Admission to the SIRLS Master’s Program

Admission to the SIRLS master’s degree program is granted by the director of SIRLS, upon recommendation of the SIRLS Admissions Committee, and the Graduate College. To be admitted, students must meet the requirements of both the Graduate College and SIRLS. In addition, they must submit an online application to the Graduate College and submit other materials directly to SIRLS. (See the Application Process below.)

UA Graduate School and School of Information Resources and Library Science Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona or from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Arizona
• A grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Application Process

IRLS 504 is offered several times a year: 

Winter Sessions - priority application deadline* is the preceding November 1st.
Summer Sessions - priority application deadline* is the preceding February 1st.

 *SIRLS is flexible with deadlines. If you have missed the deadline, please contact Geraldine Fragoso, Admissions Officer, at gfragoso@email.arizona.edu or 520-626-5230 for assistance.

Applicants must apply to the Graduate College and to SIRLS. There are also other forms to be submitted to UA departments.

A completed application to the Graduate College must include:

• An online application for admission to the Graduate College with a $75 application fee via a credit card.
  No transcripts are to be sent to the Graduate College.

A completed application of materials for SIRLS , sent directly to SIRLS, must include:

• A 750-1000 word, double spaced statement detailing why the applicant is interested in the field of information resources and library science. This statement should reflect some knowledge of the directions of the field and what the role of professionals in the field might be in the future. The statement should demonstrate excellent organizational and writing abilities. The statement may be attached to an email and submitted electronically.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with applicant's academic abilities and/or professional potential. The letters should focus on the applicant's interest in and commitment to the library and information science profession and on the applicant's ability to succeed in a graduate program. Letters should be written by faculty members, work supervisors, or other professional colleagues. The letters should be dated (no more than one year old) and in sealed envelopes from the author. There is no form for these letters. A recommendation letter may be mailed directly to SIRLS from the author or may be submitted by the applicant in a sealed envelope.
• Two official transcripts from each college or university attended in sealed envelopes.
• A resume or curriculum vitae. The resume may be attached to an email and submitted electronically.
• If applicable, a complete SIRLS financial aid form with a narrative statement of financial need included. The form and statement may be attached to an email and submitted electronically.
• While scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required, applicants may submit GRE test scores if they feel these make a stronger case for admission. 

  Send SIRLS admissions materials to:

  School of Information Resources & Library Science
  University of Arizona
  1515 East First Street
  Tucson, Arizona 85719 

• Items sent electronically should be directed to sirls@email.arizona.edu .

Applications are considered by SIRLS when all the above elements are received. An application will not be processed by SIRLS until all required information is received.

Other required forms must also be submitted:

• Domestic applicants must also complete a domicile affidavit if they wish to have in-state (Arizona) status. Mail or FAX the form directly to the Residency Classification Office. All students are considered out-of-state residents until domicile affidavits are processed. For more information about the requirements to be considered an Arizona resident, please review the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) information.
  
• All students should review the information about Proposition 300. This is the student's responsibility.
  
• International applicants must complete a financial guarantee form (Graduate College website) and submit TOEFL scores.
• An immunization form to be sent directly to Campus Health. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until they have have met the University's immunization requirements. For more information, see the Campus Health Service's immunization requirements.

Knowledge River Admission

Admission to Knowledge River, a project for educating librarians who are culturally and linguistically sensitive to Latino and Native American populations, requires admission to the SIRLS program and the Graduate College, under the requirements stated above. For more information about Knowledge River admissions, see the Knowledge River website.

Readmission to SIRLS

Those who were once SIRLS students and are no longer considered current SIRLS students must follow both the Graduate School Policy for readmission and SIRLS policies. There are varying circumstances under which former students who did not complete the degree might seek readmission. For more information on readmission, see the SIRLS advising web page or contact SIRLS Academic Advising Coordinator, wilding@email.arizona.edu.

Additional Information

If you have questions about admissions that are not covered by the information above, please contact us.

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Admission questions : gfragoso@email.arizona.edu

• Checklist for Master's Program