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University of Michigan School of Information

How do I apply to the PhD in Information?

The PhD application is currently closed.

Deadline: Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Application requirements

Application fee

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents: $75
  • International applicants: $90 

Fee waivers are available for those who qualify. Fees are paid online by credit card at the time of your application and are non-refundable.

Statement of purpose

Your statement of purpose should open with: 

Then, in 4-6 double-spaced pages, address the following in any order:

  • Describe prior research experiences, courses or projects that have prepared you for doctoral study.
  • Explain in some detail the research area you would like to contribute to:
    • Specify at least one area, discipline or method that you would like to learn in depth.
    • Describe one other area, discipline or method that would round out the breadth of your knowledge and why it would be a valuable part of your education.
  • Explain why you identified the potential advisors you did.
  • Give an example of a research project you are excited about — one you have conducted, one you would like to conduct, or one that you have read about.

Personal history statement

In addition to the statement of purpose described above, the Rackham Graduate School requires a personal history statement. This brief (half-page to one-page) non-academic statement should convey how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. 

Resume/CV

Upload a current resume or CV with your online application.

Transcripts 

You may upload unofficial transcripts directly within the online application. These are sufficient for review by the admissions committee. If recommended for admission, you will need to send official transcripts to the Rackham Graduate School.

When uploading, include both the front and back of each transcript page.

Letters of recommendation

Submit three recommendation letters written by faculty members and/or professional colleagues who are in a position to judge your potential for success in the doctoral program, your aptitude for research, and your capacity to make a contribution to your chosen profession. If you were recently a student, faculty members are appropriate. Personal friends and family members are not appropriate recommenders.

You will be asked to register your recommenders as part of your online application. They will then submit their letters online. 

Standardized test scores

The GRE is not required and will not be reviewed by the UMSI admission committee if submitted to the University of Michigan.

English proficiency tests

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency does not automatically exempt you from this requirement. You are exempt from this requirement if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are a native English speaker.
  • You completed your entire bachelor's degree or master's degree of at least two years at an institution where all classes are taught in English.
  • You are a current University of Michigan student. 

To fulfill this requirement, please submit official score reports from one of the following tests, taken within the past two years:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  • We recommend a score of 5+ overall on the new TOEFL scale (102+ overall on the previous TOEFL scale)
  • 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.

Applicants with slightly lower scores may still be considered if their application materials demonstrate strong English proficiency. 

We also accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Online, which are equivalent to the in-person exams.

Questions?

For questions about application requirements or fee waivers, please email [email protected].