Library & Information Science Program FAQs
General Entry and Acceptance Questions
How do I apply?
You can apply online at http://du.edu/grad/admissions/apply.html or contact the College of Education at 800-835-1607 or by email at edinfo@du.edu to request a program information packet for our MLIS program.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for applications is February 1st.
What is considered for acceptance to your program?
The LIS program takes a "whole person" philosophy when accepting students. Thus, the
admissions committee will examine your Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, Resume,
Statement of Professional Goals Essay, GPA, and any prior experience that is applicable
to the program. You will also be interviewed in person or via phone/Skype.
What materials do I need to submit in order to apply to your program?
First you will need to apply online as stated above. Then you will also need to submit
your "Supplemental Application Materials". Information on these materials can be found at
http://www.du.edu/education/calls/admission.html. The "Supplemental Application Materials" include Transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation,
a Resume, an Experience Summary, and a Statement of Professional Goals Essay. Students
interested in the Law Librarianship Fellows Program are required to submit additional
materials. Information about additional requirements and are listed at the link above.
For further application questions you may contact our admission office at: 303-871-2509.
Is there a particular degree that would give me a better chance of being accepted
into the program? (what degree will work)
No. The LIS program welcomes individuals with unique backgrounds to bring different
perspectives to the program.
Are GREs required for admission?
No. GRE scores are not required for admittance.
When will I hear about my application?
Applicants will receive an e-mail that their application was received by the DU Graduate
Studies Admissions Office and will be notified if there is any missing information.
Students are encouraged to check on the status of their application materials at this
office at gstadm@du.edu. Once an application file is complete, the file is sent to the Morgridge College
of Education, Office of Admissions to be reviewed by LIS Program faculty. Typically,
decisions about acceptance into the LIS Program are made in early March.
Who should I get letters from?
It is best to obtain letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who
know you well and are engaged in studies similar to the program to which you are applying.
For recent graduates, updated recommendation letters from former professors that can
speak to your academic abilities as well as your character are recommended. For individuals
entering the program with years of work experience, letters of recommendation from
professionals who have seen your abilities working in the field. Most importantly,
choose individuals that are knowledgeable about your past experiences as well as your
goals for the future and who know you well enough to adequately discuss your accomplishments
and potential.
Is an interview required?
Yes. In-person or a phone interview is currently required as part of the admissions
process. You will be notified and given a time for an interview after your application
is complete and has been reviewed.
Do you accept students mid year?
No, all applications are reviewed once each year February - March. All applications
must be received by the deadline to be reviewed for admission the following Fall quarter.
How many students will you be accepting and do you have an estimate of how many people
will be applying?
The number of applications we receive from year to year varies; however, on average
we typically receive over 125 applications per year. From this number, about 60 -
70 students are selected for spots in our LIS program.
What graduate coursework is accepted as transfer credit?
Transferring graduate coursework into the LIS program is discussed on an individual
basis with your advisor. If you wish to transfer in comparable graduate level coursework
you will need to bring in the syllabus, text, and other course materials from the
graduate class you have already taken when you meet with your advisor in the first
quarter of your program. The graduate coursework you wish to transfer in must be no
more than five (5) years old, cannot have been counted toward another degree, and
must be transferred in your first quarter of enrollment at the University of Denver.
A maximum of 10 credits may be transferred in. Graduate coursework that is transferred-in
will go towards the total number of DU classes you will need to graduate.
Can I talk to a student from the program?
Yes. We encourage prospective students to communicate with current students in order
to get the clearest possible picture of graduate life at the University of Denver.
To do so, contact the Morgridge College of Education, Office of Admissions at edinfo@du.edu .
I would love to set up an appointment with someone in your department who could provide
me a better understanding of the LIS program at DU and be able to discuss possible
options. Is that possible?
Yes. Although not mandatory, we encourage prospective students to see the campus and
meet current students and faculty. Such a visit does take some planning, however.
Call the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions at 303-871-2509 or 800-835-1607,
or e-mail at edinfo@du.edu, and they will help you plan your visit. It is preferable if you would arrange for
visits through the Admissions Office and not through individual faculty. In addition,
please try to attend one of our Information Sessions (http://du.edu/education/calls/info-sessions1.html) scheduled throughout the year. In the spring, we host a Graduate Experience Day
for students already accepted into our graduate program but who have not made a final
decision. LIS faculty and students will be available to meet with accepted students
at this meeting. Students who have not visited the campus are encouraged to attend
this event to gain more information about the program and the University of Denver
before making their final graduate school decision.
Financial Aid and other Financial Considerations
What funding or assistantships are there for graduate students?
A variety of types of aid are available for graduate students in the LIS program.
