Apply to our MSIM Program

What are the requirements for admission?

We welcome students from all backgrounds to ensure that our campus is inclusive. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prohibits discrimination based on characteristics such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or veteran status. 

While a bachelor's degree is required for admission, your degree can be in any discipline.

The MSIM degree program is now test-optional for the standardized test requirement (i.e., GRE and GMAT). If you feel that your test scores reflect your potential and promise in graduate school, you can submit your scores for admission consideration. All other applicants, regardless of undergraduate GPA, are not required to submit a standardized test score. We hope to alleviate the financial burden and heightened anxiety associated with taking a standardized test. Applicants that do not submit a test score will not be disadvantaged throughout our application review process, which is holistic and comprehensive.

In addition to the online application, admission requirements include:

• Three letters of reference
  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. The two remaining letters should be professional in nature, written by faculty, employers, supervisors, professors, or others who are able to comment on your professional and educational goals as well as your aptitude for success in a graduate program. 
• A resumé
• A personal statement

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.

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.

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, resumé, and personal statement. An application fee is required, and the amount is determined by your citizenship and/or visa status.

We are looking for students who are creative, curious, motivated, and prepared to be leaders in the field. Your personal statement (1,000 words max, 12pt Arial font, single spaced) should answer the following questions:

1. How has your academic and professional background, including any professional training, prepared you for graduate study?
2. How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
3. What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?

Newly admitted students must enroll in their program within one year from the original chosen term of enrollment on their application. If eligible, admitted students can defer their entry term only once.

When are applications due?

At this time, we are only accepting applicants for the MSIM on-campus program. The committee will review applications in two rounds: early action and regular decision. For additional details, please see below.

The application portal for Fall 2025 will open August 1. Spring entry is not available for this program.

Early Action

Early action deadline: November 15, 2024
Early action notification date: January 24, 2025
In order to receive a decision by January 24, all application materials (including test scores and letters of reference) must be received by November 15. If the committee is not able to render a decision due to missing materials, the application will be considered in the regular decision round to allow additional time for supplemental documents to be received.
Early action deposit deadline: February 24, 2025
 

Regular Decision

Regular decision deadline: January 31, 2025
Regular decision notification date: March 7, 2025
In order to receive a decision by March 7, all application materials (including test scores and letters of reference) must be received by January 31.
Regular decision deposit deadline: April 15, 2025
 

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.

Are application fee waivers available?

The iSchool is able to offer a very limited number of application fee waivers. To be considered, please complete the process explained here. Please note, we are not able to refund application fees that have already been paid.

Is there a process to appeal a denied decision? 

No. The MSIM program is a highly sought-after program with space constraints. All decisions are final. 

What if I have questions?

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