FAQs

Prospective Students
Financial Aid, Fees, Registration and Student Records
SIS and Degree Information
Online Program/Online Courses
Practicum
WSU Campus Information
Technology Information
Employers

Prospective Students

Request an information packet online.

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Admission Requirements To view the admissions requirements please visit www.sis.wayne.edu/admissions

In addition, Master of Library and Information Science applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

Possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university

Have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better or possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average lower than 2.75 can satisfy this requirement by one of the alternative methods listed below.

Submit evidence of post-baccalaureate graduate course work completed with a grade point average of 3.0 or better in a minimum of 12 graduate credits

or

Submit an official score report for either of the following standardized tests taken within the last five years

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): official score report for the GRE taken within the last five years must indicate a total score of 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions. The verbal portion must have a score of at least 500. You may register online at the ETS website. Wayne State University's institution code is 1898.

Submit a goals statement reflecting relevant personal and academic background and experience. Please limit your statement to 250 words.

Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.

Meet the SIS Program Technology Requirements.

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What are the SIS application requirements?

How to apply to the WSU School of Information Sciences:

Complete the Graduate Admissions Application form online.

Compose a personal statement of 250-500 words and include a current resume or curriculum vitae.
These materials should be uploaded to your online application. Please download the Personal Statement form to access the personal statement guidelines.

Request official transcripts from each university you attended and have them sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward
Suite 6000
Detroit, MI 48202, USA

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If your GPA is between 2.50 and 2.74, taking the GRE is required if you do not possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree or if you have not completed 12 post-baccalaureate credits with a minimum 2.75 GPA. See admissions requirements.

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2.75 GPA. See admission requirement.

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Yes, all applicants are required to submit evidence of proficiency in English to the Office of Graduate Admissions. A minimum score of 550 is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a score of 85 is required on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or a minimum score of 6.5 is required on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If taking the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 213 is required.

The following applicants are exempt from taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

International students whose native language is English

Applicants who have completed all their secondary or postsecondary education in the United States, Canada, or other English speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the West Indies, and other countries specified by the Wayne State University Office of University Admissions

Applicants whose native language is not English, but who have been instructed in the English language, are not exempt from the TOEFL/MELAB/IELTS requirements

Further information for international students can be found on the website for the Office of International Students.

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No. Since there is a moratorium for on-campus courses, international students who reside in North America are encouraged not to move to campus, but simply to enroll in the MLIS program's online option. If a student cannot be on-campus, they are not eligible for GSA positions.

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Commuting Canadians are encouraged to enroll in the MLIS program's option. You can find more information in our Admissions Process page.

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You can find more information on our Admissions Process page.

Application Dates for Admission*
For Fall classes beginning early September by July 1
For Winter classes beginning early January by October 1
For Spring classes beginning early May by March 15

For international students, the application form and all transcripts and documents must be on file in the Graduate Admissions Office at least four months before the start of the term in which the applicant plans to begin graduate studies.

For additional information on Graduate School Admission, refer to the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.

*These application dates are set by the Graduate School. Keep in mind that having your application into the WSU Graduate School by the submission date does not guarantee a spot in the SIS for that particular semester. Please plan accordingly. You can find more information in our Admissions Process page.

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3-6 weeks for regular domestic applications
6-12 weeks for international applications

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You can check your application status online at Domestic admissions process - Graduate School - Wayne State University.

You can also call Graduate Enrollment Services at 313.577-GRAD (4723) to check the status of your application. Or, you can call SIS at 313.577.1825.

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Please visit our listing of faculty and staff. The SIS staff is available to answer any general questions you may have about the school. Please call the SIS Main Office at (313) 577-1825 or toll-free (877) 263-2665. Prospective students may also contact Mike Dutkewych, Academic Services Officer at 313-577-2523 or mikedutkewych@wayne.edu.

Prospective students with questions about the program are advised to attend one of our Prospective Student Information Meetings.

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Financial Aid, Registration and Student Records

The registration calendar can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.

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Tuition due dates can be found in the registration calendar.

General information about tuition can be found on the Records and Registration website.

A current tuition chart can be found at the Records and Registration Tuition and Fees page.

