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Doctoral Program (PhD)

Admission Requirements

1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or a master's degree in library and information science or a related field.
2. A grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in master's-level coursework and in the last two years of undergraduate coursework, in which case GRE scores are not required. If an applicant's GPA is below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, then GRE test scores are required. However, if an applicant has a JD or a PhD degree they would be exempt from the GRE requirement.
3. Provide letters of reference from three individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for teaching, research, and productive scholarship.
4. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of having passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 620 or higher (or 260 or higher for the computer-administered version; 104 or higher [at least a 25 in each section] for the IBT). The test can be administered in the student's home country but should be arranged at least one year before the applicant expects to begin the program. The IELTS test is also accepted with a minimum score of 7 in each section. The GSLIS TOEFL code is 90. Language proficiency is also to be demonstrated through an interview with the Doctoral Studies Committee (DSC).

Note: The University's Division of English as an International Language offers courses for graduate students whose native language is not English and who wish to improve their language proficiency. The division provides other forms of help through the Intensive English Institute and the LinguaCenter .

Submitting Admission Materials

Prospective student will need to apply to the Graduate College using the Web-based electronic application. NOTE: As this application is used by applicants to all of the graduate departments, we are tailoring it to fit our needs. After completing the online application (within which are instructions for how to submit your letters of reference electronically), you are given two sections in which you should upload:

• In the first section, upload your resume.
• In the second section, upload your Statement of Purpose.
• In the third section, upload your Research Statement.

Official transcripts from your educational institution(s) still need to be mailed to the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211.

Information about resources to assist domestic underrepresented applicants in available here.