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The iSchool hosts a number of opportunities for you to explore the LIS program. Attend Information Sessions at the iSchool or online, whichever suits your schedule. More >
In the iSchool, graduate students may be eligible for scholarships, financial aid or school-based financial support to underwrite some or all of the costs of your program of study. Financial support that comes from the LIS program is awarded only in the fall term and is awarded only for that academic year.
First, you should explore federal funding options as outlined on the University of Pittsburgh's Web page dealing with financial aid for graduate students. Please note that you will apply for any appropriate funding through the University's Office of Admission and Financial Aid.
Then, the Library and Information Science Program may have financial support available, on a competitive basis, for full-time on-campus students who meet the academic requirements for admission. The fall term is the only term in which these LIS-specific scholarships begin. Some awards that are made in the fall term may be extended past the fall term based on academic performance, but all awards begin only in the fall term.
Aid is awarded on the basis of merit, need and availability of funds. The Committee considers specific criteria in making these awards:
Applications for financial support will only be considered by the Committee when the student has been accepted into the LIS program.
The ARL/Music Library Association Diversity and Inclusion Initiative Scholarship Program
This scholarship program, funded by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ARL member libraries, offers candidates from underrepresented groups an opportunity to pursue the MLIS degree while gaining valuable, “hands-on” experience in a large academic music library environment. The goal is to increase the diversity of academic music librarianship by providing support for the graduate education and the practical experience critical for successful entrance into the profession. The iSchool and the University Library System are proud to be partners in this endeavor. For more information about the program and for a link to the application form, please visit http://www.arl.org/diversity/arl-mla-dii/.
Financial support is usually granted in one of the following categories:
Students eligible for financial support are those accepted for admission or currently enrolled in the degree program, and those who have not already received three terms of funding. It is University policy that only full‐time students are eligible for funding. Full‐time enrollment is registration for a minimum of 9 credits but no more than 15 credits in the Fall and Spring Terms and a minimum of 3 credits in the Summer Term.
Priority is given to U.S. citizens in evaluating financial support applications.
All international students are expected to come fully funded for their entire degree program and any advanced study they may undertake in a certificate program or in a second degree program. International students may, in rare cases, be granted financial aid such as the awarding of a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) for a funded project.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to providing educational opportunities for qualified diversity students through financial assistance. In accordance with this policy, students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for financial support. In some cases, aid is specifically designated for the support of these students.
To be considered for any funding opportunity, you must complete the pertinent section in your application for admission on Apply Yourself.
The Committee will consider applications for financial support only after the student has been accepted into the LIS program.
All applications for financial support are due on January 15.
Please note that the majority of funding is awarded for the Fall Term. Funding for the Spring and Summer Terms is generally awarded to continuing students.
All applicants are informed of funding decisions by letter.
The Committee initially approves full or partial aid for one term with the possibility of renewal for up to (a maximum of) three terms.
Renewal after the initial award is dependent upon re‐evaluation for:
Students re-entering the program after an absence of a term or more, must reapply for aid. Such funding is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in these cases.
Returning students, who are currently enrolled at the School of Information Sciences, please visit this page to explore your financial support options.
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The iSchool hosts a number of opportunities for you to explore the LIS program. Attend Information Sessions at the iSchool or online, whichever suits your schedule. More >
SIS is a member of the ISchools Caucus
The blend of theory and application at the iSchool distinguishes its graduates in the job market, giving them a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.