Library and Information Science: Archives Management (MS) + History (MA)

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 2026

Spring 2026 Archives Management (MS) + History (MA) Application

Fall 2026

Fall 2026 Archives Management (MS) + History (MA) Application

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 emailed or submitted 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

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.

Applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes the following:

• 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 have been enrolled in an academic program 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.

Writing Sample Requirement

In addition to the general Master's requirements above, applicants to the Archives/History Dual Degree Program must also provide a 5-7 page academic writing sample. (If you do not have an academic writing sample, please contact the History Department to discuss a possible substitution for your submission).

Interview Requirements

All applicants to the Dual Archives/History program must interview with the program directors. Admission Office staff will contact you to schedule the interview after all other application materials have been received.

Application Deadlines

Fall (September)
Priority Deadline: February 1
Regular Deadline: March 15
Rolling admission after March 15

Spring (January)
Priority Deadline: October 15 
Rolling admission after October 15

*If you wish to apply for Fellowships and be considered for a Graduate Assistantships, you must 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.

For International Applicants

Learn more applying to Simmons University as an International Student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit electronic transcripts?

Yes! 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 via email to [email protected]; or through a service such as Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, or National Student Clearinghouse.

If my supporting documents must be mailed, what address should I use?

Please be sure to specify the SLIS Admission Office in the address:

SLIS Office of Admission
Simmons University
300 the Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
USA

Can I submit my online application before all of my required materials are received?

Yes, and we encourage it! Once you submit your application, you will be able to log in to the self-service center to check the status of your application and to see if your materials have been received. Prior to submitting your application you cannot check your status online.

What should I do if my recommenders did not receive an email requesting a letter?

First, suggest your recommender check her/his spam folder. Since the notifications come from an automated system the messages often end up in spam. Not there? Contact us and we can resend the notification. You can also resend invitations from your self-service center.

How quickly are my application materials processed?

Once you submit your application, we will look for any previously received materials to attach to your application. It usually takes 3-5 business days, especially during peak application times, for our office to process and attach materials. We'll mark the materials as received by the date they arrived in our office, not the date we add them to your application.

If an interview is required or recommended for the program I’m applying to, do I need to complete the interview prior to the deadline?

No. Our interviews are conducted by faculty and program directors. They typically have limited availability, so we only require your other supporting materials prior to deadlines and if your interview is scheduled after a deadline, you’ll still be considered "complete" by that date.

Will I be notified when my application is complete?

Yes, you will receive an email once your application is complete and under review.

How long will a decision take after my application is complete?

We begin reviewing spring applications in October, and fall applications in January. Once we begin reviewing applications, you will receive a decision within 3-4 weeks from your completion date.

Will my decision letter be emailed or mailed?

Your decision letter(s) will be released through your application portal. You will receive an email notice that your application status has been updated to 'Decision Released,' and you will be prompted to log into your application portal to view your decision.

Can I take classes before I apply?

Yes, we have a pre-matriculated option each fall and spring semester. Anyone with a completed bachelor’s degree and at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA is eligible to apply to take up to two courses prior to starting the degree program. Course options are based on space availability in classes and we typically announce the classes in August for the fall semester (September start) and December for the spring semester (January start). Please contact our office for more information.

Do I need to submit the FAFSA by the priority admission deadline?

No. Students interested in applying for federal financial aid, which is awarded in the form of loans, may do so at any point by submitting the FAFSA and the Simmons University Student Information Form to the Simmons University Office of Student Financial Services. Contact their office via email at [email protected] or by calling 617-521-2001.

Upon acceptance, eligible applicants receive automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships. Most merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the overall strength of an application for admission, and no separate application is required.