Pursuing the BS-MS dual degree pathway occurs in a series of two steps.
- The student must apply to the BSIS program in ConnectCarolina and turn in the statement of intent form to the Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator by the BSIS application deadline.
- The student must apply to the MSIS or MSLS program early enough in their undergraduate study that there is no gap between the semester they finish their undergraduate degree and the semester they begin their graduate degree. Usually this will be the third-to-last semester of undergraduate study (second semester of junior year), and no later than the second-to-last semester of undergraduate study (first semester of senior year).
Applying for the BSIS
The BSIS application opens twice per year: Feb. 1 - Mar. 1 and Sept. 1 - Oct. 1. For prerequisites and other requirements for the BSIS program, visit the BSIS Curriculum page.
Students are encouraged to apply to the BSIS program with intent to pursue the dual degree in the second semester of their sophomore year or later. It is strongly recommended to apply for the BSIS with intent to pursue the dual degree as early as possible. The latest a student could apply with intent is during their 7th semester, or the first semester of their senior year.
Dual degree students are allowed to count up to two pre-requisite courses as co-requisite courses.
Applying for the MSIS and MSLS
The Graduate School waives application fees for UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students applying for the master's degree as part of the dual degree program. Students will apply to the master's program during their 6th, 7th, or 8th semester of undergraduate study. For admission to study at the master's level in the fall semester, students should meet the application deadline in the prior spring. Admissions deadlines are listed here.
Applicants are required to:
Complete the online application through the Graduate School:
- Unofficial copies of your transcripts
- A resume.
- A Statement of Purpose. The Statement of purpose for bachelor's - master' applicants should reflect the applicant's career goals, how the applicant's educational background and work experience will contribute to their experience a SILS, and how attending SILS will assist the applicant in achieving their career goals. A formal prompt for the statement of purpose can be found here.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores are no longer required nor are they recommended for applicants to SILS. This new policy is effective for students applying for admission for the spring, summer, or fall 2021 terms. Applicants may voluntarily submit GRE scores if you feel that these scores would help the admissions committee understand your academic capabilities more completely.
- Three letters of reference. For dual degree students, 2 of these letters must be from instructors of a course the student has taken; 1 from a SILS course and 1 from a non-SILS course.
