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• Degree: A completed bachelor's or graduate degree from an institution that is accredited by one of the (e.g. Higher Learning Commission). Your degree may be in any discipline. No prerequisite courses are required,
• Grade point average:  A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale. If the applicant's GPA is less than 3.0, an explanatory statement should be submitted that addresses any factors that influenced previous academic performance, and how the applicant plans to ensure future academic success.

Application form

Please read the application instructions below before completing the online application at the bottom of this page.

Admission essay

Prepare an admission essay* (between 1,000-1,500 words in length, typed and double-spaced, 12 pt. font, standard margins) as a coherent and analytical essay form addressing the elements below. The admission committee considers both the quality of content and written communication skills.

• Explain what personal, educational, and/or employment experiences have shaped your professional goals in relation to library and information science and the MLIS program at ��ɫӰ��. Highlight any work or volunteer experience in libraries or LIS positions.
• Identify one major issue or trend currently affecting the field of library and information science. Critically assess this issue/trend and present your response. How does it affect library services? What are the implications for questions of social justice and inclusion? Provide evidence that supports your discussion by citing relevant sources such as articles in professional or academic journals, books, interviews with LIS professionals, etc.
• How have your background, skills and/or experiences prepared you to interact effectively with individuals of diverse communities and perspectives? Your statement may include any relevant factors you would like the admissions committee to consider such as cultural, economic, educational, knowledge of different languages, travel, and other aspects.

*Applicants for a Certificate option should submit an essay (1-2 pages) addressing their reasons for pursuing a post-bachelor's or post-master's certificate.

If you have already submitted the graduate application form, you may upload your admission essay via your Application Status page (instructions for accessing the status page were provided at the time you submitted the application). Please include your full name at the top of the essay.

If you wish to submit the admission essay prior to the graduate application, or if you are unable to upload the document to your Application Status page, you may send the admission essay as an attachment via email to graduateadmission@stkate.edu with “MLIS Admission Essay” in the subject line.

Explanatory statement

If you are an applicant who does not meet the minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA requirement, please include an explanation of factors that affected previous academic performance, as well as your plan to ensure academic success in a graduate program. This statement should be limited to 400 words and is in addition to the admission essay described above.

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Submit a current résumé. Please differentiate between paid work experience and volunteer activities. Indicate whether the experience/activity was part-time or full-time in nature, specify the dates of employment/volunteering and list the responsibilities involved.

While field-related experience is not a prerequisite for admission, we encourage all prospective students to pursue relevant work or volunteer opportunities prior to applying to the MLIS program. Engaging in such experiences broadens the candidate's understanding of library and information science, helps them determine whether or not they want to pursue a career in the field, and potentially strengthens their application for graduate study.

If you have already submitted the MLIS application form, you may upload your résumé via your Application Status page (instructions for accessing the status page were provided at the time you submitted the application).

If you wish to submit the résumé prior to the MLIS application, or if you are unable to upload the document to your Application Status page, you may send the résumé as an attachment via email to graduateadmission@stkate.edu with “MLIS ��é���ܳ�é” in the subject line.

Recommendation forms

Two recommendations are required for MLIS and SLMS applicants; one recommendation is required for certificate-seeking applicants.  Please complete the Recommendations section of the application form, including names/contact information for your recommenders, before you submit the application form. Recommender information cannot be added to the application after it has been submitted.

MLIS recommendation forms must be completed by individuals who can attest to the intellectual ability, professional competence and leadership ability of the applicant. Only professional or academic references will be considered; personal references are not acceptable. References must complete both the checklist and the accompanying statement sections of the form.

A link to the recommendation form will be sent when the Recommendations section of the MLIS application form has been completed. Please alert your references in advance to expect an email from ��ɫӰ��. These are confidential recommendations submitted directly from the references to the Office of Graduate Admission; applicants who wish to view the recommendations are responsible for making the appropriate arrangements with their references.

Transcripts

To review your admission file, we'll need transcripts from the college or university from which you earned your bachelor's degree and, if applicable, graduate degree. St. Kate's will review your admission file and make offers of acceptance using unofficial transcripts uploaded by you to your St. Kate's admission portal. However, official transcripts sent directly from your bachelor's and graduate (if applicable) degree-granting institutions are required, and must be received before registration for courses is allowed.

Need assistance finding out how to order your official transcripts?  Contact your admission counselor for help!  See contact information at the bottom of this page.

All documents must be up-to-date and include your name, institution name, all courses taken with grades and degrees received (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded using your applicant status page (a link is sent once you’ve started an application) or sent as an attachment to graduateadmission@stkate.edu.  

To be considered official, electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing college or university to St. Kate's (at graduateadmission@stkate.edu). Paper transcripts must be mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the registrar of each institution to the Office of Graduate Admission at ��ɫӰ�� (see address below).

TOEFL/Other scores

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from one of the following: the (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the iBT;  the (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5; or the with a minimum score of 105. This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree in the United States.

Credential evaluation

Applicants with a college or university degree completed outside of the United States must submit an official course-by-course evaluation from or . Original transcripts and official translations of all documents not in English must also be included. All costs related to document translation and evaluation are the applicant’s responsibility.

Submitting materials

Please review all application instructions. Once you’ve submitted the online application, you will have access to your Application Status page to upload any supporting documents (instructions for accessing the status page were emailed at the time you submitted the application). If you are unable to upload electronic documents to your Application Status page, you may send items as an attachment via email to graduateadmission@stkate.edu. Paper documents may be mailed to:

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Graduate Admission #4027
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Telephone: 651-690-6933

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that their application is completed by the deadline. The Admission Committee will not review your application until we have received all required documents. Fulfillment of the admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. No credentials will be returned to the applicant.

Please review the information below regarding other application materials that may be required for international applicants.

Deadlines

Earlier deadlines may apply for international applicants to ensure that all immigration requirements can be met in time for you to enroll in the desired term. Contact your admission counselor with questions.

International Student Forms

International applicants for graduate study must complete the International Information section of the application form.

The U.S. government requires international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the University can issue forms necessary to obtain a visa. International applicants must submit a form.

Additional Documentation