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Common Application Questions


MI Application

My transfer credits are listed on my transcript. Do I still need to submit a transcript for both institutions?

Yes, Â鶹´«Ã½ requires transcripts from each institution attended. This includes, but is not limited to, exchange programs, college diplomas or certificates and CEGEP transcripts.

Will I get my transcripts back?

No. Transcripts become the official property of Â鶹´«Ã½ and cannot be photocopied or returned to the applicant.

My TOEFL score is a few years old. Can I still use it for my application?

Standardised test results (such as TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.) will only be considered if they do not expire on or before the date for which you are applying. For example, if you were applying to start a program on September 1st, 2020, your scores could not expire until September 2nd, 2020. Test scores are valid for 2 years from the date the test was written.

Can I send my combined degree application to DIS?

If you are applying for a combined degree program you must submit separate applications, fees and required documents for each program. You must gain separate and independent admission to both programs.

If I obtained my undergrad degree at Â鶹´«Ã½ do I need to submit my transcripts with my application?

Official transcripts from Â鶹´«Ã½ (or the former TUNS) are not required from current or previous Â鶹´«Ã½ students.

I notice two degrees pertaining to Information Management on the application form; which should I select?

You should select "Information - MI"

The other degree, "Information Management - MIM (Part-time)", is a program for mid-career professionals with at least 5 years' experience in the private, public or NGO sectors. It is a part-time program offered primarily by distance.

Am I expected to provide proof of financial support?

All applicants should describe how they expect to fund their graduate program in the specified section of the application form and provide proof of financial support, if possible. It is important to understand that graduate school is a significant financial commitment.

What are the application deadlines?

January 31      International applications
March 1 Scholarship consideration
August 1 Canadian applications *note: although we will accept Canadian applications up to August 1st, we recommend applying early and no later than April 1st, if possible*

Do I have to submit all of my documents at the same time?

No. A file will be created for you and documents will be added as they arrive. Please note: incomplete applications will not be evaluated.

What is the mailing address for my application?

The admissions process is now conducted completely electronically so it's unlikely you will need to mail anything. However, if you must submit paper documents, please use the following address:

Attn: MI Admissions Support Specialist
Graduate Student Services (GSS)
Faculty of Management, Â鶹´«Ã½
6100 University Avenue, Suite 3010
PO Box 15000 Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

What happens after I submit my application?

You can log into (using the username and password you applied with) to see which application elements have been received. Questions about your application elements can be directed to the Program & Admissions Support Specialist (inform@dal.ca).

Once your application is complete, it will be forwarded to the MI Admissions Committee for review.

Please note: incomplete applications will not be processed.

If you are accepted into the MI program, the Program Manager will send you an informal offer via email, and a recommendation of acceptance will be sent to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS). FGS reviews all recommendations and provides final decisions. Formal notification of acceptance to the MI Program is sent by post from the University Registrar.

How long before I hear back from someone about my application?

We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year which means that the MI Admissions Committee reviews complete applications as they arrive.

The amount of time it takes to review an application can vary as it depends on many factors, however we try our best to communicate decisions as quickly as possible. Questions about the status of an application should be directed to the Program & Admissions Support Specialist (inform@dal.ca).  

Please note: incomplete applications will not be processed.

Will I be interviewed as part of the application process?

In some cases, the MI Admissions Committee may decide to interview a candidate.

Is there a January intake?

The MI Program is designed for fall admission. However, January admission is possible for Canadian applicants with considerable experience in the field. Contact inform@dal.ca if you are interested in this option (please attach a current resume).

Application deadline for those who meet this special January admission intake criteria: October 31 (as above). There are no guarantees. Admissions are at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

We are not able to offer January admission to International applicants.

I am not a Canadian citizen, but I currently live in Canada - what deadline do I use?

Any applicant who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada is considered International.

However, if you an International applicant but are already living and/or studying in Canada (therefore already have a Visa/study permit), you may apply following the Canadian application deadline (June 1st). 

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible. 

I am a permanent resident of Canada - what deadline do I use?

Applicants who are permanent residents of Canada are considered equivalent to Canadian applicants, and may follow the Canadian application deadline (June 1st). Please provide documentation of your PR status with your application.

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible. 


Prior education & experience

What kind of grades do I need to qualify for admission?

The MI functions within the Faculty of Graduate Studies and its entrance requirements meet the standards of this faculty. Candidates for the MI must hold a four-year Bachelor's Degree with at least a second class standing (B average, 3.0 GPA) from a university recognized by the Senate of Â鶹´«Ã½. An academic level of a high B+ (3.3 GPA) or better is generally held by successful applicants.

Please note: Acceptance to the MI program can never be guaranteed even if the minimum requirements are met, as ours is an extremely competitive limited enrolment program.

I do not have an undergraduate degree - can I still apply?

As per Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations, we cannot accept applicants that do not have an undergraduate degree.

