Program in Information

Master of Information

The ALA-accredited Master of Information (MI) program at Rutgers University is built on the integrity and success of the university's Master of Library and Information Science program. This foundation enables librarians, data scientists, technologists, designers, and knowledge managers to develop expertise within their areas of concentration. It also provides a learning space and community for students with backgrounds ranging from humanities and arts to science and engineering. This gives them the opportunity to engage with one another in both learning and professional contexts.

Rutgers University offers the Master of Information program online and on-campus as well as in a hybrid format. It also provides GRE waivers for students with strong academic records and offers tuition that is competitive with top 10 national programs.

According to "U.S. News & World Report's rankings," Rutgers University has one of the best library and information studies (LIS) graduate schools in the nation. The publication ranked the MI program 7th, and it ranked four of its specializations as follows: #1 for school library media (tied with Florida State University), #6 for digital librarianship, #8 for information systems, and #6 for services for children and youth. Plus, the program is the only Top 10 ranked LIS program within one hour of New York City.

Master of Information Curriculum

The MI program is centered on the goal of making information accessible and usable for people in a variety of contexts and professions. Its curriculum has a minimum of 36 credits (12 courses) including an optional concentration in one of six areas. Students can transfer up to six credits from other programs that are in some way connected to their academic goals.

The MI program must be completed within three years. As a part-time student taking two classes (six credits) per semester, it will take three years (six semesters) to complete the program. As a full-time student taking three classes (nine credits) per semester, it will take two years (four semesters) to complete the program. Many students take advantage of summer and winter session courses to decrease the time to completion.

Current concentrations are:

Library and Information Science

The library and information science concentration prepares professionals for a career in school, public, special and academic libraries, grounded in values relating to serving communities and building knowledge and literacies.

Data Science

The data science concentration prepares information professionals for diverse careers centering on data analytics. These careers focus on engaging with often large-scale internal and external data of organizations to analyze, model, evaluate, and predict information behavior and processes for practical applications, product and service development and organizational decision-making.

Archives and Preservation

The archives an preservation concentration will prepare students to assume the responsibilities and roles in identifying and preserving analog and digital records as trustworthy evidence and memory of the activities of individuals, families, and organizations. Students will learn how to make records accessible to current users and future generations in heritage institutions and how to make them available to the public. They will explore the institutions preserving cultural and scientific knowledge amid the changing perspectives and in diverse social contexts. They will learn about the tensions around privacy, access, and memorial contestation as well as about the role of records, documents, and archival institutions in human rights and social justice.

Informatics & Design

The informatics & design concentration prepares professionals to analyze, design, build and manage information and communication technologies in support of individual and social access to, management of, and use of information in a wide variety of occupational and personal contexts. Professionals work at the intersection between IT, people, and their contexts to provide technological leadership.

Technology, Information, and Management

The technology, information, and management concentration prepares information professionals to lead and manage in technological organizations and other socio-technical environments, by developing expertise in information and project management, knowledge sharing, organizational learning, and strategic decision-making.

Library and Information Science: School Librarianship

The school library media concentration is designed to meet the New Jersey Department of Education's requirements to become a certified school library media specialist. It trains professionals for positions in elementary and secondary schools where they can create collections, provide information about literacy education, and collaborate with teachers to provide a variety of learning opportunities for students.

Program Mission

The mission of the Master of Information (MI) program is to enable students to provide professional expertise, leadership, and innovation across diverse information and technological landscapes. People-focused, information technology-intensive, data-driven, and career-oriented, the MI program is students' gateway to making a significant contribution to organizational leadership, information management, community and social development in 21st century societies.

Admissions Requirements

Requirements for entering the Master of Information program at Rutgers University include a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as well as the following minimum GRE scores:

- Quantitative: mid-140s+
- Verbal: mid-150s+
- Writing: 4.0+

GRE Waiver Policy

As a progressive institution that values academic achievement, the School of Communication and Information (SC&I) will grant a GRE waiver to applicants if they meet one or more of the following requirements:

- A GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A completed advanced or master's degree

(Applicants may submit GMAT, MCAT and LSAT scores in place of GRE scores)

Rutgers University

Established in 1766, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, is the eight oldest institution of higher learning in the nation. Rutgers is both a top national research university and the "state's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education." According to U.S. News & World Report's rankings, Rutgers is one of the top 25 public universities in the nation.

The university has campus and satellite locations in all 21 counties within the state of New Jersey¸ which is located in the northeastern region of the United States. It also has academic and research institutions around the world. Its flagship campus is located in New Brunswick. Two additional campuses are located in Newark and Camden.