Master of Science

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, achieving at least a B (3.0) average. Applicants with less than a 3.0 average will be considered if they score at least 1,000 (verbal and quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or hold an advanced degree. GRE scores are required only if the cumulative GPA from every Bachelor's or advanced degree earned falls below 3.0.

Applicants are expected to submit a completed application file that includes the following:

Completed application form
Non-refundable application fee of $35 (Make checks payable to Simmons College)
Personal statement of career goals and how the program supports them (250 words minimum, typed on a separate sheet, signed, and dated)
Official college transcripts indicating graduation date from all institutions attended (including those from which credit was transferred)
Three letters of professional or academic recommendation
GRE test scores (GRE scores are required only if the cumulative GPA from every degree earned falls below 3.0) The GRE codes are as follows:
Simmons College - 3761, Library Science - 4701, Archival Science - 4702.
TOEFL scores, if English is not the first language. For more information regarding the TOEFL requirement, please see the English Language Proficiency section of the International Students page.
Source of income statement (for international students)

Application materials may be submitted to:
GSLIS Office of Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Admissions decisions are based on a composite of all documentation in the application folder.

In addition to the standard admission requirements, applicants to the Dual-Degree Archives Management & History (M.S./M.A.) Program will need to provide a 5-7 page academic writing sample. If you do not have an academic writing sample, please contact the History Department to discuss a possible substitution for your submission.

Interview requirements

An interview with a GSLIS representative is required for applicants whose cumulative GPA is less than 3.0, as well as for all dual degree and SLTP applicants, and those applying to the Mount Holyoke program. Students who do not fall under these categories but would still like an interview may request one by contacting the Office of Admission.

Application deadline

GSLIS has a rolling admissions policy. For the Boston campus, completed application files must be received by November 1 for the Summer session, March 1 for Fall, and July 1 for Spring semester. For the Mount Holyoke campus, deadlines are March 1 for Fall admission and July 1 for Spring.

Admission may be deferred for one year, after which applicants must reapply.

Reapplying to the program

Applicants who are not admitted to the GSLIS program may reapply after a minimum of one calendar year from their initial application date. The new application must offer additional resume or other information such as further coursework, evidence of continued interest in the field via volunteer or work experience, and/or new letters of recommendation.

Questions?

Please call the GSLIS Office of Admission at 617-521-2868 or e-mail us if you have a question about the application process, a program or the school. You may also find answers to your questions by attending one of our Admission Events.

PDF Downloads:

Application Form
Recommendation Form

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