We have provided this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to respond to the most common questions we receive from applicants, newly admitted students, and continuing students. We will continuously add to these questions as we receive ongoing inquiries about the MLIS degree program. We hope you find this information resourceful.
What are the deadlines to apply to the MLIS program?
You can find much more information about applying to the MLIS program at the Rutgers University Graduate Admissions webpage.
Fall Semester
To begin in a fall semester, all application materials should be received by February 1st to be included in the first round of offers. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by March 31st. Notification of a positive admissions decision may list certain conditions that must be satisfied prior to registration for coursework, such as submission of a final undergraduate transcript or other credentials. Applicants receiving an offer of admission will need to notify Graduate Admissions of acceptance by April 30th. Applications submitted after February 1st are welcome and will be considered on a rolling basis, and on a places-available basis.
Spring Semester
To begin in a spring semester, all application materials (#1 through #7 below) should be received by September 15th to be included in the first round of offers. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by October 31st. Notification of a positive admissions decision may list certain conditions that must be satisfied prior to registration for coursework, such as submission of a final undergraduate transcript or other credentials. Applicants receiving an offer of admission will need to notify Graduate Admissions of acceptance by November 30th.Applications submitted after September 15th are welcome, and will be considered on a rolling basis, and on a places-available basis.
Summer
While the on campus program currently does not admit students to begin in the summer, the online program does offer summer admission. To begin as an online student in a summer semester, all application materials (#1 through #7 below) should be received by February 1st (which is the same deadline as fall admission) to be included in the first round of offers. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by March 15th. Notification of a positive admissions decision may list certain conditions that must be satisfied prior to registration for coursework, such as submission of a final undergraduate transcript or other credentials. Applicants receiving an offer of admission will need to notify Graduate Admissions of acceptance by April 15th. Applications submitted after February 1st are welcome and will be considered on a rolling basis, and on a places-available basis.
Are there any required tests?
GRE Scores: GRE scores must be, at a minimum, above the 57th percentile verbal and not below the 20th percentile quantitative. An earned advanced degree obviates the need for GRE scores. GRE scores or a transcript indicating completion of a previous graduate degree program must be submitted by all applicants.
TOEFL Scores: TOEFL scores are required for all international applicants, in addition to GRE scores. The TOEFL should have been taken within the last 3 years. The TOEFL Internet-based score total must be 100 or higher. The Graduate School-New Brunswick suggests the following minimum score distribution: writing, 22; speaking, 23; reading, 21; listening, 17. Applicants of questionable English proficiency will be required to take a written or oral test when entering the program and, if necessary, to take course work in the English as a Second Language Program before commencing their M.L.I.S. studies. Nonimmigrant students must present evidence of adequate financial resources. The university may deny admission to nonimmigrant students for lack of English proficiency, for lack of financial support, or because of improper visa status.
Are there any scholarships available?
The School of Communication and Information is proud to be able to recognize high achieving undergraduate and graduate students each year by awarding scholarships and awards. Each undergraduate and graduate program at SC&I offers its own scholarships and awards.
A list of each of the scholarships arranged by department can be found at http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/current-students/scholarships-and-awards.html. In order to apply for a scholarship within a given program, you must already be matriculated into that program. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Additional information about the FAFSA applictaion and other financial aid information is available on the Rutgers University Financial Aid webpage at http://studentaid.rutgers.edu/.
What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution of higher education. Evidence of potential for graduate study is demonstrated by a B or higher GPA in previous academic studies.
• GRE scores must be, at a minimum, above the 57th percentile verbal and not below the 20th percentile quantitative. An earned advanced degree obviates the need for GRE scores. GRE scores or a transcript indicating completion of a previous graduate degree program must be submitted by all applicants.
• Letters of recommendation: three letters of recommendation are recommended, but two letters are acceptable. These should focus on the applicant's academic capacity (e.g., problem solving, thinking, analytical, and reflective skills) to undertake a rigorous program of graduate study. Letters are expected from an applicant's professors or from senior members of professional and/or corporate organizations who are able to comment substantially on the applicant's academic capabilities rather than on workplace efficiency and character traits. The recommender's relationship to the applicant must be established in the letter of recommendation. Personal friends, clergy and family members are not usually appropriate recommenders. Applicants will be asked to supply e-mail addresses for recommenders as part of the online application process at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply.shtml.