Yes, the omnibus fee goes toward supporting the technology infrastructure of the school. Although the school does have some computers and equipment available for on-campus classes and students, the bulk of the money goes to support the infrastructure necessary to administer our distance learning program.

Ohio/Ontario Good Neighbor Policy
Under the Wayne State University "Good Neighbor" program, residents of Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa and Williams counties in Ohio or Ontario, Canada, who enroll in WSU academic programs, excluding the M.D. program, will have the non-resident portion of fees waived. Please direct questions concerning the WSU "Good Neighbor" program to 1-877-WSU-INFO [1-877-978-4636].

Dates concerning dropping classes can be found on the registration calendar.

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at Wayne State University annually administers financial aid funds from federal, state, university and private sources. Some financial aid programs are need-based, other programs are non-need based, and awards are given in recognition of special skills, talents, or academic ability. Financial Aid at Wayne State is awarded in the form of a "package" and generally consists of four types of aid: grants, scholarship, loans, and employment.

Information about applying for Financial Aid can be found here.

Financial assistance may be available to new and continuing SIS students. Scholarships, graduate student assistantships, work-study opportunities and Wayne State University student loans are available. Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid but may be eligible for program scholarships or assistantships.

For the list of SIS Scholarships and an application form, please visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid page.

For information on student employment and graduate student assistantships please visit our Student Employment page.

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Each semester a wait list is created for full classes. Follow this link: Waitlist - Current students - Wayne State University

The university considers a program of eight graduate credits per semester to be full-time study.

If a student is unable to register for classes during the semester for which they applied, they must fill out a Graduate Renewal Application.

No. SIS does not approve Permits to Register. You must be fully admitted to the school in order to register for classes.

Students can change the number of credits for variable credit hour courses in Academica. If you want to increase the number of credits, click on the Cred column link. This will take you to the Change Class Options screen. Enter the number of credits and click on the Submit Changes button. To view the changes on your current schedule, click on the Return to Add/Drop Classes Menu.

When students' personal information changes, they should notify the school office as soon as possible. Students should complete the name/address change process and submit it to the SIS office located in room 106 Kresge Library, email it to asksis@wayne.edu or fax it to 313-577-7563. Address changes can also be completed by logging into Academica. Click on the Student Tab and make changes under the View Personal Information link. Students should still notify the SIS office of any changes. Name changes will require students to bring their new social security card to the Student Records office at 5057 Woodward Ave.

SIS and Degree Information

The Plan of Work (POW) serves as a statement of the student's academic objectives and constitutes a contract between the student and the university. Each student must file a POW with SIS upon completion of the first nine hours of course work. The POW should be completed with the guidance and direction of the student's faculty advisor. It is the student's responsibility to draft a POW and to obtain the faculty advisor's approval and signature. Students must file a POW in the required time period or an academic hold will be placed preventing further registration. Following SIS approval of the POW, notice of candidacy status is forwarded to WSU Student Records and the completed document is retained in the student's folder in the SIS files. This document becomes the official list of courses to be completed satisfactorily by the student for fulfillment of the requirements all degrees and certificates granted by the School.

Any change in a student's course planning requires that a Change in Plan of Work (CPOW) form be completed in consultation with the faculty advisor prior to registration. Deviation from the POW without notification of change can result in delayed graduation. Plan of Work (POW) and Change in Plan of Work (CPOW) forms can be found on our Forms page.

Engaged in challenging careers, qualified information professionals are working in varied settings all over the globe. Librarians held about 141,200 jobs in 2022. Employment of librarians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Communities are increasingly turning to libraries for a variety of services and activities. Therefore, there will be a need for librarians to manage libraries and help patrons find information. (Occupational Outlook Handbook)

With more than 50 percent of today's gross national product related to the management of information, career opportunities for individuals trained in library and information science are abundant and diverse.

Information professionals will have a wider than ever choice of where and how to apply their knowledge and abilities. Exciting career opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors, including business, law, medicine, publishing, government, archives and museums, communications and media, engineering, academic environments, and pre K-12 education. Check the 'Library Journal's' October issue each year to review annual statistics on information sciences placements.

