Master of Library & Information Science Admissions

Priority Application Deadlines

• January 15: Summer semester
• March 15: Fall semester
• September 15: Spring semester

Applications are accepted for all semesters and are reviewed as they are received. All application materials, including test scores, should be received by the deadline. If you are then admitted, this will ensure the best chance for you to register for open seats in classes.

Applications received after the indicated semester deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. Please contact the School's office at ischool@kent.edu to determine the possibility of late submission if your application file will not be completed in time.

Note: In order to be compliant with federal and state laws related to online education and consumer protection, Kent State University may not be able offer online programs to students residing in certain states. In addition, some state laws may impose limitations that could affect a program of study, including inability to offer on-ground internships. Since this compliance undergoes continuous updates, non-Ohio residents interested in pursuing any School of Information programs are advised to consult official Kent State information on state authorization before applying to this program. 

Admissions Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent to that earned from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
• Total GPA of 3.0 or higher in their highest completed degree for regular admission. GPA is calculated from the grades of all courses taken at the relevant level, baccalaureate or master.
• International Students must provide evidence of English Language Proficiency. See the International Students page on our site for details on score requirements.

Application & Additional Materials

ONLINE UNIVERSITY APPLICATION

Applicants are required to create an account in the online application system (Graduate Studies), which allows them to save the application and track the progress of materials submitted via the application system. The online application will indicate "Kent Campus" for all Kent and online students. Degrees and certificates are offered through the College of Communication and Information.

All admissions materials may be uploaded directly into the application system. 

• If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, and have questions or problems with the application, contact Graduate Admissions (domestic applicants only) at 330-672-2661 or gradapps@kent.edu.

• If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, questions regarding application materials should be directed to the Office of Global Education at 330-672-7980 or intladm@kent.edu.

Begin an online application

Three letters of recommendation are required. References should be able to attest that you possess the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from your workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead.

By submitting the email address and name of your reference in the application, you enable the application to send information about electronic submission of their references letters. A form is also built into the reference submission system. 

Application Essay

The application essay will show your readiness for graduate-level writing. Please discuss the following questions based on your exploration of the Kent State iSchool website, as well as your own reflection on your academic abilities, experiences, and personal qualities. You are welcome to add comments from supplemental research and readings (please cite in American Psychological Association [APA] style), observations, and experience. Your essay should be fewer than 1000 words and formatted in APA style. Please be sure that any essay content that is not your own original thoughts is properly attributed.

• At the School of Information, we highly value interdisciplinary synergy with regard to faculty research and teaching, our students, and our contributions to the library and information science profession. As you consider this, answer the following questions in your writing sample.
  • What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
  • What are your aspirations in the field of library and information science?
  • What will you contribute to the Kent State iSchool community and to the field as a whole?

Student Profile Form

Complete and submit the Student Profile Form with your application materials. This will assist the School in assigning an academic advisor to help you achieve your goals in library and information science. For best results, download the form and save to your device before you complete it.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae 

Your resume or curriculum vitae should include work experience related to the library and information professions, as well as other types of employment experience and involvement with volunteer or community activities. Relevant publications, presentations, honors, and awards should be included.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

The GRE is no longer a requirement for any applicants starting with Spring 2023 semester admissions.

Statement of Exception

Those applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to a low GPA and any adjustments that will be made in order to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in graduate school.

Recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level will also be considered for conditional admission.

English Language Proficiency 

All international applicants whose education has been primarily outside the United States must provide objective evidence of proficiency in the English language with some exceptions.

• See the English Language Proficiency page on the International Admissions site to determine whether you will be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Contact the Educational Testing Services for further TOEFL information or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for IELTS testing.
• See the International Students page on our site for more information on score requirements.

Personal Interview 

The School's admissions committee may request a personal interview if they require information that is not covered or is unclear in your application materials.