Graduate Admission Deadlines

The UT School of Information Sciences accepts applications continuously. The admissions committee reviews complete applications during the fall and spring semesters. Students may enroll in the fall or spring semester, but many SIS and UTK funding opportunities are only available for students who commence study in the fall semester. We encourage applicants to submit their application materials by the end of the calendar year prior to the fall semester in which they would like to enroll be competitive with other students, particularly for funding opportunities.

When Are Applications Reviewed?

Review of completed applications begin in February for fall admissions and October for spring admission.

How to Submit Your Application Online

The MSIS program application process has two primary phases: first, the applicant’s completed materials are reviewed by the UTK Graduate Admissions office to determine that the applicant meets the UTK Graduate School’s requirements for enrollment. If this is the case, the application is passed on the SIS admissions committee for review (phase two).

In addition to typical informational material and informal transcripts for all previous post-secondary academic work, the MSIS application requires a statement of purpose, three recommendations, and a current resume or curriculum vitae. Start today for a better understanding of application requirements, formatting, and ease of access. Note that at any point in the application process you can save your progress, log out, and resume working at a later time. The application fee is not due until final submission.

1. Visit the Graduate School application portal.
2. Create your account.
3. Input your information.
   1. Select Admission Type.
   2. Select Application Type (Online or On-Campus)
   3. Choose “Communication and Information” as College.
   4. Set Degree as “Master’s”
   5. Select “Information Sciences MS” as Program.
4. Proceed to complete personal information, transcripts, employment information, letters of recommendation, and application fee.

Guidelines for Written Statement

Applicants should submit a 400-700 word written statement addressing their career objectives and interest in the field of information science. You may address each of the following questions individually, or collectively in an essay.

1. What does “information sciences” mean to you?
2. When and how did you decide to pursue a graduate degree in information sciences?
3. Why are you interested in a career as an information professional? What kind of professional role(s) and/or setting(s) are you considering pursuing after graduation?
4. What professional goals will this program help you attain?
5. Why do you believe you will be successful in an information sciences program?

The written statement is an incredibly important component of the application. Take your time writing, revising, and editing to make sure your submission is the best possible representation of your work.

Letters of Recommendation

The online application system will prompt you to provide contact information for three individuals qualified to address your academic and/or professional promise. Although recommendations from former instructors is helpful, the admissions committee understands that many applicants are no longer in contact with instructors from undergraduate or previous graduate work. Individuals who have supervised or collaborated with you in a professional or volunteer setting are appropriate alternative recommenders.

Recommendation writers will be contacted through the application system and submit their recommendations directly to the admissions office, but make sure they are watching for an email prompt to complete your recommendation.

Transcript Information

Transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office through the online application system. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for admissions review but enrolled students must submit official transcripts directly from previous colleges/universities prior to beginning coursework. It is critical that you submit all required transcripts to the online application even if you didn’t receive a degree. Do not send or email transcripts to SIS or UTK employees directly unless instructed to do so.

Take a moment to review more information on submitting transcripts, including what formats to be included.

International students wishing to complete our program online from outside the United States may apply. However, at this time we are unable to accept international students wishing to study on campus, unless they are already in the United States on another non-student type of visa. Please contact us to determine if you are eligible.