Application materials submitted online
The online application opens annually by September 1st. Before you apply online, we recommend gathering the necessary information, preparing your personal statement and supplemental responses, and saving them as separate electronic documents. These steps will allow you to copy and paste your prepared statements into the online application. If you try to compose your answers online, the session may time out. However note that you do not have to fill out your application in one setting; you can start the application soon after September 1st, fill in parts of it, then save it and return to it later.
The following materials will be submitted online:
1. Personal Statement Questions
The Personal Statement questions offer you the opportunity to communicate to the Admissions Committee your personal aspirations relating to your future in the information science and management profession. Answer each question in approximately 200 words or less. Please note that we will be using your answers to assess your writing skills as well as your fit for the program. The Information School welcomes applicants who have varied cultural experiences or educationally or economically diverse backgrounds. If you wish to have these factors included in the review of your application, please include them in your answer to the last question.
1) What does information management mean to you?
2) What will you do with this degree?
3) Why did you choose the MSIM program at the University of Washington Information School? How did you find us?
4) Please give an example of an information management project that you have done in the past, either in school or at work. If you have not worked on an information management project, please give a project idea you might be interested in working on in the future.
5) Describe a situation in which you have demonstrated your leadership skills.
6) (Optional) Are there any exceptional circumstances we should know about you?
Please remember that each answer should not be longer than 200 words.
2. Designate Recommenders
On the UW Graduate School application you will be asked to provide names and contact information for three persons from whom you have requested recommendations. Your recommenders will be sent an e-mail prompt with instructions for submitting their letter of recommendation online once you activate their names as ready for the e-mail instructions. For this reason we recommend you start your application soon after September 1st - so your recommenders are given plenty of time to receive this e-mail prompt and write your letter. (Note that once you start your application you can always save it and return to it later to finish filling it out.) Requesting your letters of recommendation online will allow you to see when the letters have been submitted. Additional instructions are available within the online UW Graduate School application.
Request recommendations from three people who know you well and who are able to comment on your academic competence, ability to engage in graduate study, and potential for future success in the library and information science professions, or who can comment on your employment experience. Unless academic- or work-related, do not submit recommendations from family members, clergy, or friends.
Though we prefer that your recommenders submit their letters through the online option, they can also opt to send a letter via regular mail. If they choose this option, the recommendation should be written on company or organizational letterhead and sent with a completed MLIS Recommendation Cover Sheet, in pdf form below:
Request recommendations from people who know you well and who are able to comment on your academic competence, ability to engage in graduate study, and potential for future success in information science professions, or your employment experience. These recommendations may be from either academic or professional references. Unless academic- or work-related, do not submit recommendations from family members, clergy, or friends.
3. Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
Upload an electronic copy of your curriculum vitae or résumé, in Microsoft Word, RTF, or PDF format. Your curriculum vitae or résumé should include the following information.
Relevant academic or professional experience (including employer, position title, dates of employment).
Note: Mid career MSIM applicants must demonstrate at least five years of full-time, professional work experience in technology, information, or management positions.
Involvement with volunteer, community, and/or diversity-related activities including the organization, position title, and dates of service.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Information School's Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) by e-mail at msim@washington.edu or by phone at 206-543-1794. Thank you for your interest!