There are a limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research
Assistantships also available to students in the program that provide some tuition
reimbursement as well as monthly stipends. Scholarship money is also available on
a yearly basis to students in the program that apply and have a Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ form on file. Lastly, federal financial aid, including Perkins loans and Stafford
loans, are available. For information on financial aid, visit http://www.du.edu/education/calls/financial-aid/index.html
What is the cost of tuition?
The current graduate credit costs can be found at http://www.du.edu/registrar/regbill/reg_tuitionfees.html
Will I need to pay out of state, or how do I get in-state tuition?
The University of Denver is a private institution, thus tuition is the same for both
in-state and out-of-state students. For an estimate of yearly costs, visit http://www.du.edu/finaid/index.html.
If I establish residency, will half of my tuition be paid?
No. See above.
What kinds of insurance coverage do graduate students receive?
Graduate students have the option of obtaining their own private health insurance
or using the health insurance provided by the University of Denver. For specific information
regarding the coverage under the University of Denver's plan, visit http://www.du.edu/duhealth/general/insurance/index.html.
What is the cost of housing?
Graduate students have the choice to live on or off the University of Denver campus.
Information regarding on-campus housing can be found at http://slife.du.edu/housing/gliving.html and includes information about building options, dining plans, parking, etc. Off-campus
housing information can be found at http://www.du.edu/housing/resources/offcampus.html and includes links to nearby apartment complexes as well as information about how
to find roommates, transportation, childcare, banks, etc. Once you confirm you are
coming to DU, you can also use our LIS student listserv to find other students who
may be looking for a roommate.
General Information about the LIS Program
When does the program start? Can I begin anytime?
The LIS program only accepts applications once per year and new students begin each
year in Fall Quarter which is typically the first or second week of September.
How long do I have to finish my LIS degree?
You will have 5 years in which to complete all course work. If more time is needed,
students may apply for an extension under certain circumstances, but this is reviewed
on a case by case basis.
How long do students generally take to complete the LIS degree?
The LIS degree is designed to take about 2 years for completion. The time needed depends
on the student and their schedule. Some students finish in as little as 1½ years while
others may take up to 5. It really depends on how many credits a student takes per
quarter. Generally if a student maintains full-time status, they will be able to finish
in 2 years.
How many credit hours is the LIS degree?
58 total quarter hours are needed to complete the requirements for the LIS degree.
Of these 58 quarter hours each student will need to take core credits plus the number
of credits needed for their concentration and additional elective credits to total
58 quarter hours.
Do I have to come as a full-time student?
No. The LIS program has a flexible schedule and students can take courses full-time
or part-time, depending on their needs.
What does full-time enrollment mean?
Full-time enrollment status in the graduate program is achieved by taking a minimum
of 8 credit hours per quarter.
How many credits are each class?
Generally our classes are 3 quarter hours each.
The LIS program runs on the quarter hour system. How does this differ from the semester
hour system?
Semester hours count 1.5 times 1 quarter hour. For instance, a 3-semester-hour course
is equal to a 4.5-quarter-hour course.
Can students work full-time while taking classes in the LIS program?
The LIS program is designed for those that work full-time during the day.
What times are your classes offered?
Our classes are generally offered Monday through Friday, with sessions from 4 p.m.
to 6:25 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:25 p.m.
What do graduates from the LIS program do after they leave DU?
The LIS program prepares graduates to serve in school, public, academic, or specialized
libraries, as well as in business or corporate settings where the effective information
management of information is crucial.
What percentage of students find employment right after graduation?
Graduates of the LIS program are highly successful in gaining employment after graduation.
Our alumni survey from 2004 showed that 96% of our alumni were employed.
Which faculty are doing research and can I be involved?
All LIS program faculty are very active in their research interests. For a description
of faculty members and their research interests, visit the faculty web page at http://www.du.edu/education/faculty/faculty-program/faculty-lis.html Faculty always welcome student interest and participation, and are often looking
for members of ongoing research discussion groups.
Is your program accredited?
Yes. Our program has been accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since
2004. Our next site visit will be in 2011.
Can I do my required practicum out of state?
Yes. It is possible to complete your practicum in another state; however it does require
extra work and planning to ensure that the practicum site and supervisor meet our
practicum requirements.
Does the program arrange for the practicum placements?
Program faculty help mentor and facilitate the practicum placement process, however
students are required to actively pursue particular sites they desire. All practicums
must be approved by the Practicum Coordinator.
What is the average starting salary of a librarian?
According to the American Library Association (ALA) "The average starting salary
for a full-time new librarian was $37,975 in 2003, with the average for all librarians
at $43,090 for 2002."
