Apply Now
Talk with a Graduate Admissions Counselor |
Kristina SandeThe MLIS application deadlines are March 1 (Fall semester) and October 1 (Spring semester). It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure her or his application is completed by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Application form
Complete all sections of the online application form, or print and complete all sections of the paper application form (PDF).
Application fee
Submit a $35 non-refundable application fee. Make check or money order payable to St. Catherine University. This fee is waived for students who previously:
- Enrolled at the University (completed at least one course at either the undergraduate or graduate level)
- Attended a graduate information session within the past five years
- Completed an individual appointment with graduate faculty/staff within the past five years
If one or more of the above statements applies to you:
- If submitting a paper application: do not include payment with your application form.
- If submitting an online application: choose the waiver option when asked for a form of payment.
Please note that your application fee will not be refunded if you submit the payment but are eligible for a fee waiver.
Personal statement
Prepare an essay (minimum of three pages, typed and double-spaced) demonstrating written communication skills and addressing each of the following:
- The ability to identify and respond to emerging issues affecting the dynamic, changing field of library and information science is essential. Critically assess a major issue in the field today. How does it affect current professionals, now and in the next decade?
- How have your personal, educational and employment experiences shaped your desire to pursue the MLIS program at St. Catherine University?
- Identify your personal strengths and limitations, and consider how they will affect your potential for success in the field of library and information science. Be candid and provide specific examples.
Personal statements should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission at the address at the bottom of this page or via e-mail to graduate_study@stkate.edu. Please type your full name at the top of your statement and include “MLIS Personal Statement” in the subject line.
Applicants for the Certificate of Special Study should submit an essay (1–2 typewritten pages) addressing their reasons for pursuing a graduate certificate.
Résumé
Submit a current résumé. Please differentiate between paid work experience and volunteer activities. Indicate whether the experience/activity was part-time or full-time in nature, specify the dates of employment/volunteering and list the responsibilities involved.
While field-related experience is not a prerequisite for admission, we encourage all prospective students to pursue relevant work or volunteer opportunities prior to applying to the MLIS program. Engaging in such experiences broadens the candidates' understanding of library and information science, helps them determine whether or not they want to pursue a career in the field, and potentially strengthens their application for graduate study.
You may send your résumé via e-mail to graduate_study@stkate.edu. Please include “MLIS Résumé” in the subject line.
Recommendation forms
Two MLIS recommendation forms must be completed by professional and/or academic references who can attest to the intellectual ability, leadership potential and judgment of the applicant. References must submit both a form and an accompanying statement in order for the recommendation to be considered complete. Applicants for the Certificate of Special Study are required to submit only one recommendation.
These are confidential recommendations and must be sent directly from the references to the Office of Graduate Admission at the address listed below. Original documents must be sent to our office. Applicants who wish to view a copy of the completed recommendations are responsible for making the appropriate arrangements with their references.
Academic transcripts
Official transcripts are required from each post-secondary institution attended, even if courses are recorded on another transcript and regardless of the number of credits earned.
All transcripts should be mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the registrar of each institution to the Office of Graduate Admission at St. Catherine University. Transcripts that do not meet these criteria will be considered unofficial and will not be used to complete the applicant’s file.
GRE/MAT scores
Applicants who do not meet the academic performance requirement (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) must submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT). This requirement is waived for applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) or who have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Applicants for the Certificate of Special Study are exempt from this requirement.
TOEFL/MELAB scores
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 600 or better on the paper and pencil test, 100 on the iBT or 250 on the computerized test or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a score of 90 or better. This requirement is waived for students who have completed a baccalaureate or graduate degree in the United States.
Credential evaluation
Applicants with a college or university degree completed outside of the United States must submit an official evaluation from World Education Services as well as original transcripts and official translations of all documents not in English. All costs related to document translation and evaluation are the applicant's responsibility.
International applicants
Please read instructions from the Graduate College for international applicants »
Submitting materials
Submit all items listed below to:
St. Catherine University
Graduate Admission, Mail Stop 4027
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Fulfillment of the admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Each application that has been completed with the items listed above and received by St. Catherine University will be considered by the Admission Committee. No credentials will be returned to the applicant.
Non-degree applicants
Students that fit into any of the following categories may apply to the MLIS program as a non-degree–seeking applicant:
- Students with a previously earned MLIS degree
- Students currently enrolled in other graduate library and information science programs, if the institution in which they are enrolled will accept credits earned at St. Catherine University as part of the requirements for the graduate degree
- Students currently enrolled in other graduate programs needing a course to complete certification requirements for a specific degree
Non-degree-seeking students are limited to two MLIS courses for a total of six semester credits and are not eligible for financial aid.
Students who are eligible to apply as a non-degree applicant must submit the following materials:
- Application form. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission to receive a copy of the non-degree application form.
- Application fee. Submit a $10 nonrefundable application fee; make check or money order payable to St. Catherine University. This fee is waived for St. Catherine current students and alumnae.
- Transcripts. One official transcript from the institution that granted your baccalaureate degree, as well as one official transcript from the institution that granted your MLIS degree (or from the institution where you are currently enrolled as a graduate degree-seeking student). Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the Registrar's Office of each institution to the Office of Graduate Admission at St. Catherine University.