• Personal statement: The applicant should answer the question, "In an information age, how do you see yourself working as a librarian, or more generally, as an information professional?" The personal statement should be no more than 750 words in length and is submitted as part of the online application. If the applicant thinks that there are elements of the application that could benefit from a brief explanation, it can be included here.
• TOEFL scores are required for all international applicants, in addition to GRE scores. The TOEFL should have been taken within the last 3 years. The TOEFL Internet-based score total must be 100 or higher. The Graduate School-New Brunswick suggests the following minimum score distribution: writing, 22; speaking, 23; reading, 21; listening, 17. Applicants of questionable English proficiency will be required to take a written or oral test when entering the program and, if necessary, to take course work in the English as a Second Language Program before commencing their M.L.I.S. studies. Nonimmigrant students must present evidence of adequate financial resources. The university may deny admission to nonimmigrant students for lack of English proficiency, for lack of financial support, or because of improper visa status.
When can I expect to hear or when are decisions announced?
Decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students have submitted completed applications at the time that review begins, will be notified within 6-8 weeks.
What are the specializations?
Students in the MLIS program have the option of specializing in one of four areas: School Libraries, Digital Libraries, Social Media and Knowledge Management.
Can I take classes online as an on-campus student?
Campus students can take online courses on a space available basis, two weeks after the start of the registration period each semester. Online students may also take campus classes on a space available basis.
I was admitted to the MLIS progam; now what?
In the next few weeks you will receive a package in the mail from Graduate Admissions. In that package you will find an admissions acknowledgement form. This form needs to be signed and returned so that Graduate Admissions is aware of your plans. They use this confirmation of attendance to create/cancel/defer your student status so you'll have access to all of the Rutgers resources online and on-campus.
What happens at new student orientation?
During your time on-campus before beginning classes we will conduct an orientation to the MLIS program, the courseware, and the use of library resources. We take care of setting you up in the Rutgers systems so you are all set to begin the semester. You will also get to meet the faculty, staff, and other on-campus and online MLIS students. Orientation is mandatory (and fun), but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about coming to campus.
How many credits can I take per semester?
Part-time students typically take up to two courses (6 credits) per semester. Full-time students take 3 courses (9 credits) or more per semester. The online MLIS program is designed to be completed part-time; the on-campus MLIS program can be completed part or full-time.
What if I want/need to take one course at a time?
We understand that you have other life commitments and know that weddings, job changes, relocations, vacations, family events, and unexpected emergencies require your attention too. The Rutgers MLIS degree program includes 36 credits (12 courses) and three non-credit courses (501, 502 & 503). To stay on target to complete the degree program within the 3-year time limit, you must take at least 12 credits per year. That means that you can either take 6 credits during each spring and fall semester OR take summer courses and spread out your studies. Any exception to this rule must be pre-approved by the MLIS Director.
What about financial aid and scholarships?
The scholarships for MLIS students from the School of Communication & Information are listed on our Awards and Scholarships website. For questions regarding financial aid, your best bet is to speak with a financial aid specialist, 732-932-7057, to determine what you might qualify for. You may also want to check out the following website for more information about tuition and financial aid: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/funding.shtml
Do I really need to get immunized?
All Rutgers degree-seeking students who take classes on campus need to submit their immunization records. The only exception is students who will be learning completely online without taking any classes on campus. Complete information about submitting your information, including a link to the downloadable form, is available on the website of Rutgers University Health Services at http://health.rutgers.edu/who-are-you/incoming-students/pre-entrance-immunizations
Do I need to get student health insurance?
N.J.S.A. 18A:62-15 requires that every person enrolled as a full-time student in a public or private institution of higher education maintain health insurance coverage, which provides at a minimum basic hospital benefits. For graduate students, full-time is defined as a minimum of 9 credits per term of on-campus classes. Part-time and online students are not required to maintain health insurance coverage.
