Requirements
To be considered for the CAS program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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A master's degree in either information or library science with a grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale);
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For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum (paper-based) TOEFL score of 625 or (computer-based) TOEFL score of 263. (See Information for International Applicants.)
Transfer of credits
You may transfer up to 9 hours of graduate credit from another institution; see UNC's Graduate Record for details.
International applications
International applicants to SILS must fulfill special requirements. Failure to complete these requirements will prohibit the rest of the application process.
Process
Note: The application period for summer and fall admissions is now closed. The application period for Spring 2008 will begin later this summer.
- Complete and submit the Graduate School application, including the nonrefundable application fee of $70.
- Complete and submit all required materials:
- To the Graduate School:
- Transcripts of all academic work, sent directly from each institution. If your academic work was completed at UNC at Chapel Hill you do not need to have a transcript sent to the School of Information & Library Science. Please make sure to have an internal or official transcript sent to the Graduate School.
- Scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past five years, sent from Educational Testing Service. Applicants holding a professional degree (e.g., JD, MD, DDS, Ph.D.) may request a waiver from this requirement.
- Scores on the TOEFL (for international applicants only).
- To SILS:
- The SILS supplemental application.
- A brief essay (500 words maximum) stating career goals, area of study interests, and reasons the CAS program will meet the applicant's needs.
- Three letters of reference, of which at least two should be from persons having first-hand knowledge of the applicant's academic capabilities.
- A résumé including work experience, special abilities and skills.
- Transcripts of all academic work, sent directly from each institution.
- To the Graduate School:
- Wait for your admissions decision. You will receive letters from SILS and the Graduate School accepting or denying your application. You may submit your residency application for North Carolina residency within the time suggested by the graduate schoool - http://gradschool.unc.edu/residency/index.html.
Applications are not reviewed until all materials (forms, transcripts, test scores, essay and references) have been received. Financial assistance is not considered until the applicant has been approved for admission. It is imperative that your application, including all supplementary materials, be submitted before the deadline.
SILS admits CAS students for matriculation in the fall, spring and summer semesters. We recommend beginning the program in the fall semester, since that is when most introductory courses are offered and when most merit-based financial assistance awards begin.
Deadlines
Fall Admission |
|
To be considered for Graduate School financial assistance |
January 1 |
To be considered for SILS financial aid |
February 15 |
Last day to submit an application with the graduate school and SILS to be considered for Fall admission |
May 1* |
Spring Admission (January) |
|
All applicants |
October 15 |
Summer Admission |
|
Financial assistance requested |
January 1 |
Financial assistance not requested |
March 15* |
*During recent years, spaces have been filled earlier than these deadlines. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early even if financial assistance is not being requested.