Graduate Admission Requirements of our Master’s Programs



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Overview

This page outlines the admission requirements to our Master of Information, Master of Museum Studies, and the Combined Degree programs.

We invite all potential candidates to join us for an Info Day / Tour / Admissions Event to learn about the various concentrations and program options.

Tours, led by senior students, are also available.

For an overview of the Faculty of Information and our Master’s degree programs, please click the button below to view / download the 2022 / 2023 Admissions Viewbook:


Application & Deadlines


Application

Applications are completed online through the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) application system. For students interested in applying to our Combined Degree Program (CDP), you will need to complete both the Master of Information and the Master of Museum Studies program applications.

The application fee is $125 CAD per application.


Important Dates & Deadlines

Online Applications

Applications open on October 1 of each year.

    • Entry into the program occurs once a year.
    • The next admission entry is for September 2024.

Application Deadline to the Master of Information (MI) and Master of Museum Studies (MMSt) Programs

Regular deadline for applications is February 8

  • The online application form, including payment of the application fee, as well as ALL of your supporting documents (including receipt of references) must be submitted by this date. Please note, an application with supporting documents submitted after this date, or with missing supporting documents will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
  • We will not have rolling admissions. To ensure a fair and more equitable admissions process, all applications will be reviewed after the application deadline. Everyone should expect to receive a decision by end of April.

Automatic Entrance Awards / Scholarships Eligibility

  • To be automatically considered for any Faculty of Information entrance awards / scholarships, all application materials need to be received by the application deadline – February 8.
    • This includes the online application form, application fee, and all supporting documents.
  • Have a minimum 3.80 / 4.0 admission average / A average
  • The review process for admission awards includes consideration of the applicant’s full academic history, personal statements, CV/resume and reference letters.
    • Admissions awards / scholarships are highly competitive

 

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Academic Requirements


An Appropriate Undergraduate Degree

An appropriate 4–year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required. The degree may be in any discipline or area of study. The degree must normally contain a minimum of 75% academic credits—that is, courses that are not professional, practical, technical or vocational courses. Courses such as studio art, drama, music performance, theology, education, or library science are not normally considered to be sufficiently academic in content for admissions purposes.

If your degree was earned outside of Canada, please use the International Degree Equivalency Tool to identify equivalent credentials.


Minimum Grade Requirement

    • A mid-B equivalent is required for consideration.
    • This is the minimum GPA requirement for consideration. Presenting a mid-B average does not guarantee admissions.

While work experience is invaluable personal and professional experience, it cannot be a substitute for academic requirements. For admission to the Faculty of Information standardized tests (such as GMAT or GRE) are not required or requested, and will not be considered.


Double Blue Entry

This opportunity is available to Master of Information and Master of Museum Studies applicants, and open to current University of Toronto students or alumni.

This application pathway allows the candidates to go through an expedited review process (within 2 weeks of receiving your entire application – including all supporting documents).

ELIGIBILITY
• University of Toronto student or alumni
• Minimum A- (3.75) admission GPA
• Submit an online application by February 8, 2024
• Submit all supporting documents (Statement of Intent, CV/Resume, 2 references*) by February 8, 2024
• Submit the Double Blue interest form (below) by February 8, 2024

Complete the Faculty of Information — Double Blue Entry Interest Form (Microsoft Forms) to be considered (opens October 1).

*Please review the requirements for your supporting documents below

ADVANTAGE

• Expedited review process (within 2-weeks)
• $500 Double Blue Award*
• Considered for all other admissions awards and grants by the faculty

*all successful recipients of the $500 Double Blue Award will be notified at the same time of other automatic entrance scholarship award results (by the end of March)


Supporting Documents


Transcript(s)

Transcript(s) from all post-secondary institution in attendance and attended:

    • For applicants currently in the process of completing their final year of study, an interim transcript needs to be submitted.
    • For the purpose of the application review, unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to the online application form:
    •         Current and past UofT students may upload a copy of their grade report / academic history from Acorn to their online application for the purpose of the application review
    • If an offer of admission is made, official final transcripts need to be received at the faculty as part of the offer condition(s)*

 

  • *Transcripts are considered official when they have been prepared, sealed in an envelope and signed over the back flap by an official at the issuing institution. They are to be sent directly to the Faculty of Information:
      • University of Toronto, 140 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G6
      • E-transcripts can be sent directly from your institution(s) to admissions.ischool@utoronto.ca
  • Current and past University of Toronto students applying to Faculty of Information Programs may give permission to the faculty to download an official University of Toronto transcript by emailing admissions.ischool@utoronto.ca.

