VSU > Graduate School > Master of Library and Information Science > Admissions
Admissions requirements
Both the Graduate School and the MLIS program will work with you to develop your application in a timely manner. Application to the VSU Graduate School requires submission of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
(All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts are to be submitted) - An application fee
Additional requirements for regular admission specific to the MLIS Program are the following:
- Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of undergraduate coursework or at least 3.0 GPA in a Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal score of 490 and an Analytic score of 4.0 or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score of 403 (For MAT taken prior to October 2004, a score of 50 is required.)
- For international students, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (213 on the Computer-based Test)
- A Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
- An essay describing the applicant's qualifications and reasons for seeking admission into the MLIS program
- Three recommendations, to include the General Recommendation Form for Graduate Admissions
Students who do not meet the above criteria may qualify for probationary admission. Please contact us or the VSU Graduate School for further details on probationary admissions.
All application packets are received by the VSU Graduate School. The Graduate School then monitors the processing of applications to assist students with procedural questions and to provide timely feedback to students. Once an admissions file is complete, the Graduate School sends the file to the VSU MLIS Admissions Committee. The MLIS Admissions Committee (made up of three faculty members) evaluates each student's application individually.
Evaluation of an application is based on the total information provided and not on any one specific item. Students may be asked to supplement their application with more details or evidence, if needed, before a final decision is made. Additional evidence may include but is not limited to additional letters of reference, revision of the supplemental statement, and contact with current practitioners. A student may request an interview with the committee either in person or by telephone. The committee may request an interview with a student if it is decided this will provide a clearer indication of the student’s abilities.
Evaluated applications are returned to the Graduate School with the recommendations from the MLIS Admissions Committee. Finally, the student must be accepted by the Graduate School to be admitted into a graduate program. The Dean of the Graduate School sends letters indicating acceptance -- either regular or probationary -- or rejection. If the acceptance is probationary, the letter outlines the conditions that must be completed before regular admission status is granted.
For additional information, go to the Graduate School Web site or see the Graduate Catalog. Please feel free to contact the MLIS Program with any question at any point in the process -- from "just thinking about" coming to VSU for the MLIS to final admission.