Audience Tools

iSchool increases access to master’s programs for graduates and young professionals

The University of Washington Information School has launched special summer 2020 admission cycles for both the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program and the Early-Career Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) program. Prospective students can apply through Aug. 1 to be considered for autumn 2020 cohorts. 

This decision supports graduating seniors and recent alumni who may be facing reduced job prospects by offering additional pathways to an advanced, high-quality education. 

We have worked to increase access to the degree by making application fee waivers more readily available and allowing many students to apply without submitting a GRE or GMAT test score. Scholarships are also available. No prerequisite coursework or professional experience is required for admission to the MLIS program or the MSIM Early-Career program. 

Students can select from multiple degree tracks this special admissions cycle, including:

  • MSIM Early-Career, 1-year
  • MSIM Early-Career, 2-year
  • MLIS online
  • MLIS residential
  • Law Librarianship

While not officially part of this extended admissions cycle, the Mid-Career MSIM program is still considering applications for autumn quarter 2020 admission through its normal admissions cycles until Aug. 1. Prospective students with at least five years of relevant post-baccalaureate work experience can earn their MSIM in just one year on a part-time, work-friendly (evenings and weekends) schedule. 

Students emerge from the iSchool with a deep understanding about how to leverage technology to connect people to information, transform organizations and lead change. Graduates go on to meaningful careers in a range of fields including: data analysis, user-experience design, consulting, information architecture, IT project management, content strategy, and librarianship (public, youth, academic, etc.).

The details

The summer admissions cycles launch May 4. There will be three rounds of review, based on three application deadlines: June 1, July 1 and Aug. 1. Submitted applications will be reviewed after each deadline passes, and an admission decision will be delivered within two weeks. 

Eligibility:

Admissions are open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents as well as international students. However, international students are eligible to apply only if they are already in the U.S. on an F1 visa or are in the U.S. and will not need an F1 visa to enroll in the program (due to H1B/H4, L1/L2, E1/E2, TN status, etc.). 

No prerequisite coursework is required to be considered for admission to either the MLIS or MSIM program. All applicants must earn their bachelor’s degree prior to starting classes in autumn. 

Test Scores:

Test scores are not required for MLIS or Mid-Career MSIM applicants. While a GRE/GMAT score is required for the Early-Career MSIM application, for the summer admissions cycles, any applicant meeting at least one of the following criteria will be exempt from this requirement:

  • Applicants who have earned an accredited bachelor's degree from the UW or any other regionally accredited institution located in the United States. 
  • Applicants who have earned a professional or doctoral level degree from an accredited institution in the United States (PhD, MD, JD, etc.).

Scholarships and Application Waivers:

Qualified students may request a waiver for the $85 application fee through either the Graduate School or the Information School. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process on the program admissions pages or the Summer Admissions Cycles FAQ.

All applicants will be automatically considered for Information School funding and scholarships upon acceptance. 

Choosing the Right Program:

MLIS: The library science master's program at the University of Washington is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. Open to recent graduates and experienced professionals alike, the MLIS degree program can give you the skills to help translate your goals of impacting the lives of people and improving the world around you into a satisfying career. 

MLIS students can tailor their curriculum, projects and practica to their interests, and graduates pursue careers at diverse organizations and companies. Common areas of focus include: organizing data and knowledge, elevating learning and scholarship, serving the public, inspiring youth, preserving records and artifacts, and transforming industry.

  • Residential/Online MLIS: 63 quarter credits including core courses, electives and a final degree project. The degree earned by students in the residential and online modes is identical. However, while the residential mode is a full-time, 2-year program with a lock-step core, the online mode is set up to be a part-time program, completed over 3 years. Students are able to take elective courses in either mode, and networking and interaction among the cohorts is encouraged through formal and informal means.
  • Law Librarianship: 43 credits over four quarters (residential mode only). Admission to the law librarianship program requires the completion of a JD. The curriculum blends a strong theoretical foundation in the principles of information science with the specialized legal research and administration background you will need to thrive as a law librarian. An internship allows you to further build your portfolio.

More information about the MLIS program and summer admissions cycles is available online or by attending an admissions information session.

MSIM: A global leader, the master’s in information management at the UW is designed for recent graduates, young professionals and career-changers. Students from all majors are welcome, and no tech experience or prerequisite coursework is required. 

Early-Career MSIM students can tailor their coursework to their interests or choose from six in-demand specializations: business intelligence, data science, information architecture, information consulting, information security, and user experience. The MSIM program teaches you critical skills that help leverage your undergraduate education, expands your professional network, and helps to open new doors to career possibilities across public, private or nonprofit sectors. 

  • 1-year: 40 credits over four quarters. Focused curriculum allows students to complete the degree quickly; course schedule accommodates one specialization and a practicum plus core courses.
  • 2-year: 65 credits over six quarters. Flexible curriculum allows for more breadth in learning experience and longer access to iSchool resources; students earn two specializations and have the opportunity to complete a summer internship.

More information about the MSIM program and summer admissions cycles is available online or by attending an admissions information session.

Additional Questions?

Visit our Summer Admissions Cycles FAQ to learn more about how to apply, or contact the Information School student services staff at iask@uw.edu.