 

  • The Admissions Committee may at any time during the application process, request applicants to submit official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • For admission to the Faculty of Information standardized tests (such as GMAT or GRE) are not required or requested and will not be considered.
  • For students whose admitting degree was granted outside of North America, the Faculty of Information will accept transcripts sent directly from World Education Services (WES) as official transcripts in consideration for admission. The Faculty of Information will consider the evaluation report from WES but will make its own evaluation decision.

A Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resumé

It should include:

    • Education
    • Relevant personal and work experience (both paid and unpaid)
    • Publications
    • Professional activities
    • Awards, honours, grants, and fellowships (as applicable)

Statement of Interest and Other Questions

All questions can also be found in the Statement of Interest and Other Questions 2023 Word document. 

In this part of the application, you will create one double-spaced document consisting of: 

  1. A Statement of Interest (400-600 words, required)
  2. The answers to two (2) mandatory questions (150-200 words each, required) 
  3. The answers to two (2) reflective questions (150-200 words each, required) 
  4. Additional context to help us interpret your application (150-200 words, optional) 

 Please include the word count in the heading for each response, e.g., “Statement of Interest (491 words)”. Note that longer answers will not necessarily be considered stronger, and exceeding the word count may impact the assessment of your application. 

Once completed, please submit this one document through the SGS application site as either a Microsoft Word file or a PDF. The document should be no longer than 5 pages total. 

1. Statement of Interest 

  • As a future professional in the information and/or museum fields, you will be responsible for the management of information, knowledge, and culture in an ever-changing world.  
  • In your Statement of Interest, we would like to learn more about your interest in the Faculty of Information, as well as your vision for your graduate studies and subsequent professional career.  
  • Your Statement of Interest should be between 400 and 600 words, double-spaced, and written in essay format using complete sentences. 

Statement of Interest Prompts 

Read through and reflect on the prompts below and use some of the following questions to guide your writing. 

You are not required to address all questions in your Statement of Interest. 

We value applicants who have chosen the information and/or museum field thoughtfully, and who can articulate their motivations for studying at the Faculty of Information. 

  • How did you decide that committing to the information and/or museum field was the best decision for you? 
  • What are some of the reasons you chose to apply to the Faculty of Information? 

 Our students have a wide range of academic and professional interests, and many have pursued different careers or degrees before choosing the Faculty of Information. 

  • In what ways has your academic, professional, or personal experience prepared you for our Master of Information and/or Master of Museum Studies program? 
  • In what ways could your prior experiences and interests enrich, expand, or enhance your journey in the information and/or museum field? 

 It is important to the Faculty of Information that we are educating information and museum professionals who will contribute to their chosen fields, practice their professions ethically and responsibly, and be grounded in the values of equity, diversity and inclusion. 

  • What are some topics, questions, or problems you would like to explore during your studies here, and which of our concentrations best suits your interests? 
  • What are some of your career goals and aspirations for the future, and in what ways would our Master of Information and/or Master of Museum Studies program support you in achieving them? 
  • Upon graduation, what are some ways you hope to contribute to the information and/or museum field? What makes these contributions important to you
  • What does it mean to you to be an information and/or museum professional, and what are some of the key values such a professional should uphold? 

2. Mandatory Questions 

With these questions, we would like to learn about your critical thinking, and your potential role within a diverse learning community. Since each question is limited to 200 words, successful answers will be specific and concise.  

Please respond to each question separately, include the word count in each heading, and make it clear which questions you are responding to. 

MQ1: A Challenge in the Field 

Critically consider the Information (MI) OR Museum (MMSt) field and identify a real, substantial gap or challenge within it. Describe the challenge, suggest a viable solution, and illustrate how your skill set, knowledge, and expertise can meaningfully contribute to implementing this solution. 

MQ2: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism 

The Faculty of Information is strongly committed to initiating, cultivating and sustaining an academic community that engages diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives, and that values inclusion, acceptance, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. Tell us how your experiences, perspectives, or actions would contribute to this goal. 

3. Reflective Questions 

With these questions, we would like to learn about your interpersonal skills and your ability to reflect on past experiences. Please feel free to provide example(s) from your personal, professional, or academic life. 

Please answer two of these questions to enrich your application.  

Please respond to each question separately, include the word count in each heading, and make it clear which questions you are responding to. 

RQ1: Creativity 

Creative potential can take many forms: problem-solving, innovative thinking, and artistic expression. What are some ways you personally channel your creative inclinations, and how would your creative outlets influence your academic and professional journey within the context of the Faculty of Information? 

