Admissions and Costs

The Master of Information program is a competitive, 36-credit degree available in on-campus/hybrid or fully online formats. Students must complete the program within three years.

 

Pursue your Master of Information Degree

Use the sections below to understand what you need to apply, when to apply, and how to plan for tuition, credit transfers, and financial support.

  • All applicants must submit:

    • Official transcripts
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Resume or CV
    • 750-word personal statement
    • $70 non-refundable application fee
    • GRE test scores are only required if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and you do not hold a graduate degree. Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher or who have earned an advanced degree (e.g., MA, JD, Ph.D.) are automatically exempt from submitting GRE scores. No action is needed.

    *International students have additional requirements to apply to read: International applicants must meet additional requirements, including proof of English language proficiency, a credential evaluation by a NACES member, and visa eligibility. On-campus international applicants are currently limited to one concentration due to visa policy changes.

     

  • Degree: MI (formerly M.L.I.S.)

    Institutional Program Title: Library and Information Science

    CIP Group Title: Library Science/Librarianship

    CIP Code:11.0401

    International Student Requirements

  • Step 1: Complete the online admissions application.
    You’ll be asked to choose your program format:

    • For the hybrid/on-campus MI:
      • Applicant Type: Degree
      • Degree Type: Master's
      • Area of Study: Library and Information Science
      • Location/Instructional Method: New Brunswick
      • Program Selection: Information (MI) New Brunswick
    • For the fully online MI:
      • Applicant Type: Degree
      • Degree type: Master's
      • Area of Study: Library and Information Science
      • Location/Instructional Method: Online
      • Program Selection: Information (MI) Online
    • For the BA/MI 5-Year program:
      • Applicant Type: Degree
      • Degree type: 5-Year Master's
      • Area of Study: Library and Information Science
      • Location/Instructional Method: New Brunswick
      • Program Selection: Information - 5 Year (MI) New Brunswick

    Step 2: Submit your transcripts.
    All official transcripts must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions from your institution. E-transcripts are preferred and should be sent
    to: e-transcripts@gradadm.rutgers.edu. We require all transcripts from international applicants or those with international degrees to be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member.

    If mailing:

    Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
    65 Davidson Road, Suite 308
    Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA

    Step 3: Upload your personal statement.
    Describe your professional goals and how the Master of Information degree will support them (750 words).

     Step 4: Submit supporting materials.
    Include your resume or CV. This document should describe your skills and experience, including:

    • Employment history
    • Academic honors
    • Scholastic recognition
    • Publications
    • Leadership roles and/or other academic, professional, and community activities

    Include two letters of recommendation. Your recommenders’ letters must:

    • Be from a faculty member, senior professional, or corporate leader who knows you well
    • Focus on your academic abilities—problem-solving, analytical thinking, and reflective skills—rather than workplace efficiency or character traits
    • Clearly state your recommender’s relationship to you
    • Be on the recommenders' letterhead

    You must provide your recommenders' names and email addresses.

    Master of Information Application Checklist 

Dates and Deadlines

September Program Start 

Application deadline: May 15

January Program Start 

Application deadline: November 1

May Program Start

Application deadline: March 15

 

Accordion Content

  • You may request up to six transfer credits from another graduate program. To qualify, courses must:

    • Be from an accredited institution or ALA-accredited MI program
    • Be completed within three years of admission
    • Have a grade of B or higher
    • Be approved by the MI program director

    Requests are reviewed after admission and must include:

    • A cover letter
    • Official course syllabi
    • Official transcripts

    Credit Transfer Policy

  • Rutgers SC&I and the Master of Information program are proud to be able to recognize high-achieving graduate students each year by awarding scholarships and awards to incoming and continuing students. Visit SC&I Scholarships and Awards for:

    • Application instructions
    • Scholarship eligibility criteria
    • Scholarship timelines and deadlines
    • MI scholarships, fellowship, and support funds

    If you have any questions, you may contact the SC&I scholarship administrator at scholarship@comminfo.rutgers.edu.

  • Your first step in applying for any financial aid is to complete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Completing a FAFSA will indicate whether you are eligible to apply for aid from federal, state, and other funders.

    Visit the Scarlet Hub for student information regarding financial aid, billing and payment, registration, records, admissions, and upcoming deadlines.

Estimates of Tuition and Fees per Semester for 2025-26

Two classes, or six credits, per semester, is a typical part-time load for graduate students. Three classes, or nine credits, per semester, is a full-time load for graduate students. Please note that students have the flexibility to take more than nine credits per semester, subject to a discussion with the Program Director or advisor.

  • New Jersey residents taking classes on campus and online: Tuition (excluding fees, each semester, as the total cost of the fees depends on how many semesters you will require) for the entire degree will be about $32,472. In 2025-26, the tuition and fees will be about $5,952 per semester when taking two classes each term.
  • Out-of-state residents taking classes on campus: Tuition (excluding fees, each semester as the total cost of the fees depends on how many semesters you will require) for the entire degree will be about $55,764. In 2025-26, the tuition and fees will be about $9,834 per semester when taking two classes each term.
  • Fully Online Tuition for the entire degree will be about $39,564. Fully online tuition does not include additional fees each semester. In 2025-26, the tuition and fees will be about $6,594 per semester when taking two classes each term.

*The fees charged each semester are school, campus, and computer fees. You will also be charged the technology fee if you complete online courses. Graduate students interested in options for living on campus should check the Graduate Student Housing page.

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