Graduate Admissions

Professional information systems manager

The College of Information Science (InfoSci) offers leading graduate degrees in Data Science, Information Science, and Library and Information Science that prepare you for a wide range of in-demand careers across disciplines and industries.

We are dedicated to your success, delivering a world-class, cross-disciplinary education that empowers you with the skills and knowledge you need to embark upon your information leadership journey.

Graduate applications for Summer and Fall 2025 are now open.
Graduate applications for Spring 2025 are now closed.

Graduate Programs

Ranked the #9 Master's in Data Science program in the country by Fortune, In the 18-month, STEM-designated MSDS, offered on campus and online, you'll get the training you need in data collection, exploration, manipulation and storage, analysis, and presentation to excel and innovative in the data-rich workplace.

Career Possibilities

MSDS graduates are ready to excel in many positions, including data analyst, architect, engineer, modeler, scientist or visualization designer; artificial intelligence engineer; big data engineer; business intelligence analyst or developer; language engineer; machine learning engineer; quality specialist, market research analyst; statistician; and more. Learn more about MSDS career outcomes.

Admission Requirements

  • Linear math (college algebra)
  • Computer science courses
  • Programming experience in such computer languages and/or areas as C, C++, Java, Python, Data Structures, HTML, CSS, SQL, Web Programming, R, Julia, MATLAB, TensorFlow, JavaScript, Scala, Git/GitHub and/or SAS
  • View MSDS admissions information

Example Courses

  • INFO 523: Data Mining and Discovery
  • INFO 526: Data Analysis and Visualization
  • INFO 502: Data Ethics
  • INFO 529: Applied Cyberinfrastructure Concepts
  • INFO 531: Data Warehousing and Analytics in the Cloud
  • INFO 580: Data Standards for the Semantic Web
  • View MSDS curriculum and courses
     

Explore the MS in Data Science

Ranked the #11 program in the nation for machine learning by TechGuide, the STEM-designated, 18-month MSIS is a transformative, interdisciplinary journey that gives you the advanced skills you need to implement information methods across organizations and industries. Two subplans are offered: Human-Centered Computing and Machine Learning.

Career Possibilities

MSIS graduates are ready to excel in many positions, including application or systems analyst, cybersecurity analyst, database administrator, data scientis or engineer, digital repository manager, information architect, information security manager, information technology manager, software developer or programmer, web programmer or producer, and more. Learn more about MSIS career outcomes.

Admission Requirements

  • Linear math (college algebra)
  • Computer science courses
  • Programming experience in such computer languages and/or areas as C, C++, Java, Python, Data Structures, HTML, CSS, SQL, Web Programming, R, Julia, MATLAB, TensorFlow, JavaScript, Scala, Git/GitHub and/or SAS
  • View MSIS admissions information

Example Courses

  • INFO 505: Foundations of Information
  • INFO 516: Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
  • INFO 521: Introduction to Machine Learning
  • INFO 524: Virtual Reality
  • INFO 526: Data Analysis and Visualization
  • INFO 550: Artificial Intelligence
  • INFO 551: Game Development
  • View MSIS curriculum and courses
     

Explore the MS in Information Science

Offered on campus or online, the two-year MLIS prepares you for an exceptional career in libraries, museums and archives, as well as government and business. Accredited by the American Library Association, the MLIS offers specialties in Academic Librarianship, Archival Studies, Digital Curation, Legal Information, Public Librarianship and Special Librarianship.

