How do I apply to the Master of Science in Information?
How to apply
The application for fall 2027 will open this September, with a deadline of Jan. 15.
Join our interest list to stay connected and receive a notification when the application opens.
Application deadlines
Domestic applicants
Priority deadline: Jan. 15
Apply by this date to receive first consideration for UMSI scholarships.
Final deadline: March 1
International applicants
Final deadline: Jan. 15
For international students currently enrolled at the University of Michigan, the final deadline is March 1.
Funding note: Applications received after the Jan. 15 priority deadline date will still be considered for UMSI scholarships. However, to receive first consideration for these funds you must apply by the priority deadline.
Application process
The School of Information draws intellectually rich, academically diverse students from dozens of different disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, fine arts, law, business, education, engineering and health sciences. Students and faculty are united by a holistic view of information and a common interest in user-oriented systems and services.
We seek students who:
- exhibit leadership potential
- have a team-oriented approach to problem-solving
- are capable of dealing with ambiguity and change, and
- have a strong commitment to service.
Minimum requirements for admission
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be admitted based on the strength of their overall application.
Application materials
To apply to the Master of Science in Information program, please use our online application and submit the following:
You will pay this fee via credit card when you apply online, unless you have received an application fee waiver.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents: $75
- International applicants: $90
Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions where you have earned degrees. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted.
If you haven’t completed your degree, you can submit an in-progress transcript and follow up with a final one after graduation.
If you're unable to upload a transcript, you can have one sent directly from your institution to [email protected] or by mail to:
University of Michigan School of Information
ATTN: MSI Admissions
2200 Hayward St., Suite 2260
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Recommendations should be written by people who can provide substantive letters — people who know your work, abilities, and personal qualities, who have supervised you, and who can speak to your potential for successful graduate study. If you were recently a student, faculty members are appropriate. Other possible writers include employers and heads of organizations with whom you have volunteered. Personal friends and family members are not appropriate recommenders.
Ask your recommenders to submit their letters online (you will be given a chance to register your recommenders in the online application).
You will be asked to respond to the following question in 250 words or less:
- Describe one challenge or opportunity in the field of information that you are passionate about exploring. Why does this issue matter to you, and how might graduate study at UMSI help you engage with it?
Tips:
- You are encouraged to compose your essay in a Word document and then copy and paste it into the essay field.
- Our website and social media are great ways to get to know UMSI and broader issues in the field.
- We highly value academic integrity. Please be sure to properly attribute any essay content that is not your own.
You will be asked to reflect on the following, in 1-2 pages double-spaced:
- Please describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study at the University of Michigan School of Information. Your statement should discuss your academic, professional or personal preparation; your future goals in the field of information; and how the MSI program will help you achieve those goals. You may also include experiences, perspectives or skills you would contribute to the UMSI community and the broader information field.
Please upload a copy of your current resume with your online application.
UMSI does not require a portfolio or published materials for the application, and there isn't a specific place to submit one on the application itself. If you feel you would like to submit your portfolio or published materials, you may add a link in the “Additional Information” section of your application.
Non-native English speakers must submit an official score report from the TOEFL or IELTS, taken within the past two years. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency does not automatically exempt you from this requirement. You are exempt if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are a native English speaker.
- You completed your entire degree at an institution where all classes are taught in English.
- You are a current University of Michigan student.
We accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Online, which are equivalent to the in-person exams.
Recommended scores:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (strongly preferred)
- We recommend a score of 5+ overall with 5+ in each section on the new TOEFL scale (102+ overall with 25+ in each section on the previous TOEFL scale)
- When taking the TOEFL, use the U-M institution code: 1839
- The School of Information does not have a specific department code for the TOEFL; you may list "99"
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- We recommend a score of 7.5+ overall
Note for international applicants
UMSI does not require the submission of financial documentation at the time of application. International students who are admitted to the program will receive information about I-20s, F-1 visas, and submitting financial documentation in their email offer of admission. You should submit appropriate financial documentation at that time, following the instructions provided.
Please email us [email protected] if you have additional questions about our application requirements.
Not a Candidate for Degree admission
UMSI offers students a flexible enrollment with the Not a Candidate for a Degree (NCFD) admission status. Alumni — and graduates of similar programs at other institutions — might choose NCFD as a means to enroll for continuing education purposes (such as to take a refresher course for one semester) but not pursue a degree.
NCFD students are not eligible for financial assistance from the school and cannot register for courses until the first day of classes.
To apply as an NCFD student, please submit all MSI application materials except letters of recommendation. Enrollment as an NCFD student is typically part time for 1-3 terms, evaluated on a case by case basis. Please indicate your proposed term(s) of enrollment and course(s) you are interested in within your application essay.