Master of Information
Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits are required?
The Master of Information is a 36-credit degree.

How long does it take to complete the degree?
Full-time students typically complete the program in about 1.5 to 2 years. Part-time students often complete it in about 2 to 3 years.

Can I earn the degree while working full-time?
Yes. Many MI students work full-time while completing the degree. Online, hybrid, and evening course options help students balance school with work and personal responsibilities.

Is a 3.0 GPA required for admission?
No. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to apply. Applications are reviewed holistically, including academic history, professional experience, letters of recommendation, resume or CV, and the personal statement.

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 who do not already hold a graduate degree are required to submit GRE scores.

How is the GRE requirement waived?
No separate waiver request is required. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or those who already hold an advanced degree such as an MA, MS, JD, or Ph.D., are automatically exempt from submitting GRE scores.

Does it matter how long ago I earned my bachelor’s degree?
No. The Master of Information program welcomes applicants at all career stages, including recent graduates and experienced professionals returning to school after many years.

Can I apply if my bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated field?
Yes. Students enter the MI program from many academic and professional backgrounds. An undergraduate degree in information science or library science is not required.

What should I include in my personal statement?
Your personal statement should provide a focused discussion of your professional goals and how the MI degree will help you achieve them. You may also address your academic background, relevant professional experience, career interests, and reasons why the MI program is a good fit for your educational and professional objectives.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Letters should come from people who can evaluate your academic ability or professional performance. Appropriate recommenders may include professors, supervisors, managers, senior professionals, or professional mentors. Letters must be submitted on organizational letterhead.

What is the acceptance rate for the Master of Information program?
The MI program does not publish an official acceptance rate. Admissions are competitive, and each application is reviewed individually through both a quantitative and qualitative admissions process.

Which program modality should I choose: online or hybrid/on-campus?
Applicants choose either the online or hybrid/on-campus modality when applying.

• New Jersey residents: The hybrid/on-campus option is typically more cost-effective because it qualifies for New Jersey resident tuition rates. Students in this modality may still be able to complete coursework online, depending on course availability.
• Out-of-state students: The online modality is generally the more affordable option because it has a lower tuition rate than out-of-state hybrid enrollment.

Review the Master of Information Admissions and Costs page for current tuition and format information.

How many courses are offered on campus?
A limited number of on-campus graduate courses are offered each semester. Because many students need flexible scheduling, online sections are generally offered more frequently than on-campus sections. Students who prefer in-person classes may have opportunities to take courses on campus but at this time should expect a predominantly online schedule.

When are on-campus classes typically offered?
Most on-campus graduate courses are scheduled on weekday evenings, although days and times vary by semester. Students should check the Rutgers Schedule of Classes for current course offerings.

Where can I find the current course schedule?
Use the Rutgers Schedule of Classes. Select the appropriate term, choose New Brunswick as the campus, select Graduate as the course level, and search for Library and Information Science, subject code 610.

How many credits do students typically take each semester?
Many part-time students take six credits, or two courses, per semester. Full-time students generally take nine to 12 credits per semester, depending on their goals and schedule.

How much does the Master of Information program cost?
Tuition and fees vary based on residency, course load, and program modality. Students should review the current Rutgers tuition and fees information and the Master of Information Admissions and Costs page for the most up-to-date cost information.

Are scholarships available for MI students?
Yes. Scholarships and awards are available for both incoming and continuing graduate students. The scholarship application typically opens in February, with awards applied toward the fall semester. Scholarships are limited and competitive. Visit the scholarships, fellowships, and awards page for details.

Are teaching or research assistantships available to master’s students?
Teaching and research assistantships are generally available only to doctoral students, not master’s students.

Can I apply for scholarships outside the MI program?
Yes. Students may also look for Rutgers graduate scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and external scholarship opportunities.

Is financial aid available for graduate students?
Yes. Graduate students may be eligible for financial aid in the form of loans. Students should complete the FAFSA and review the Rutgers financial aid website.

When do I choose a concentration?
Students select a concentration based on their professional and academic interests.  They will work with a faculty adviser to plan their course of study. They formally declare their concentration when they apply to register for degree completion.

What concentrations are available?
The Master of Information program offers the following concentrations:

• Archives and Preservation
• Data Science
• Health Information
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Library and Information Science
• School Librarianship
• Technology, Information, and Management

Students may also be able to customize their studies with faculty guidance.

For information about internships, career outcomes, and examples of roles and employers, visit the Careers and Internships page.

Where can I find course descriptions?
Detailed course descriptions are available on the MI program website.

Can I complete an internship or practicum outside New Jersey?
Yes. Internship and practicum opportunities may be available outside New Jersey, depending on program requirements, student goals, and placement availability. Some internships are fully online, providing additional flexibility for students who live or work outside New Jersey.

What is the online student experience like?
Online students learn alongside on-campus and hybrid students and engage with faculty and classmates through course discussions, group projects, virtual events, webinars, student organizations, and student programming. Many school and program events are offered virtually or in hybrid formats.

Are there opportunities to network and build relationships?
Yes. Students can connect with classmates, faculty, alumni, and professionals through coursework, events, student organizations, webinars, and career programming.   

Can Master of Information students participate in research?
Yes. Faculty conduct research in areas including information science, technology, artificial intelligence, data science, libraries, archives, health information, and related fields. Students may have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects, independent studies, or scholarly initiatives, depending on their interests and faculty/project availability.

Is the Master of Information program a good fit for career changers?
Yes. Many students use the MI degree to transition into a new profession, advance in their current field, or build specialized skills.

Is the MI program a good fit for recent college graduates?
Yes. The MI program can help recent graduates develop specialized knowledge and prepare for careers in information-related fields. As a professional degree program, the MI encourages students to gain relevant work experience while completing their studies through employment, internships, practica, or other professional opportunities. Combining coursework with practical experience helps students build professional networks and strengthen their career readiness.

Do experienced professionals enroll in the MI program?
Yes. The program includes students from a wide range of career stages, including professionals with many years of work experience.

What kinds of organizations hire MI graduates?
MI graduates are hired across a wide range of sectors, including libraries and archives, technology and data, business and private industry, government and nonprofit organizations, healthcare, education, museums, and other information-rich environments.