Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate students who have completed the prerequisites may apply for the information science major or information systems minor.
Criteria for admission include the candidate’s academic record, work and extra-curricular experience, and substantive thinking about the role of information in society. Candidates from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are sought. Admission to the School of Information and Library Science (SILS) depends on the feasibility of applicants completing the curriculum within the designated eight terms in residence. Application review is holistic.
Application Requirements
Application Cycles
Spring Admission: Apply September 1–October 1
Fall Admission: Apply February 1–March 1
Applications can be requested on the first day of the application cycle and must be completed within the designated time frame. Late applications are not accepted.
Requirements
- Students applying to the major must have completed either all three prerequisite courses or at least two prerequisites and have the third in progress. Students applying to the minor must have completed at least one INLS course.
- Resume
- A 100-300 word essay explaining why you want to pursue an information science (IS) major/minor. More specifically, what experiences led you to realize you would benefit from further education in IS, and how will pursing an education in IS enable you to achieve your future plans?
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
One of the best ways to learn more about information science is by taking one of our introductory courses, such as INLS 201: Foundations of Information Science. If you want to major in information science, you’ll need to complete a set of prerequisite courses and apply for admission. Criteria for acceptance include academic record, work and extra-curricular experience, and substantive thinking about the role of information in society.
How to Apply
- Apply for Change of Major in ConnectCarolina on the first day of the application cycle. The option is available from the “other academic…” dropdown menu, located under the Academics section of the Student Center tab.
- Select the major/minor you wish to apply for from the “Major” drop-down menu.
- Update the “Request to” and “Term” drop-down menu
- Click the “I Agree” checkbox in order for the “Submit Request” to become available.
- You must submit a change of major request at least one day in advance of the deadline in order for the application to be completed on time, it is strongly recommended you do so on the first day of the application cycle.
- Within one business day, you will receive an invitation to complete the application via email. Applications are reviewed after the application closes for each cycle. Decisions are typically made and sent to candidates within one month of the application closing. Late and paper applications are not accepted.
- If admitted, you must officially accept your admissions decision in ConnectCarolina
- Attend new student orientation.
Curriculum
To view the requirements for each program, please refer to the appropriate link:
Bachelor of Science in Information Science Curriculum
Requirements for a Dual Degree
- Students must apply, be admitted, and accept admission to each graduate program at the same time and abide by all program requirements. It’s best that individuals identify their interest in a dual degree program prior to applying to UNC. Students who decide they want to pursue dual degrees after enrolling in their first semester at SILS should apply for admission to the other program, informing the registrar and the coordinators of both programs at the time of application.
- Once students are accepted and admitted, they may enroll both programs. Students will be “term-activated” each semester for the program in which they take the majority of their classes, and their tuition will be based on the department or school in which they are “term-activated.”
- Dual degree students can “double count” a certain percentage of their classes from one program to the other. The number of credit hours can vary from program to program, but all programs are designed to enable students to finish both degrees in three years.
External Transfer Students
External transfer students must indicate that they wish to pursue a major in Information Science on their application from Undergraduate Admissions. Transfer students sometimes transfer directly into the School of Information and Library Science, however your application is completed through Undergraduate Admissions. Application deadlines for external transfer students are also set by Undergraduate Admissions. Please check these deadlines here prior to applying. Any pre-requisite courses not completed prior to applying must be completed during your first semester at UNC.
External transfer students who do not directly transfer into the program must apply through ConnectCarolina, during the designated application times, and meet the same requirements as all other applicants.
Questions?
Contact Benjamin Levine
Assistant Director of Programs and Advising
bjlevine@unc.edu or 919-962-8366