed above at the latest.

You will be informed of admissions decisions via e-mail and postal mail. Additionally, you can always check your Apply Yourself account to see if documentation has been received or if an admissions decision has been made. The status of your application, related documents, and admission decision cannot be verified until you have submitted the application fee (which is the final step in submitting your application).

Any questions should be directed to admissions@sis.pitt.edu.