Library and Information Science (MS)
Including concentrations in Archives Management, Cultural Heritage Informatics, Information Science and Technology, and School Library Teacher
Please find our application and application requirements below. To learn more about our curriculum, faculty, and careers for the MS in Library and Information Science and its concentrations in Archives Management, Cultural Heritage Informatics, Information Science and Technology, and School Library Teacher, please visit their program pages.
You may also be interested in browsing our course descriptions. To request more information about these programs, 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.
Submit your transcripts and test scores
We require 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.
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 emailed to [email protected] or submitted through a service such as Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, or National Student Clearinghouse. Please specify that the service should send the transcripts to “Simmons University School of Library and Information Science”, otherwise they may be delivered to another office on campus.
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
Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests are required only when the applicants' GPA is below a 3.0 for all degrees. Applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA for all degrees will be considered after they submit the GREs.
In order for an application to be considered complete for review, the following materials must be received by the SLIS Office of Admission:
- Completed application form.
- 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.
- Statement of Purpose : In 750-1,000 words, please communicate to the Admission Committee your interests and aspirations for your future in the library and information science profession. Please discuss the following questions:
- How have your life experiences (cultural, professional, educational, etc) or other opportunities or challenges, motivated or prepared you to pursue this degree?
- Why do you wish to study at Simmons in particular?
- How will this degree help you reach your aspirations?
- What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
- Current résumé or C.V.
- 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.
- Three letters of professional or academic recommendation (with at least one academic reference for applicants who received their bachelor's degree within the past five years). More details will be provided when you begin the application.
- GRE test scores (GRE scores are required only if the cumulative GPA from every degree earned falls below 3.0). The Simmons University GRE code is 3761. You can choose from two area of interest codes as well: Library Science - 4701, Archival Science - 4702.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores, if English is not the first language. For more information regarding this requirement, please see the English Language Proficiency section of the International Students page.
- Source of income statement (for international students).
Admission decisions are based on a composite of all documentation in the application.
Interview requirements
You will be contacted in the event that an interview is required.
Application deadlines
Fall (September)
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.
Additional Information
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.