Entry into the master of information (M.I.) program is
competitive and dependent on the quality and academic promise of the pool of candidates. In evaluating credentials, the admissions
committee looks for the candidate's potential for graduate study and service to
the profession.
Applicants should consider which pathway best meets their needs in order to apply to the best option:
-
Online:
The online program is designed for part-time study. If students wish to take
more than three courses per semester, an application should be made to the campus
program. Not all courses in the M.I. are offered online.
- On-campus:
The M.I. program is offered on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University and
offers the full range of courses. Students may enroll full time or part time.
The M.I. program requires a total of 36 credits and must be
completed within three years. As a part-time student taking two classes (6 credits) per semester, it will take three years (six semesters) to complete the program. As a full-time student taking three classes (9 credits) per
semester, it will take two years (four semesters) to complete the program. Many students take advantage of Summer and Winter Session courses to decrease the
time to completion.
REQUIRED ELEMENTS OF THE APPLICATION
Résumé or CV
A résumé describing employment history, academic honors, scholastic recognition, publications, leadership roles, and/or other academic, professional, and community activities.
Transcripts from Undergraduate and Any Graduate Study
Overall undergraduate cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 is typically the minimum requirement, though applicants with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply and should discuss their GPA and undergraduate learning experiences in the personal statement.
Have transcripts sent to:
The Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
56 College Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Standardized Tests
Applicants to the program are generally expected to take the Graduate Record Exam. GRE target scores for the program are:
Verbal = mid-150s+
Quantitative = mid-140s+
Writing = 4.0+
GRE scores:
No GRE required if
-
you have an
undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
-
you have
another graduate degree
International
Applicants
For international applicants, English Proficiency Test Scores are required in addition to Standardized Test scores. The TOEFL and IELTS are the tests that are accepted. Scores should be three years old or less. The English proficiency test requirement may
be waived for students who earned a bachelor or master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Expectations:
TOEFL = 80+ (IBT), 600+ (PBT)
IELTS = 6.5+
Send TOEFL or IELTS scores to School Code 2790 and leave the department code blank.
Satisfactory English proficiency is a prerequisite for graduate study at the university. Applicants of questionable English proficiency will be required, if necessary, to take coursework in the English as a Second Language program before commencing
their M.I. studies.
Non-immigrant students must present evidence of adequate financial resources as well. The university may deny admission to non-immigrant students for lack of English proficiency, lack of financial support, or because of improper visa status.
For further test
information, contact TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541.
Recommendations
Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters of recommendation should focus on the academic capacity of the candidate (e.g., problem solving, critical thinking, analytical, and reflective skills) to undertake a rigorous program of graduate study, rather than on workplace efficiency and character traits.
The recommender's relationship to the student must be established in the letter of recommendation. Personal friends, clergy, and family members are not appropriate recommenders. Applicants will be asked to supply the names and email addresses for all recommenders during the online application process.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is required as part of the admissions process. In approximately 750 words, applicants should state their interests and career aspirations in pursuing the master of information degree.
Application Fee
A $70 nonrefundable application fee is required.
For More Information
Other information about applying to the program may be found on the program website.
To access the application form, visit the website of the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.
Master of Information Program 
