MS Information-Admission

1. Degree

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution is required. International applicants must have a degree comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree.

2. GPA

A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required. Applicants from an international institution must demonstrate strong academic achievement comparable to a 3.00 for an undergraduate or master’s degree. The Graduate School will use your institution’s grading scale. Do not convert your grades to a 4.00 scale.

3. English Proficiency

Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score. Your score is considered too old, and will not be accepted, if it is more than 2 years old from the start of your admission term. Please see the Graduate School’s Admission Requirements for language proficiency information.

4. Statement of Purpose or Reasons for Graduate Study

If not already included with the main online application, submit your personal statement electronically through the Reasons for Graduate Study/Statement of Purpose section of the online application.

The statement should communicate to the admissions committee the applicants aspirations for their time at the iSchool and career. Among other things, it should discuss:

1. How your educational background, work experience or other influential experiences will contribute to your success at UW-Madison’s iSchool.
2. How the iSchool resources (courses, faculty, networking, leadership opportunities, organizations, internships or other resources) will help you accomplish your goals and career aspirations.
3. How your technology skills will support your success as a student and professional.

Your statement should not exceed 750 words.

Diversity of experiences contributes to the enrichment of the school and profession. Your statement may include any relevant factors you would like the admissions committee to consider such as cultural, economic, educational, and other aspects of your background that may differentiate you from other applicants. You may also choose to mention particular skills and experiences (volunteer experience, technology skills, travel, leadership etc.). We will use your personal statement to assess your writing ability and critical thinking skills.

5. Transcripts

Please note that if you are admitted to the program and choose to accept the offer of admission, the Graduate School Admissions Office will follow up requesting official transcripts from you prior to enrolling on campus.

6. Letters of Recommendation

The MS Information requires two (and only two) references, at least one of which should be from a professor who is familiar with your academic abilities. References must be from professors or employers who can estimate how well you would do in a rigorous graduate program. If you have been out of school for more than five years and are unable to obtain references from a former professor, you may substitute a professional reference.