IDP_MLS_Admissions

Admissions Guidelines

The MLS program admits new students in the fall and spring semesters. The MLS program adheres to the admissions standards adopted by the ECU Graduate School. The ECU Graduate School minimum GPA for admission is 2.7. The MLS program does not require the MAT or GRE for admission. Admissions decisions are based on consideration of the undergraduate academic record and graduate record if applicable, a written 500-word minimum admissions essay, your current resume or CV, and three letters of recommendation.

The essay should address the following questions:

  1. Why are you choosing librarianship as a profession?
  2. Why did you select the ECU MLS program?
  3. What is your understanding of technology in libraries today?
  4. Why do you think it is important for librarians to engage with diverse users and their communities?
  5. What is an issue facing libraries and/or library staff today that you are interested in exploring in the MLS program?

Letters of recommendation must be academic (e.g., teacher, professor, coach) and/or professional (e.g., work colleague or supervisor, volunteer colleague or supervisor). In the admissions essay, it is important to address all questions. Failure to do so will result in a denial of your application.

The program has a limited number of seats available during each admissions cycle. Applications for the Fall semester are due by March 15 and Spring semester applications are due by October 15. For full consideration, submit your application materials before the published deadlines. More information about application deadlines can be found at the Graduate School website https://gradschool.ecu.edu.

Application information is available from the ECU Graduate School, and information on tuition and fees is available from the ECU Cashier’s Office. In addition to the ECU Graduate School requirements, the MLS program evaluates applicants’ aptitude for and commitment to the profession through their letters of recommendation and their required statement of purpose essay. Student aptitude and commitment are demonstrated by a wide range of evidence, including, but not limited to, the applicants’ career history, extracurricular and community activities, and professional goals. The required essay also demonstrates an applicant’s writing ability, a core skill required of all graduate students.

A prospective student who does not meet the Graduate School’s admission guidelines may be reviewed for Admission by Exception to the MLS program. An interview with the MLS Admission Committee may be required for this review.

As of November 15, 2016, East Carolina University is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Current authorized SARA member states include 49-member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Currently, California is the only state that is not a member of SARA.  East Carolina University may offer programs, courses and experiential learning activities to students in California due to state regulatory exemptions.