The Bachelor of Science in Information (BSI) degree is a two-year residential undergraduate program. You may join our program for the final two years of your four‐year degree after completing the first two at an accredited community college or four-year university.

We’ll review your application here at the School of Information, and we make all admissions decisions. Unfortunately, we cannot accept transfer students directly from institutions located outside of the U.S. 

The Fall 2023 BSI Application is closed.

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Prerequisite course requirements

Before joining the BSI program in your junior year, you’ll complete or be in the process of completing our required prerequisite courses and have a minimum of 54 transferable credit hours. Below is the prerequisites coursework. You’ll need a C or better in these courses to satisfy the prerequisite requirements.

• Introduction to computer programming course (Python preferred) similar/equivalent to the University of Michigan’s courses: SI 106 (preferred), ENGR 101, or EECS 183
• First-year writing course similar/equivalent to the University of Michigan’s courses that meet the first-year writing requirement
• Introduction to Statistics course similar/equivalent to the University of Michigan’s course, STATS 250

We know it can be tough to figure out which courses at your community college or university satisfy our prerequisites. Email us at [email protected] if you have questions about equivalent classes at your institution. 

Transferable credit requirements

Along with the 3 prerequisites you will also need to complete at least 54 transferable hours before joining the BSI program.

Specific to students at colleges and universities outside of University of Michigan-Ann Arbor transferring directly into the UMSI BSI program: We accept all transfer credit (limit 60, or 62 with an associate degree) as long as they meet all of the following criteria:

• Completed at an accredited college or university
• Final grade is equivalent to a C- or higher
• A college-level course*

*If you have questions on whether your courses are transferable or if certain courses are considered college-level please email [email protected] for a preliminary transcript evaluation.

You may also consult the U-M Transfer Credit Equivalencies database when looking for direct course equivalences. Please note this U-M database does not list any of the UMSI transferable credits.

Application materials

Essays

To apply, you’ll tell us more about yourself in three separate essays:

1. Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring to the University of Michigan School of Information and the objectives you hope to achieve. (300‐500 words)
2. Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Approximately 250 words)
3. Then, choose ONE from the list below:

• Discuss in historical and contemporary context an issue at the intersection of information, technology and people that interests you. (300-500 words)
• Discuss a recent world event in which digital technology has played a significant role. (300-500 words)
• Given that we are continually adapting to new technologies and ways of sharing information, what do you think the field of information will look like in ten years? (300-500 words)

Supplemental materials

• Professional resume, including relevant internships, work experience and/or projects related to the field of information 
• One letter of recommendation from a college instructor, preferably from one of the required prerequisites

Additional supplemental materials (optional)

If you did not have the opportunity to adequately highlight a significant talent, skill and/or ability in other areas of your application, you may submit supplemental materials with your application. 

Supplemental materials may include:

• Design project(s)
• Portfolio
• Video and audio recording(s)
• Other information/pieces that you think may benefit your application

Transcripts and test scores

To apply, you’ll need to send along one scanned or electronic transcript, either submitted as part of the online application or mailed directly to UMSI, for all high school and undergraduate programs (including two- or four-year institutions).

Unofficial transcripts are fine for the application process; if you earn admission to the program, we’ll ask you for the official versions. 

If you are currently enrolled at an institution, you may submit a current (in-progress) transcript now and a final official transcript if offered admission.

You may email your transcript to [email protected].

Test Scores: TOEFL, IELTS, MET, Duolingo, etc. if English is not your first language. For more information, see the U-M Undergraduate Admissions website.