Career Possibilities

MLIS graduates are ready to excel in many positions, including public, school, academic, health science or legal librarian; library manager; health information specialist; media specialist; research analyst; researcher; data analyst; metadata analyst; archivist; copyright specialist; curatorial specialist; digital curator; deigital reposity specialist; digital services manager; geospatial specialist; information architect; information officer; and more. Learn more about MLIS career outcomes.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona or from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Arizona
  • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher
  • A GRE is not required. You may still submit one if you choose to.
  • View MLIS admissions information

Example Courses

  • LIS 504: Foundations of Library and Information Services
  • LIS 506: Research Methods for Library and Information Professionals
  • LIS 515: Organization of Information
  • LIS 518: Information Trust, Manipulation and Deception
  • LIS 530: Cataloging and Metadata Management
  • LIS 535: Business Information
  • LIS 540: Introduction to Archives
  • LIS 541: Preservation
  • LIS 558: Social Justice in Information Services
  • View MLIS curriculum and courses
     

Explore the MA in Library & Information Science

The PhD in Information, offered on campus, allows you to work with top faculty in the field of information while conducting original research and preparing for a career in academics, government or industry. Leading research in the College of Information Science focuses on behavior and related human factors of information across sectors, from economics and business to health, from education to art, and beyond. The PhD in Information is typically completed in 4 or 5 years.

Career Possibilities

Graduates from our doctoral program become creative researchers who can analyze, evaluate and explain a variety of information phenomena across varied domains of research, including the sciences, social sciences, library and information sciences, arts and the humanities. PhD graduates have found successful careers as professors and lecturers, data analysts, data science managers and directors, consultants, research scientists and more. Learn more about PhD in Information career outcomes.

Admission Requirements

  • Admission to the doctoral program is competitive and based on both your abilities and faculty interest and expertise in your proposed area of study.
  • The College of Informaton Science may deny entry to an otherwise qualified applicant if there is insufficient faculty intellectual overlap for working with that applicant.
  • A GRE is not rquired as part of our admissions process.
  • An undergraduate or graduate academic record that is indicative of significant achievement (typically a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale)
  • View all PhD in Information admissions and funding information

Suggested Timeline

  • Year 1: Complete INFO 507: Information Research Methods; submit plan of study at the end of year 1
  • Year 2: Complete course work
  • Year 3: Complete comprehensive exams at beginning of Year 3; complete dissertation committee appointment form after passing comprehensives; complete and defend dissertation proposal by end of Year 3
  • Years 4-5: Conduct dissertation research and writing; defend dissertation by end of Year 4 or Year 5 (depends on progress, funding and support from faculty advisor)
  • View PhD in Information curriculum and degree requirements
     

Explore the PhD in Information


Graduate Program Admissions

Prospective graduate students are required to submit application materials directly to the University of Arizona Graduate College. Please follow the procedures described in the application portal. You may access your application as many times as necessary to complete and correct it prior to formal submission. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received.

Apply Now


Master's Application Deadlines

Master of Science in Data Science

Main Campus

  • Fall Semester: February 1
    Currently open
  • Spring Semester: August 1
    Currently closed
  • Summer Term: February 1
    Currently open; not available to international applicants

Arizona Online

  • Fall Semester: March 15
    Currently open
  • Spring Semester: October 1
    Currently open
  • Summer Term: March 1
    Currently open

Master of Science in Information Science

Domestic Applicants

  • Fall Semester: February 1
    Currently open
  • Spring Semester: August 1
    Currently closed

International Applicants

  • Fall Semester: February 1
    Currently open
  • Spring Semester: August 1
    Currently closed

Master of Arts in Library and Information Science

Main Campus

  • Fall Semester: February 1
    Currently open
  • Spring Semester: August 1
    Currently closed
  • Summer Term: March 1
    Currently open

Online Campus

  • Fall Semester: March 15
    Currently open
  • Spring Semester: October 1
    Currently open
  • Summer Term: March 1
    Currently open


PhD Application Deadline

Annual Deadline for All Students

  • Fall 2025: December 6, 2024

Application is currently open.



Upcoming Graduate Information Sessions

View the college's next three upcoming graduate information sessions, or view all upcoming InfoSci graduate information sessions:

View All Upcoming Graduate Information Sessions 

 


Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about the MSDS, MSIS, MLIS and PhD in Information, as well as the Statement of Purpose across all programs, by viewing our Graduate FAQs:

View Frequently Asked Questions

Connect with Our Graduate Programs Recruiter

Tavia Szostek
Manager of Graduate Enrollment and Retention

infosci-grad@arizona.edu
520-621-4986

Apply Now