See the faculty directory.

The School of Information Sciences physical office hours vary but generally, office staff are in the office on Tuesdays and Thursday. Some staff work upstairs in the 3^rd floor and some in 106. The office is available via email Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Faculty have varying office hours each semester. To schedule an appointment with a faculty member, please email them Faculty Profiles - School of Information Sciences - Wayne State University or the office at asksis@wayne.edu.

Location, Driving Directions and Parking

The School of Information Sciences main office is located in the Purdy/Kresge Library, Room 314.4 Kresge. Administrative offices are located in 106 Kresge.

For driving directions to the Purdy/Kresge Library, please visit our Contact Information page.

Online Program/Online Courses

How much time should I expect to spend per credit hour outside of class studying/finalizing assignments/reading?

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

2. at least an equivalent amount of work for other activities, including laboratory work, internships, practicums, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

How does an online course work?

Faculty use Canvas, a course management tool, for posting lectures and assignments. Students participate by contributing to discussion boards, chat rooms and/or email conversations. Videos of lectures may be available through a variety of platforms including Canvas. Assignments are submitted electronically through email, websites and Canvas submission tools.

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Can all courses for the MLIS, MSIS, and certificates be taken online?

Yes, if you are enrolled in the online program, all SIS degrees can be obtained completely online.

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Who teaches online courses?

Both full-time and adjunct faculty lead our online courses. With a network of over 80 adjunct faculty members, the SIS utilizes the knowledge and practical experience of subject specialists working in the field nationwide.

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Are there technology requirements for students?

Yes; you can find the complete details of the program's technology requirements at our Technology Requirements page.

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Will online students interact with on-campus students?

Yes! First, online students will have the opportunity to meet on-campus students during faculty & student lunches held each semester. In addition, many student associations conduct web-based meetings so that online students can participate in the activities of the WSU chapters of information sciences professional associations.

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What are the tuition rates and fees for the online program?

Online students pay the same tuition and fee rates as Michigan residents. Please visit our Tuition and Fees page for current rates.

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Practicum

What is entailed in a practicum course?

Please note that we offer different practicum opportunities depending on a student’s interest. The application link is different for each.

The 3-credit library practicum requires a minimum of 135 hours on-site. In addition, students are also required to attend three seminars, maintain a journal, do an analysis of their experience and are responsible to see that the evaluation from the practicum institution is sent to the Practicum Supervisor. This is an elective course.

The 3-credit archival practicum also requires a minimum of 135 hours on-site. In addition, students are also required to attend three seminars, do an analysis of their experience, complete a skills assessment, and are responsible to see that the evaluation from the practicum institution is sent to the Practicum Supervisor. This is an required course for all graduate archival certificate students.

The SLM practicum requires 90 hours.

Go to this link for more detail on SIS practicum opportunities: Practicum - Current students - Wayne State University

When may I apply for a practicum?

The practicum application deadlines are as follows:

Fall Semester: June 1
Winter Semester: October 15
Spring/Summer Semester: March 1

May I take a practicum anytime during my work on my degree?

Students must have completed a minimum of 24 hours, which includes INF 6010, 6080, 6120, 6210 and 7040. Relevant electives should be selected to prepare you for the type of practicum experience you are seeking.

May I complete my practicum where I currently work or have worked?

Students are not placed where they are working or have worked or volunteered. This avoids conflicts of interest.

May I get paid for the practicum?

Students may receive payment while they are completing coursework for the practicum for credit.

Does the practicum site need to have a professional librarian on duty to provide supervision?

The practicum site must provide professional oversight.

Since I am currently working, I would like to schedule my practicum hours in the evening and on weekends.

It is best when placements are to be scheduled to provide full exposure to the full working week, days, nights, and weekends.

May a practicum be spread over two semesters?

Only in special and unusual circumstances will permission be granted to spread the practicum over two semesters (i.e. such as wanting to start the practicum in November and finishing early February).

May two practica be selected as a part of a student's course work?

The answer is "No" except for the following two exceptions:

If a student is enrolled in the Archival Administration Certificate Program, a second non-archival practicum maybe approved.

