Applications

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+

Applicants may submit GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT scores in place of GRE scores. Send GRE scores to School Code 2790 and leave the department code blank.

GRE waiver policy: The M.I. program may grant a GRE waiver to applicants who have:

• An undergraduate GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (from a U.S. institution); and/or
  

• Completed an advanced or other master's 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.

Nonimmigrant students must present evidence of adequate financial resources as well. The university may deny admission to nonimmigrant 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.