An applicant for admission to the Master of Science in Library and Information Science must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university representing sound, basic training in the humanities, social sciences, or sciences. The applicant must have a superior scholastic record with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or otherwise give evidence of ability to perform work on the graduate level. The school may request that applicants take the Graduate Record Examination when it is judged from a review of the application that there is some question as to academic ability. An interview may be required. The SILS Office will contact applicants if these are deemed necessary.

Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.  Students are encouraged to apply early as we review applications and notify the applicant as we receive them.  All first year students are automatically considered for the merit scholarship - a separate application form is not required.  Once SILS receives a student's complete application folder from Admissions, SILS emails the student confirming receipt and then SILS Admissions Committee reviews the student's material and sends a letter to notify them on their acceptance and scholarship decision.  

Students may choose to begin their studies in fall, spring or summer, although most students begin in fall. The following dates serve as guideposts for submitting applications but should be considered in the context of the rolling admissions policy described above.  Although the earlier you submit your application the better in terms of scholarship and course availability.  

Fall Semester— January 1 
Spring Semester— October 1 
Summer Semester — April 1

Merit Scholarships
All applicants are considered for merit scholarships which range from about $2,500 - $3,600 per year.  (A separate scholarship application in not required.) Merit scholarships are awarded based on the evaluation of application materials including GPA, essay and letters of recommendation.  Students may choose to take the GRE to enhance scholarship consideration.  Note - Scholarchips and fellowships  continuing studetns; matriculated students in their first year can apply for scholarship funds. For additional information see Web page - Student Support.

How to apply for matriculation
All applicants are required to submit the following materials, preferably in a single envelope:

1. Application form. The application form is available from the Office of Admissions and also in the current Graduate Bulletin.
2. Non-refundable $50 application fee, payable to Pratt Institute (For international students US $90 must be in the form of an international money order. Checks will not be accepted.)
3. Official transcripts in sealed envelopes from all institutions attended after graduation from secondary school. (International students must have all transcripts officially translated into English.)
4. Three letters of recommendation from employers, professors, or others able to judge the applicant’s technical potential for graduate study in library and information science. These should be submitted in separate, sealed envelopes with your application materials, if possible.
5. A statement of purpose giving the applicant’s long-range goals and reason(s) for applying to Pratt Institute for graduate study.
6. A current resume of employment experience, education, technical skills, and career highlights, etc.
7. TOEFL score for international applicants whose native language is not English. The required TOEFL score is 600.

Mail all admissions materials to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Pratt Institute
200 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Please do NOT send application materials for matriculated status to the SILS Office. When all application materials are received by Graduate Admissions at the Brooklyn campus, the applicant’s file will be sent to the SILS Office in Manhattan for review.

Admission with Advanced Credits
At the discretion of the dean, students who enter the program with a master’s or doctoral degree earned prior to admission may meet degree requirements with 30 instead of 36 credits. Students may obtain further information and appropriate application forms from the school’s office.

How to apply as a visiting student
Those otherwise eligible for admission may take up to six credits as a visiting/special (i.e., non-matriculated) student. If you wish to continue your studies at SILS, you must apply for admission as a matriculated student.

Those seeking admission as a visiting student should be advised that enrollment in a particular course is allowed only if space is available after all matriculated students have registered.

Please call the SILS office at 212-647-7682 for deadlines and the packet of necessary forms.

Requirements for admission as a visiting/special student:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Official transcripts in sealed envelopes from all institutions attended after graduation from secondary school.
• Completed Non-matriculated Student Form form. Mark the “special student” status box located at the top left corner of the application.
• Completed Immunization Record Form and Student Insurance Enrollment/Waiver Form.
• Selection of courses with the assistance of a SILS advisor.
• Non-refundable processing fee in the amount of $40 (check or money order payable to Pratt Institute).
• Keep a copy of all completed forms for your records.

Submit application, health forms, $40 check or money order, and all transcripts to:

Pratt Institute
School of Information and Library Science
144 West 14th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10011-7301