If a student is taking more than 36 hours for their master's degree, a second practicum maybe approved.

Are there preferred semesters to take a practicum?

Students who want to do reference work in an academic library should be aware that for a quality experience the practicum should be taken in either the fall or winter semesters. The reference desk from late May on sees little reference activity and does not allow for a quality experience.

When are the seminars?

Dates for the seminars are scheduled online with the practicum coordinator each semester. The confirmation email will inform the student as to the dates and times of the seminar. This confirmation of placement site is sent to the student 21-30 days prior to the beginning of the semester they are registered to take a practicum.

Where can I get additional information about the practicum?

The practicum guideline/application form is available on the school's website.

WSU Campus Information

For on-campus and off-campus housing please see the website for the Office of Housing and Residential Life.

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See the website for Parking and Transportation Services.

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See the campus map.

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Technology Information

Students must have basic computing skills to be successful at SIS. Please visit Technology Requirements page for detailed computer competencies, computer requirements and internet/email guidelines.

Microsoft Office is available as a free download for SIS students. It is highly recommended that you download this program using a computer with a high-speed internet connection. For more information on software downloads, click here.

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Employers

Please email job postings to asksis@wayne.edu.

FAQs

Prospective Students

Financial Aid, Fees, Registration and Student Records

SIS and Degree Information

Online Program/Online Courses

Practicum

WSU Campus Information

Technology Information

Employers

Prospective Students

How do I request an information packet?

What are the SIS admission requirements?

What are the SIS application requirements?

Do I need to take the GRE or MAT?

What is the minimum grade point average to get into the school?

Do international students have to take the TOEFL Exam?

Can international students move to campus, enroll in the on-campus MLIS program and get GSA positions to fund their education??

Can commuting Canadians enroll in the on-campus MLIS program?

When is the application deadline?

How long until I find out if I've been accepted?

How do I find out my admissions status?

I'm a prospective student who has not yet been admitted, but I would like to speak to an advisor. Who do I contact?

Is completion of the online orientation required for everyone?

Financial Aid, Registration and Student Records

What are the dates for registration?

When is tuition due?

How much is tuition?

Do online students pay the omnibus fee?

I'm an Ontario/Ohio resident - do I pay regular Michigan tuition?

What are the drop dates for this semester?

What options are available for financial aid?

The class I need to register for is closed. Is there any possible way for me to add into this class?

How many credit hours do I need to be considered a full-time student?

I was unable to get into a class for my first semester--will I be able to register next semester? What do I need to do?

I applied late. Can I get approved for temporary enrollment or can I get a Permit to Register?

How do I adjust the credit hours for my SLM 2/3 credit-hour practicum?

Who do I notify if my name or address changes?

SIS and Degree Information

Information for degree programs is available on the following sites:

What is a Plan of Work?

What is the job outlook for someone with an MLIS? What can you do with a MLIS?

What are the faculty members' areas of interest? Who advises for specific specializations?

What are the SIS Office hours?

Where is the School of Information Sciences located?

Online Program/Online Courses

How much time should I expect to spend per credit hour outside of class studying/finalizing assignments/reading?

How does an online course work?

Can all courses for the MLIS, MSIS, and certificates be taken online?

Who teaches online courses?

Are there technology requirements for students?

Will online students interact with on-campus students?

What are the tuition rates and fees for the online program?

Practicum

What is entailed in a practicum course?

When may I apply for a practicum?

May I take a practicum anytime during my work on my degree?

May I complete my practicum where I currently work or have worked?

May I get paid for the practicum?

Does the practicum site need to have a professional librarian on duty to provide supervision?

Since I am currently working, I would like to schedule my practicum hours in the evening and on weekends.

May a practicum be spread over two semesters?

May two practica be selected as a part of a student's course work?

Are there preferred semesters to take a practicum?

When are the seminars?

Where can I get additional information about the practicum?

WSU Campus Information

What are housing options as a Wayne State Student?

Where can I get information regarding parking issues?

Where can I get a map of campus parking lots?

Technology Information

What are the SIS technology requirements?

How do I get Microsoft Office?

Employers

I'm an employer and I'd like to send a job posting to SIS. How do I do this?