RQ2: Flexibility 

What is a real-life, non-academic experience you have had in which things did not go as you had planned or hoped? What happened, how did you navigate the situation, and what benefits or opportunities for growth did you take away from the experience? 

RQ3: Resilience 

Reflect on a major challenge you have confronted in your life and discuss the strategies you have employed against it. What progress have you made towards overcoming the challenge, and how has this struggle impacted your experiences or achievements? 

4. Context 

 (Optional) Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your academic record or experiences (e.g., inconsistencies, gaps, policies, circumstances, etc.)? 

Tips 

We care about your unique interests, accomplishments, and perspectives, and this document is our opportunity to get to know the most important things about you. Here are some tips to ensure your responses represent you well. 

  • Be clear, focused, and organized. Plan out your responses and ensure they follow a logical structure. Consider why we may be asking each question, and how to answer it as directly and concisely as possible. 
  • Be authentic, reflective, and specific. Consider how to apply your own writing voice to your responses, what key messages you want each response to convey to someone who doesn’t know you, and what concrete examples from your experience you can use to support these messages. We want to understand your journey and the challenges you have faced, but you don’t need to write about a life-changing event, personal hardship, or difficult circumstance to have a strong application. 
  • Be careful with clichés, cultural references, and humour. Clichés and canned phrases reduce your ability to differentiate yourself from other applicants, while references to media and ironic or joking phrasing may not be accurately understood by your readers. 
  • Revise and review. Give yourself enough time to think about your responses, to write a few drafts, and to come back to them with fresh eyes. Check your spelling, grammar, and structure. Read your responses out loud and ask people you trust who know you well for their perspective on how your writing represents you to a reader. 

 


Academic Letters of Reference

Two academic references are required. Referees should speak to your academic abilities, performance, aptitude, etc. They should be a professor that taught you previously or currently teaching you. A third optional reference is permitted (which can be an academic or work / professional reference). You should only consider adding an additional reference if you are certain that it will be as strong as the other required references.

If you last graduated more than five years ago, you may substitute work letters of reference. Work-related referees should be direct supervisors who can comment on your skills that are useful in the academic environment.

On the online application, you will be asked to provide the contact information for your referees on the online application. Once you have entered this information, your referees will be emailed by the School of Graduate Studies with instructions directing them to a secure website where they will submit electronically:

    • A candidate assessment on a fillable Confidential Report form.
    • A reference letter.

Please be sure to inform your referees on all appropriate deadlines!

References from Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders
The Faculty of Information is committed to implementing recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; specifically those concerned with eliminating educational gaps for Aboriginal students, improving education attainment levels and success rates, and developing culturally appropriate curricula.
We recognize that one of the most destructive and enduring artifacts of Canada’s colonial history involves the devaluation of traditional knowledge and cultural practice, and the disenfranchisement of knowledge keepers and elders. As such, and where requested by the applicant, letters of achievement, recognition, and support from community knowledge keepers and elders will be accepted by the admissions committee, and weighted equally to formal academic references.

Tips to Selecting Referees

    • Choose faculty members whom you believe will give you strong references.
    • Teaching assistants or workshop instructors are generally not useful as academic referees.
    • If your referees are not currently teaching you, send them your CV, mention the course(s) you took with them, as well as anything about your work that will remind them of who you are.
    • If a referee seems vague or reluctant, find another referee.

English Language Proficiency (IF REQUIRED)

For applicants where English is not their first language, an English Proficiency Test result will need to be submitted.

For applicants where English is not their first language but completed an Undergraduate or Graduate degree from an institution where English is used as the medium of instruction and examination, then an English proficiency test result may not be required. However, applicants will be required to provide a letter from their previous institution to verify that English is indeed used as the medium of instruction. This letter should be sent directly to the Faculty of Information on official institution letterhead and email.

The admission committee does reserve the right to request for applicants to provide an English Proficiency Test result during the application process.


After You’ve Applied

Application Status Check

It is your responsibility to log in to your profile on the application website to confirm the receipt of your supporting documents, including letters of recommendation and to amend your current contact information. Your application will be marked “Under Review” when it has gone to the Admission Committee for consideration.

Review Process

The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach in reviewing candidates. Emphasis is not placed in any specific area but the overall application. Meeting the minimum requirements of the Faculty of Information and the School of Graduate Studies does not guarantee admission.

Notification of Decisions

Decisions will be communicated on the application website. Decisions are made as soon as it is possible to do so. By the end of the current admission cycle (typically in May) the outcomes of all applications should be communicated.

