Apply to our CAS Program

What are the requirements for admission?

1. A master's degree in library and information science.
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, MD, or a PhD degree, they would be exempt from the GRE requirement.
3. Letters of reference from three individuals, with at least one from a librarian/information scientist and the remainder from employers, former faculty members, or other professional contacts. If you graduated within the last three years of your proposed graduate program start term, one letter of recommendation must be from a faculty member with whom you have taken a class.
   If you are currently enrolled as an MSLIS student at the iSchool:
   You must have one letter of reference submitted from an iSchool faculty member who can address your ability to continue with advanced studies and your potential contribution to the LIS field. 
4. Applicants must identify an iSchool faculty member (not an adjunct) and confirm that this person is willing to advise them (and supervise their CAS project). You must upload a statement of willingness to advise from this faculty member with your application under the Post Submissions tab. Feel free to reach out directly to the faculty with whom you are interested in working. Please contact Recruitment and Admissions if you would like an introduction to a particular faculty member.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of having passed an English proficiency test. The University accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Duolingo tests.

While our English proficiency requirements are higher than those set by the Graduate College, all applicants are encouraged to apply to the iSchool; however, those who meet or exceed our requirements have a greater chance for admission to our program.

Note: Our School's Institution code is 1836.

The University's Department of Linguistics serves as a resource for currently enrolled Illinois graduate students who wish to improve English-language proficiency.

Admissions may be limited by the availability of faculty advisors to support CAS projects. For this reason, we require all applicants to identify a faculty advisor in their application forms and/or essays.

How do I apply?

To apply, visit the Graduate College's application page, review the information, and select the “Apply Now” button. Follow the instructions for applying as well as uploading your academic credentials, including:

• Your resumé
• A personal statement indicating your commitment to advanced study, your reasons for seeking the CAS, and an outline of a proposed program of study, including possible CAS project areas
• Your letters of reference

The Graduate College Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office provides resources to assist underrepresented domestic applicants in graduate programs at Illinois with the graduate application process.

When are applications due?

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials before or on the final deadline in order to be considered for merit-based scholarships. Scholarships will be based on a holistic review of all submitted application materials.

Note: Applications must be submitted by 11:00 p.m. CST on the dates listed below.

Spring Admission
Final application deadline: September 15

Summer Admission
Final application deadline: December 1

Fall Admission
Final application deadline: June 15

How will my application be evaluated?

Our Admissions Committee will evaluate your application as a whole, taking into account all submitted information. Only completed applications will be reviewed, and application materials will not be returned to the applicant.

What if I have questions?

For more information, contact us! You can e-mail is-futurestudents@illinois.edu for answers to your questions.