Online education requirements and information

Virtual students have the option of choosing courses scheduled both during the day and late afternoon. Our online classes are offered synchronously, often one day a week for 2.5 hours. As an online student you participate in live classes with campus students, allowing you to pursue your degree without the commute.

See our current course offerings here. Select the session you are interested in (for example, Fall 21) and put "SLIS" in the Course Subject field. Please note that students who are registered with an online plan of study may not take more than 4 s.h. of coursework onsite without affecting their registration status.

Admission

Both online and on-campus students must meet standard admission requirements. Select the Library and Information Science MA Online option during the admissions process to select the online program. Please note that only the MA in LIS (non-thesis) is currently eligible for the Online program.

Costs

Online students pay tuition rates based on their status as an online student regardless of residency status. From the tuition calculator link, select "Graduate College" in the Select a College dropdown, then "Graduate-Distance Program" in the Tuition Group dropdown to display the tuition and fee for online enrollment.

Academic resources

Our virtual students have full access to the same advising support as our campus students, including both an academic and administrative advisor.

Technical requirements

SLIS uses Zoom video conferencing software to connect our students and classrooms. Please refer to the Suggested Computer Configurations for Students for recommendations on the hardware and software that you will need to have reliable access to our classrooms and resources across campus.

On-site requirements

Virtual students are expected to attend new student orientation typically held the Friday before classes start in late August.

We're excited to offer our virtual program and are here to answer any questions you might have. Send us an email at Virtual MA in LIS.

Admission Requirements

At SLIS, you will be in The Graduate College at The University of Iowa. The minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate College are:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a Regionally Accredited American College or University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions.
  • A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions. If your undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0, we encourage you to speak with us and talk about your options.
  • The GRE is no longer a requirement for admission to SLIS.

International Student Admission

  • A U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions.
  • A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00, or the foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions.
  • English Proficiency Requirements
  • International students must also submit a Financial Statement upon acceptance to the university.

Application Deadlines and Decisions

  • Fall semester—February 1
    All application materials, including letters of recommendation, are due by February 1.
    **Teacher Librarian Program - due to the nature of school district budgeting the deadline for teacher librarian applications is set at June 15 for full consideration. Applications received after that date will still receive consideration.
  • Spring semester—not offered
  • Summer session—not offered

    Admissions decisions are announced approximately one month to six weeks after the admission deadline.

    It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials have been received. Please track your application process on your MyUI Profile, and contact our office if you have any questions.

    Late applications are considered only if places are still available. If it is after the February 1 deadline, please contact us to find out if there is space left in our program. Please note: Generally, financial aid often is not available for late applicants.

  • An Admissions Committee of three faculty members and the program coordinator consider all completed applications and select those applicants who are to be admitted to the School. Enrollment is limited and decisions are made on a competitive basis; not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements are accepted.