Children's Literature (MA) + Library and Information Science (MS)
Please visit the program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! You may also be interested in perusing our course descriptions. To request more information about this degree, please fill out our form.
How to Apply
Interested in taking a course or two before applying to a degree program? Contact our office to ask about our pre-matriculated student option for the fall and spring semesters!
To get started on your Simmons application, please use the appropriate link below for the semester to which you are applying.
Spring 2024
We are currently reviewing Spring 2024 applications.
Please allow at least three business days for received documents to be reflected on your application status page.
To access the application, use a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7, or 8 on Windows XP.
Fall 2024
We will be reviewing complete Fall 2024 application starting in late December.
Please allow at least three business days for received documents to be reflected on your application status page.
To access the application, use a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7, or 8 on Windows XP.
To Submit Your Transcripts and Test Scores
We accept both electronic and mailed transcripts. Regardless of format, these documents need to be submitted to our office directly from your institution. If your institution is able to securely email their transcripts, they can be sent to [email protected] or through a service such as Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, or National Student Clearinghouse.
If the documents must be mailed, please be sure to specify the SLIS Admission Office in the address below:
SLIS Office of Admission
Simmons University
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
USA
Application Requirements
Admission requires a baccalaureate degree preferably with a major in English and American and/or comparative literature from an accredited institution. However, the program is also open to students with majors in elementary or secondary education, fine arts, or social sciences who have done substantial work in English.
Application checklist:
- Completed online application form
- Statement of purpose
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
- Applicants who have enrolled in an academic program within the last five years must submit at least one academic letter of reference. It is strongly recommended for both letters to come from academic references. Supplemental letters may be submitted to [email protected] if desired. We do not accept recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with you (such as family members, doctors, or clergy)
- Official college/university transcripts from all institutions attended (including those from which credit was transferred). Students with international transcripts should review the International Student section below for additional requirements.*
- Current résumé
- GRE Scores (waived for those with a master's degree or with a 3.0 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA) The Simmons University GRE code is 3761 and the Area of Interest code for Library Science is 4701.
- A non-refundable application fee of $65.
- If you have served our country through the U.S. Military, AmeriCorps, Mercy Corps, Teach For America, Peace Corps, or City Year, please contact our office for an application fee waiver.
- Interview (strongly recommended). After your application has been submitted and all materials, including all of your transcripts, have been received, we will reach out to you to schedule your interview. Travel to Boston is not required; interviews are available via phone as well as in person.
*International transcripts must be officially translated and evaluated for educational equivalency.
In addition to the requirements listed above, international students must also submit the following:
- An official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score (Simmons TOEFL code is 3761)
- A Declaration of Finances form, along with original bank statements, to demonstrate ability to pay tuition and living expenses while enrolled at Simmons.
Application Deadlines
Fall (September)
Priority Deadline: February 1
Final Deadline: May 1
Summer (for all applicable)
Priority Deadline: February 1
Final Deadline: May 1
Spring (January)
Priority Deadline: October 15
Rolling admission after priority deadline
*If you wish to receive priority consideration for merit scholarships, please make sure to have a completed application by the priority deadline.
If you wish to apply for a specific term but the final deadline has passed, please contact our office via email or at 617-521-2868 to inquire about your options.
Resources
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2868. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.