What are the requirements for admission?

While a bachelor's degree is required for admission, your degree can be in any discipline. If you earned a 3.0 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate study, you do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. For those with a GPA below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, GRE test scores are required. However, if an applicant has a JD, MD, or a PhD degree, they would be exempt from the GRE requirement. In addition to the online application, admission requirements include:

• Three letters of reference
• A resumé
• A personal statement

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of having passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following scores:

• 620 or higher (or 260 or higher for the computer-administered version)
• 104 or higher (at least a 25 in each section) for the TOEFL iBT test

Note: Our School's Institution code is 1836.

The IELTS test also is accepted with a minimum score of 7 in each section. The University's Department of Linguistics serves as a resource for currently enrolled Illinois graduate students who wish to improve English-language proficiency.

We welcome students from all backgrounds. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prohibits discrimination based on such characteristics as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

How do I apply?

To apply, visit the Graduate College's application page, review the information, and select the “Apply Now” button. Follow the instructions for applying as well as uploading your academic credentials, resumé, and personal statement. An application fee is required, and the amount is determined by your citizenship and/or visa status.

We are looking for students who are creative, curious, motivated, and prepared to be leaders in the field. Your personal statement (~750-1,000 words, 12pt Arial font, single spaced) should include your objectives for the degree, including:

1. how your educational background, work experience, and other relevant experience will contribute to your experience at the iSchool; and
2. how the degree will help you create a strategy for accomplishing your goals and aspirations using the following resources and opportunities: (a) courses; (b) faculty, staff, and other resources; (c) pre-professional opportunities such as internships, practica, and volunteer work; (d) strategies for engaging and networking with people, organizations, and potential employers; and (e) leadership and extracurricular opportunities at the iSchool and beyond.

Newly admitted students must enroll in their program within one year from the original chosen term of enrollment on their application. If eligible, admitted students can defer their entry term only once.

When are applications due?

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials before or on the final deadline in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships. Scholarships will be based on a holistic review of all submitted application materials.

Spring 2020 Admission
Application portal opens: June 1
Final application deadline: September 15 (application closes at 11:00 p.m. CST)
Decision notification date: October 15
Last day to accept admission offer: November 2

Fall 2020 Admission
Application portal opens: August 1
Final application deadline: December 1 (application closes at 11:00 p.m. CST)
Decision notification date: January 31
Last day to accept admission offer: April 15

How will my application be evaluated?

Our Admissions Committee will evaluate your application as a whole, taking into account all submitted information. Only completed applications will be reviewed, and application materials will not be returned to the applicant.

Is there a process to appeal a denied decision? 

Yes. All appeals for reconsideration need to be submitted no later than 3 weeks after receiving a notification decision from the iSchool at Illinois. Only appeals for MS in LIS and MS in IM will be considered. Any appeals received after the deadline will not be considered. Strong appeals must bring new or compelling information to the attention of the appeals committee. Please click here to access the appeal for reconsideration form. 

What if I have questions?

You can e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Kim Fleming (217-300-9111) or Dimitria Johnson (217-300-6646) for answers to your questions.

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