Â鶹´«Ã½ has an agreement with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), that allows anyone who has successfully completed a two-year NSCC diploma to apply to the Bachelor of Management degree and complete it in two years (vs. the typically four years). 

You can find more information about this, and Â鶹´«Ã½'s other articulation agreements here. Please contact our admissions team if you are interested in this option (inform@dal.ca). 

 

I am currently in a university program, which I will not have completed before the application deadline. Can I still apply?

You may still apply. If accepted, a condition of your acceptance will be to complete the current program (with a minimum B average) and submit a final transcript as proof.

What kind of technological skills should I have prior to beginning an MI degree?

MI courses rely heavily on information technology through the use of databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. The Faculty of Management computer labs use standard Windows versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. To ensure successful completion of the MI program, students entering the program are expected to have the following basic technology skills either before entering the Program or by the end of the first term.

  • Working knowledge of basic computer operations (e.g., running programs; creating, managing, printing files; etc.).
  • Ability to proficiently use file managing features (e.g. Windows Explorer, OS X Finder) and perform routine application functions (file copying and duplication, using external drives, local and network drives, cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive, etc., zipping and unzipping files).
  • Proficient word processing skills, including creating, formatting, and editing complex documents.
  • An understanding of spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel skills, such as using basic formulas and functions) and proficiency with presentation software (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint skills, such as creating presentations with mixed content that communicate complex messages).
  • Experience using the internet (e.g., using search engines effectively; avoiding security and privacy issues; image, document, and video sharing; browsing and bookmarking websites; and downloading files).
  • Proficient use of email and real-time communication applications (e.g., instant messaging, video conferencing).
  • Knowledge of a wide range of online information resources and technologies (e.g., blogs, wikis, social networking sites, social tagging sites, etc.).
  • Ability to work with semi-structured data (e.g. spreadsheets, tables in a word processor, search engines)
  • Ability to use the basic functions of database management systems (e.g., Microsoft Access).
  • Experience with other computer applications is advantageous. Knowledge of graphic design and photo editing tools is a definite asset, especially as they relate to the preparation and manipulation of images for the web. In certain courses, students may be expected to reach an understanding of applications and/or languages not included in these basic requirements (e.g., Database Management Systems, content management systems, Adobe Photoshop, XML, CSS, and JavaScript).

What type of undergrad degree do I need to get into the MI Program?

Candidates for the MI must hold a four-year bachelor's degree with at least a second class standing (B average, 3.0 GPA) from a university recognized by the Senate of Â鶹´«Ã½.

Course-work in almost any area can be of benefit to information professionals and DIS welcomes students from all intellectual backgrounds.

Are there any exceptions to the standard application requirements for MI admission?

Applications that don't meet the standard MI admissions criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The MI Admissions Committee pays particular attention to skills and competencies relevant to advanced study in information management.

For more information, please contact inform@dal.ca

What personal and professional attributes are you looking for in an applicant?

To achieve its objectives, the program seeks to recruit the person who:

  • Is a potential leader in the field of information management
  • Brings a passion for service to all information management roles
  • Is a critical thinker who continually examines their own assumptions about the information professions
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the values of the information professions and an understanding of societal values affecting the organization, retrieval, evaluation and use of information and ideas
  • Draws upon prior work experience gained in any setting


Money Matters (more information here)

If I am a permanent resident in Canada do I have to pay the international fees?

If you have permanent resident status in Canada, please enclose proof with your application. International student fees will be charged if proof is not provided.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Full-time students starting the MI Program in September who have a GPA of 3.7 or higher will be considered for funding. Applicants hoping for funding must have their complete applications in by the March 1st deadline. See our Money Matters page for more information.

Please note: part-time students do not qualify for funding.

Are there other course material costs?

There may be costs for books and specialized online software subscriptions (other than those provided by Â鶹´«Ã½ Libraries).

How much will my tuition be?

The MI is a per-course-fee program, which means you pay a fee for each course you register in. Tuition fees vary. Please see our Money Matters page for more information.

Program staff are not involved with making decisions about or processing tuition and fees. Please direct questions about tuition and fees to Student Accounts: student.accounts@dal.ca or 902-494-3998.


Other Questions

What do the degree abbreviations stand for?

MI
Master of Information 
MI/JD
MI with Juris Doctor (law)
MI/MPA
MI with Master of Public Administration
MI/MREM
MI with Master of Resource and Environmental Management

What is a Special Student Graduate Studies (SSGS) student?

It is possible for individuals to take classes outside of a program for personal or professional enrichment. The registration category for non-program students taking graduate classes is Special Student-Graduate Studies (SSGS). Such students may take a maximum of two full-credit classes (four half classes) with the permission of the class instructor and the appropriate graduate coordinator.

Applicants must have records which meet the minimum entrance requirements as for a graduate program. To apply you must submit:

  • Application form
  • Application fee
  • Two copies of all official transcripts from each university attended

SSGS applicants should adhere to the MI application deadlines.

Classes completed under SSGS status can be used for credit toward formal graduate programs with approval by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the time of admission.