Deferring an offer of admissions

Ordinarily, the University and Faculty does not grant deferred admissions, but in exceptional, extenuating circumstances (i.e. situations beyond a student’s control), students who have been accepted for admission but cannot attend at the appointed time may apply for a one year deferral. Please contact our Admissions team for assistance.

Application considerations

Students will be admitted to one of their top 2 concentration selections. You will rank your concentration of interest in order of preference in the online application. We strongly recommend that you select two concentrations. If you are not offered admission to your rank 1 concentration choice, you will automatically be considered for your rank 2 concentration choice if one was selected.

Changing or adding a second concentration

Students will be able to review, and may request to change their concentration around March/late-Winter.

Students wishing to add a second concentration may submit a request near the end of your second year of study.

You will be required to meet with an academic advisor prior to requesting a concentration change or addition to review your current academic standing and progress in the program. We will share details when the time comes.

Please note, students can take courses in any of the concentrations as your electives, no matter what concentration you are enrolled in. 

 

 

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Collaborative Specializations

Our MI and MMSt students are eligible to enroll into a variety of Collaborative Specializations (i.e. think of them as minors that you might have completed in your undergraduate degree). If you are interested in topics such as environmental studies, food studies, Jewish studies (just to name a few), please take a look at the collaborative specialization programs that you may be eligible to apply (after you have received and accepted an offer of admission to the Faculty of Information).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My referees didn’t get the email with submission instructions?

Ask them to check junk mail folders first. You can also re-send reference requests to your referees if needed via the online application system.

How can I change my referees or update their information?

You should contact admissions.ischool@utoronto.ca if:

    • There are changes to your referees.
    • You need to submit a new email address for your referee.
    • Your referee experiences problems with submitting online.
    • Your referee does not have an institutional email address (submit their alternate email address).

How should I pay the application fee?

Payment is made at the time of application online only and requires a Visa or Mastercard credit card. Applications will not be processed until the application fee is received. The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is NOT able to accept payment via Visa debit or Mastercard debit. SGS also cannot NOT accept payment by wire transfer. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you do not have a credit card, it is recommended that you buy a pre-paid Visa or Mastercard, offered by many banks and retailers.

Can my application fee be waived?

No. The application fee may not be waived, refunded, or deferred.

I have graduated from a university where English was the language of Instruction and examination was English; do I still need to provide proof of English Proficiency?

Normally, if applicants have obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution recognized by the University of Toronto and where the language of instruction and examination is uniformly English, they are not required to submit proof of proficiency in English. However, the admission committee may decide that applicants need to provide an English Proficiency Test result during the application process. Applicants should make arrangements for an official statement to be sent to the Faculty of Information from their institution confirming the use of English as the language of instruction and examination.

If I feel my academic background does not meet the requirements for admissions, should I still apply?

The admissions team reviews applications on a holistic basis; therefore, they consider the entire application equally (GPA, resumé and work experience, references, personal statement) when making a decision, not just academic background. If you are not admitted based on your academic background, you would normally receive feedback regarding how to upgrade your academics and apply again in the future.

Do I have to list all the schools and institutions I have attended in the “Academic Background” section of online application?

Yes, you must list all post-secondary institutions you have attended. You do not need to submit any information or documents related to your high school studies.

I am an MI applicant; how do I apply to a concentration?

You will rank your concentration of interest in order of preference in the online application. We strongly recommend that you select two concentrations. If you are not offered admission to your rank 1 concentration choice, you will automatically be considered for your rank 2 concentration choice if one was selected. Rest assured, you will still be able to take courses from other concentrations as your electives. This allows for greater flexibility,  and we hope that through this method, we can offer a more streamlined program that best fits our students interests and can help you reach your goals.

Will work experience help me for admissions?

While work experience is not a requirement and cannot be substituted for the required academic background, The Admissions Committee will use all information provided to make a decision. We take all factors into consideration in the application process.

I am graduating in Summer of next year, can I still apply for Fall admission?

Students are eligible to apply, even if they are completing degree requirements at the end of summer. We would expect them to let us know if there is any change in that status (summer courses don’t go as planned), as they would not be able to meet conditions of admission, if the degree isn’t granted, meaning if admitted, they would not be able to continue in the program. We recognize that students will likely convocate in November, and then send a final transcript when the degree is conferred.

Do I need to calculate my GPA and enter it on my online application?

No, you can leave this section blank as our admissions committee will assess and calculate the GPAs.