Students who have existing insurance will be required to complete an on-line waiver showing proof of insurance each academic year. Students who do not show proof of health insurance by August 15th will be automatically enrolled in the University sponsored health insurance plan and an annual premium of $750 ($375 per semester) will be billed to the student's account. Students can waive by providing health insurance coverage information to UHC at www.firststudent.com.
What kind of support will I receive if I am an online student?
Tons! As a Rutgers MLIS student, you will be able to focus on your studies - and feel secure that we have you covered from every angle :-) You will have an academic advisor who will be able to answer questions about your individual plans and make sure you are on track to graduate. Our advising wiki also gives you 24/7 access to the kind of information and resources students in this program most frequently request so no matter what time of day or night you're online, you'll be able to get the information you need. If you have career-oriented questions, our diverse faculty are available to assist you with that. For students taking online classes, eCollege, our web-based course delivery system that you will use to access your online courses has a 24/7 help desk to handle any technical issues you may encounter. Rutgers also has a separate help desk in case you need any assistance with your Rutgers accounts (e-mail, Net ID, etc.).
What kind of support will I receive if I am an on-campus student?
Tons! As a Rutgers MLIS student, you will be able to focus on your studies - and feel secure that we have you covered from every angle :-) You will have an academic advisor who will be able to answer questions about your individual plans and make sure you are on track to graduate. Our advising wiki also gives you 24/7 access to the kind of information and resources students in this program most frequently request so no matter what time of day or night you're online, you'll be able to get the information you need. If you have career-oriented questions, our diverse faculty are available to assist you with that. For students taking online classes, eCollege, our web-based course delivery system that you will use to access your online courses has a 24/7 help desk to handle any technical issues you may encounter. Rutgers also has a separate help desk in case you need any assistance with your Rutgers accounts (e-mail, Net ID, etc.).
I'm ready to graduate, what do I do?
Congratulations, you made it! Here's how to seal the deal:
APPLY FOR GRADUATION BY THE DEADLINE: https://www.ugadmissions.rutgers.edu/Diploma
What this means is that you submit your basic information (name as you want it to appear on your diploma, contact information, etc.), and then the pending applications come to us for "certification."
Here are the deadlines to apply for graduation:
October 1: for October graduates (people who finish everything up over a summer)
January 4: for January graduates (people who finish everything up during the fall term)
March 15: for May graduates (people who finish everything up during the spring term)
*If you apply for a particular semester and then later need to alter your plans and graduate at a different time (for example, if you apply by March 15th because you plan to graduate in May but then need to change your plans so you can finish up over the summer -meaning you need to be an October graduate instead of a May graduate):
Alert our office as we will need to have Graduate Admissions void your original application to graduate.
Submit a new application to reflect your updated plans so that we can certify you for the appropriate semester. For complete details, please visit the Graduation/Diplomas section of the New Brunswick Registrar's website: http://nbregistrar.rutgers.edu/grad/gradip.htm
How do I know if I’ve met all of my degree requirements?
It’s important to consult with a faculty advisor regularly to ensure that you are on track to completing the degree. Students can also utilize the Academic Tracking Sheet found at http://rutgersonline.pbworks.com/w/page/30804039/Academic%20Tracking%20Sheet to track their progress through the program.
How do I apply for NJ state certification?
Professional librarian certification for the State of New Jersey has been transferred from the New Jersey Department of Education to Thomas Edison State College.
The new librarian certification page may be accessed at http://www.tesc.edu/files/NJStateLibraryCertificateApplication.pdf
Download the application form here: http://www.tesc.edu/files/NJStateLibraryCertificateApplication.pdf. Applicants may also email: to obtain an application packet. For additional information, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.
I want to do an Independent Study. What must I do to register for it?
First consult with a faculty member who shares your research interests. You can find a list of the faculty areas of expertise at http://rutgersonline.pbworks.com/w/page/31167609/Faculty%20Areas%20of%20Expertise. Work with that faculty member to design an Independent Study project and complete the Independent Study form which will be a proposal for the study (specifying rationale and outcome), and seek the approval of a faculty member who will supervise the investigation. With the faculty member’s approval, obtain special permission from the Student Advisor to register for the course. Independent Studies are typically pursued near the end of a student's program of study.
