Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was formed in 1969 under Mayor Richard Lugar by merging six IU extensions, including the School of Dentistry, into one campus in the United States' 15th largest city. With the motto "Fulfilling the Promise," IUPUI became a public, co-educational metropolitan RU/H institution endowed for $601 million. Indiana University-Purdue educates 21,984 undergrad and 8,120 post-grad Jaguars as one of America's top 20 campuses for graduate education. IUPUI stands on 506 LEED-certified acres along the White River just two blocks from the State Capitol within the Midwest's East North Central region. On-campus and online programs are delivered across 14 divisions, including the School of Informatics and Computing, for 72 percent average retention.

According to the U.S. News, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is the 197th best national university, 106th top public college, and 98th best high school counselor pick. On Niche, IUPUI was crowned America's 97th "Best Big College" with the 186th "Best Professors." The Insight into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award was granted to IUPUI five times. Forbes ranked Indiana University-Purdue the 248th best research institute nationally. In the Midwest, IUPUI was placed the 296th best bang for the buck by Washington Monthly. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis was featured in Military Times' "Best for Vets Colleges" since 2014. The Center for World University Rankings also picked IUPUI 164th globally.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Accreditation Details

Recently reaffirmed in 2013 under Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). This means that IUPUI's seven associate, 86 bachelor's, 89 master's, and 41 doctoral programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for credit transfer. The Online Master of Library Science is specifically approved by the American Library Association (ALA) Office of Accreditation. The School Library Specialization adheres to Council on Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards. The Dual MLS/M.S. in Health Informatics also has accreditation from the Comission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Application Requirements

Although the Fall 2015 acceptance rate was 70 percent, graduate admission to Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is deemed "selective." Prospective Master of Library Science students must be seniors or graduates of regionally accredited universities who will verify bachelor's degree completion. Non-native English speakers at foreign institutions need to score at least 600 (pBT) or 100 (iBT) on the TOEFL. Competing 16 years of education with a cumulative GPA above 3.0 is expected. Transferred graduate coursework should have a minimum average of 3.2. IUPUI applicants must also pass the Graduate Record Exam with a verbal score of 153 and quantitative score of 144 or better.

Admission deadlines for the Online MLS Degree at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis are currently July 15th for Fall, November 15th for Spring, and April 1st for Summer start dates. The Graduate Online Application should be accompanied by the following materials either online or mailed to 535 West Michigan Street in Indianapolis, IN 46202.

• Official transcripts of all post-secondary work
• GRE Revised Test scores via code 4701
• Three references from faculty or employers
• English language proficiency exams if applicable
• Typed, 750-1,500-word personal statement
• Check or credit card for the $60 application fee

Tuition and Financial Aid

Traditional graduates from Indiana who study full-time at IUPUI pay average tuition and fees at $8,331 and $1,064 annually. Non-resident grad students are charged $22,985 and $1,064 for mean tuition and fees every full-time year. Studying in Indianapolis usually involves living on-campus in facilities like the Park Place Apartments where rent is $3,406 per semester. Luckily, online IUPUI graduates can have lower tuition and nix housing costs. The Online Master of Library Science presently bills $438 in-state and $1,371 out-of-state per credit. Therefore, the 36-credit degree has a total price tag of $15,768-$49,356.

The NCES reports that 59 percent of full-time IUPUI Jaguars share $109.924 million in financial aid yearly for an average amount of $8,339 apiece. Online graduates could qualify for internal awards, such as the Adam W. Herbert Graduate Fellowship, President's Diversity Fellowship, William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion, and Max Kade Graduate Fellowship. The LIS Student Travel Grant presents $500 yearly for library science majors seeking professional development. Fellow Hoosiers could claim state aid like the Adult Student Grant or Indiana National Guard Supplemental Grant. Online students who file the FAFSA could borrow Federal Direct Subsidized or Grad PLUS loans. Future librarians living near the Indianapolis campus could also receive graduate assistantships with stipends up to $20,500 annually.

Online Degree(s) Available

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis connects students to the IU Online platform to take hundreds of Web-based courses leading to 22 undergrad and 42 graduate programs. Indiana University belongs to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) to educate 12,574 online students systemwide from nearly 50 states. Online courses have an average student-faculty ratio of 19:1 for close mentoring from library science professors with PhDs from UW-Madison, Drexel, Kansas, Iowa State, and more. Distance learners also receive online resources from the University Library, including the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives. Aspiring librarians could conveniently access this online degree 24/7:

Master of Library Science

Conducted 100 percent online only, IUPUI's Master of Library Science is an ALA-accredited, cohort-based graduate program focused on sharpening students' skills for managing information connections, references, and technology in public or nonprofit library leadership. The 36-credit curriculum features core courses like library management, research methods, and knowledge acquisitions. Students then follow the generalist plan or pick from six specializations: Academic Librarianship, Public Librarianship/Adult Services, School Library, Technical Services, Youth Services, or Technology Management. The Indiana Professional Standards Board also regulates students' eligibility for Certification as Teacher of Library/Media (P-12).

For two years full-time or longer part-time, online MLS majors verify their technical expertise for coordinating information resources with an ePortfolio on the Taskstream stream. Post-grads upload early and late artifacts with reflection documents to highlight their experiences. After 18 credits, online students can complete an optional internship with placements like Nicholson Library, McMillen Library, Purdue University Libraries, and Zondervan Library. Scholars also work alongside faculty to undertake master's thesis research delving into diverse niches, such as digital heritage, children's literacy, equitable information access, and community memory.

Related Resource: Top 30 Affordable Online Master's in Library Science Degree Programs

Online candidates at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis also find the Master of Library Science can be paired with the M.A. History, M.S. Health Informatics, M.A. Philanthropic Studies, Juris Doctor, and Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate.