Youth services How to apply

How to apply

Fulfill the admission requirements

• Completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• GPA minimum requirement: 3.0
• No GRE requirement

International students

TOEFL (if applicable) minimum scores for full admission: 100 total for internet-based test, 590 total for paper-based test, IELTS 7.5 minimum IELTS

Probationary admission TOEFL: 80-99 internet test, 550-589 paper-based, IELTS 6.5-7.5 

Requirements for leaving probation status may include additional language testing or course work, as designated by your advisor and LIS faculty. Other language tests may also be submitted to demonstrate language proficiency. Please see the MU Graduate School Language Requirements.

Gather your papers

Applying will be easier and faster if you gather these required documents beforehand:

• Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Upload unofficial transcripts in your online application. If you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
• Statement of purpose. Please answer these questions (in 500 words or less):
  • Why do you want to earn a master’s degree in library and information science?
  • What areas of library and information science interest you?
  • Do you anticipate working in a particular type of library or information agency?
  • Where are you located? At the bottom of your statement of purpose, please indicate one of the following: Columbia/Mid-Missouri; Greater Kansas City Area; Greater St. Louis Area, Springfield, Mo. area; Nebraska; Other.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé. This should demonstrate a high potential for success in a library and information science field.
• Two letters of recommendation
  • In the online application, you will need to supply names and contact details of two academic or professional contacts, ideally who understand the rigors of graduate school, who can attest to your critical thinking, your analytical and writing skills, and your potential as a graduate student in a highly ranked and competitive program and/or your potential as a LIS professional. The Graduate School will contact your references with instructions regarding the letters. Letters from friends, family members, or co-workers who are not supervisors to whom you report or from anyone not familiar with your scholastic aptitude for graduate-level coursework are not appropriate, and will not count toward a completed application.
  • We strongly recommend that you have at least one recommendation letter from an undergraduate or graduate instructor who can attest to your critical thinking, and one letter from a supervisor or employer who can speak to your work ethic, propensity for learning new tasks, collegiality, or general “soft skills” that will support your future success in the information professions. If you have a unique circumstance (e.g., self-employment or no contact with former instructors), please contact us for advice. We do not accept letters of reference from references who cannot look objectively at your experience and potential for success given the requirements of this program and of professional-level work in the information professions.
• For international students: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or C1 Advanced score reports for applicants whose native language is not English. For information on sending test scores, visit the Graduate School website.