Information for Prospective Students

• Deadline for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: February 1 
• International Applicants (who have or will need student F-1 visas): November 1

MLIS Online

• Deadline for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: February 1
• International Applicants (who have or will need student F-1 visas): Not eligible for this program

Note: Admission to either MLIS program option (residential or online) is for Autumn Quarter only. All application materials must be post-marked by the indicated deadline.

To be considered for admission, prospective students must submit an application to the University of Washington Graduate School. We encourage prospective students from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences to apply.

Application Checklist

• Prepare materials for online application.
• Apply online.
  • Complete the UW Graduate School online application online.
    This application includes the statement of purpose, resume/cv, supplemental questions and letters of recommendation.
  • Pay the application fee ($50 USD).
• Mail other application materials. 
  • Request that official GRE scores (or LSAT scores for Law MLIS applicants) be sent to the Information School. Applicants with an earned doctorate (PhD, JD, MD) are not required to submit GRE scores.
  • Request that official transcripts from all relevant institutions of higher education be sent directly to the Information School.
  • Request that recommendations be sent directly to the Information School.
  • International students must follow the additional requirements below.

Law MLIS Applicants

When applying to the Law MLIS program, applicants should select (Residential) Master of Library & Information Science as the program of application during the initial set-up of the online Graduate School application. A few screens into the online application you will be prompted to indicate that you are applying for the Law MLIS program. Simply type in "Yes."

Applicants with an earned doctorate (PhD, MD, JD) are not required to submit GRE scores; however, you must submit LSAT scores.

International Applicants

An international student is defined as any person who is not a U.S. citizen and does not hold a U.S. Permanent Resident Visa. The definition of an international student also includes those who hold U.S. visas, such as an F-1 visa, exchange visitors, and other non-immigrant classifications.

For international applicants interested in the residential MLIS program, all application materials must be received by November 1 because of increased processing time required.

The Online MLIS program does not currently support international students who require an F-1 (student) visa. International applicants who currently reside in British Columbia, Canada, may be eligible to apply for the Online MLIS program. Please check with us at dmlis@washington.edu for any updates and more information regarding eligibility for international students for the Online MLIS program.

For more information, please refer to the UW Graduate School's Admissions page.

International applicants must submit additional required materials to the Graduate School.

UW Graduate School mailing address:
University of Washington
Office of Graduate Admissions
Box 84808*
Room 301, Loew Hall
Seattle, WA  98124-6108

*If using a shipping service that does not deliver to PO Box numbers, just delete "Box 84808" from the address and the UW Office of Graduate Admissions should receive your package.

Tuition Overview

See Tuition Information for both the residential MLIS and distance Online MLIS program options.

More Information

View the MLIS Admissions Brochure or join our mailing list.

View the MLIS Technology Requirements and the Information Technology Literacy Requirements.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Information School’s Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) by e-mail at either mlis@washington.edu or dmlis@washington.edu, or by phone at 206-543-1794. Thanks for your interest!