Admission
Admission to our master's degree programs is open to individuals who:
- hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized regional accrediting association and
- demonstrate a capacity for graduate work and professional aptitude by their academic history, life experience and letters of recommendation.
An individual intending to pursue an MLIS, MSIM, or MPS degree or a certificate through GSLIS (including state licensure or endorsement through the School Library Media Program) should apply for regular admission. An abbreviated process is available to those who already hold an ALA-accredited MLIS earned within five years of their application date, who seek admission to pursue a certificate, an MPS, MSIM, or coursework leading to state licensure or endorsement. See the "Continuing Education" section, below.
For information about admission to the doctoral program or the Accelerated MLIS/PhD option, please visit the PhD admission page.
Application Process
Applicants must meet all academic requirements for admission in full before applying to the graduate program. However, those who are completing their baccalaureate degree may apply as soon as they receive their grades from the first semester of their senior year. Admission, if granted, will be conditional upon receipt of final transcript by the start of the semester following the granting of the bachelor's degree.
Admission decisions are announced on a rolling basis. MLIS and MPS programs begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters; the MSIM program begins in fall only.
To apply to the MLIS, MSIM, or MPS program, you need to submit:
- a completed online application;
- a personal essay of at least 500 words that addresses your reasons for applying to our program and what you hope to gain from the experience;
- two completed letters of recommendation from individuals—managers, supervisors, professors or academic advisors—who can attest to your scholastic ability and professional promise (personal or peer references will not be accepted);
- official transcripts from the institution that awarded your bachelor's degree or higher. Please request that the registrar(s) send the transcript directly to Dominican, either in paper or electronically. Applicant-submitted transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope, signed across the seal;
- scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the past five years if you didn’t meet the cumulative performance requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A combined score of 297 (on the current scale) or 1,000 (on prior scale) on two portions of the GRE and a 3.5 or higher on the analytical writing section, or a score of 404 on the MAT is necessary for admission. All applicants will have a maximum of three opportunities to submit test scores. If you’ve already earned a graduate degree in another field, the admission committee will consider the GPA for the advanced degree in the overall admissions process; and
- a non-refundable application fee of $25. This fee is waived for graduates of Dominican University. Pay now
The applicant's complete file is reviewed by the admission committee which evaluates the applicant's background, qualifications and academic potential. Only complete application files will be reviewed. No credentials will be returned to the applicant.
All application materials become the property of Dominican University. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information regarding a previous academic record on an admission application is grounds for denial of admission.
Admitted students may defer their enrollment for a maximum of one year. Admitted student files will be kept for one year after date of admission. Thereafter, s/he must reapply, as must an applicant who withdraws his/her application after it has been submitted.
Application Dates and Deadlines
Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. Early application prior to the dates listed below is strongly encouraged. Late application will be accepted if space allows.
- Fall term–June 15 (MLIS, MPS, or MSIM)
- Spring term–November 15 (MLIS or MPS)
- Summer term–March 15 (MLIS or MPS)
Transfer of Credit
Students must request transfer of credit in writing to the dean when they apply for admission. A maximum of six semester hours in library and information science earned at another American Library Association-accredited program may be accepted for transfer into the MLIS program. Acceptance of transfer credit is based on the following conditions and will be reviewed by the dean:
- the credits were earned in a program accredited by the American Library Association regardless of the format or location of delivery (for transfer into the MLIS program),
- the credits were earned with a grade of B or better (for transfer into all master's programs), and
- the credits were earned within the last five years (for transfer into all master's programs).
A decision on whether to grant a transfer of credit will be made as soon as possible after the request is received and no later than the first term during which the student is enrolled. To request transfer credit, please email the Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit to Catherine Galarza-Espino, GSLIS Marketing and Recruiting Coordinator.
Abbreviated Process for MLIS Degree Holders
Librarians or information specialists who possess an MLIS or master's degree from an equivalent program accredited by the American Library Association may be admitted using an abbreviated process. You may qualify for this process if you have:
- an MLIS degree from Dominican University OR an MLIS or master’s degree from an equivalent program accredited by the American Library Association and
- earned this degree with a 3.0 GPA within the past five years.
And you are seeking either:
- A library information specialist endorsement,
- An MPS or MSIM degree or
- A certificate of special study.
For the abbreviated application process you need to:
- complete the online application;
- pay a non-refundable application fee of $25 (waived for graduates of Dominican University);
- transcripts of your MLIS and baccalaureate degree (waived for graduates of Dominican University; and
- a personal essay of at least 500 words in length addressing your decision to pursue a post-MLIS course of study and the goals you hope to achieve while at Dominican University.
If you completed your MLIS degree more than five years ago you also need to submit two recommendations from employers and/or instructors.
Alumnae/i Participation in Classes
Dominican alumnae/i returning to Dominican are encouraged to continue their education at GSLIS. GSLIS alumnae/i are classified as:
- non-degree-seeking students (academic credit toward a certificate or endorsement, full tuition and fees),
- graduate students-at-large (academic credit, full tuition and fees) or
- auditors (no credit, 50% tuition and full fees).
Student-at-Large
The student-at-large program offers individuals the opportunity to enroll in GSLIS classes without completing the regular admission process.
Up to six semester hours earned as a student-at-large may be applied toward a degree, certificate, or endorsement, provided that the student achieves a grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better, and earns these credits within five years of beginning the degree, certificate, or endorsement program. Students-at-large are not eligible to receive scholarships or financial aid, and are not assigned an advisor. Individuals who would like to register for courses as a student-at-large should do so using the online application. A full application package is not required; only the application itself and transcripts from undergraduate institutions are necessary. Full tuition and fees apply.
Auditing a Course
An auditor in the GSLIS program is a post-MLIS student wishing to register for a class but not seeking a degree, certificate or credit for taking the class. To audit a class in the GSLIS program the student must hold an MLIS or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program. An auditor is expected to do the reading assignments and participate in class. The auditor is not expected to do written assignments or take examinations. A grade of "AU" will be posted on the registrant's transcript. Once the student has enrolled as an auditor in a course, no change in the registration to earn credit may be made.
Individuals seeking to audit a course must secure the written permission of the instructor before registering by completing the audit permission form and a registration form. Forms are available from the GSLIS office or online (visit MyDU and select Schools--Graduate School of Library and Information Science--Forms). Doctoral courses at the LIS900 level are not open for auditing. Please return BOTH forms to the GSLIS office, Crown 300, fax (708) 524-6657; GSLIS staff will process your registration and confirm with you once you are enrolled.
Registration may take place only on the first day of the class and an auditor may not hold a place in the class if needed by a credit student. Prospective audit students can check on the availability of space in each class by viewing the course schedule online (visit MyDU and select Course Search). If a course session is filled, an audit student will not be able to join the class.
As of the summer 2016 semester, which begins May 9, Dominican GSLIS graduates may audit courses in GSLIS at 50% off the full tuition rate. GSLIS alumnae/i interested in auditing courses in other schools should check with the appropriate school regarding its audit policy.
All others who have received permission to audit a course may do so at the full tuition rate.
In all cases, student fees will be charged. Current tuition and fee information is available from the Student Accounts Office.