Admissions + Application
How To Apply
Prospective students will apply through the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) online application system, Graduate Studies Management Solution (GSMS). First time applicants will be required to create an account in GSMS.
To apply for the MBA/MLIS program in GSMS, select "Business - MBA" as the department, and the MBA/MLIS as the program. After you have applied, you will receive login information for Bear Tracks, the U of A's online student portal.
Applications from students admitted to the MBA component of the program will then be forwarded to the SLIS office for admission to the MLIS component of the program.
Supporting Documentation
All required supporting documents for both programs must be submitted to the Alberta School of Business by the application deadline.
MBA Admissions
The admissions criteria and supporting documentation required by the MBA program are listed on the Alberta School of Business MBA Entrance Requirements page.
MLIS Admissions
See the MLIS Admissions page for detailed information.
Referee Letters
Referee (reference) letter requirements may differ slightly between the MBA and MLIS programs. When applying for a combined degree program with varying reference letter requirements between the two programs, adhere to the program demanding the higher number of reference letters. Please carefully review the admission requirements for each program to ensure your application is accurate and complete.
In the online application system, applicants will supply the names and email addresses of their referees. Referees will be emailed instructions on how to submit their letters. Referees for applicants to the MBA program have the option of completing the letter directly in the application system, or completing the MBA program's reference letter form and upload that into the application system.
When Applying Directly to the MBA/MLIS
The MBA program normally requests an MBA-specific reference letter. For the purposes of the combined program and the convenience of referees, please use the UAlberta MBA Reference Letter Form found on the MBA Entrance Requirements page.
Three (3) referee letters are required for direct applications to the MBA/MLIS. For the MBA component of the letter, your references should give the MBA Admissions Committee a picture of your managerial experience and potential as well as your ability to handle the demands of the program.
When Applying During the First Year of the MLIS
Current MLIS students applying to the MBA/MLIS program should refer to the MBA Entrance Requirements page for information on reference letters.
Application Dates + Deadlines
Application Dates and Deadlines will vary depending on the entry route, and whether or not students are domestic (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) or international.
MLIS Dates + Deadlines MBA Dates + Deadlines
After You Apply
Review of Applications
The MBA/MLIS is a dual degree program, therefore students must meet the entrance requirements for, and be admitted by, both programs.
A complete application includes the online application form and its supporting materials for both programs. All must be received before applications can be reviewed for admission to the combined MBA/MLIS program. Applicants are evaluated by the MBA program on a rolling basis. Once a complete application package is submitted, the Alberta School of Business conducts an interview with the candidate. Generally, one to two weeks subsequent to the interview, the applicant will receive notification of the decision. Additional information may be found via the Alberta School of Business MBA page.
Applicants should also carefully review all current University Calendar regulations and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Graduate Program Manual.
Once Admitted
Students admitted must accept their admissions offer by the date indicated in the acceptance letter.
Admitted students will be required to provide official paper transcripts to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the University of Alberta.
Deferrals
Students who are offered admission to the combined MBA/MLIS program may request to have their admission deferred to the following Fall Session if both programs are formally notified in writing before the beginning of the fall term. A MBA Confirmation Deposit may be required for MBA/MLIS program deferrals.
Special Notes
- The matters dealt with above are subject to continuing review. The University regulations printed in the University Calendar and any other of its official publications take precedence over University regulations printed herein. The University reserves the right to alter anything described herein without notice other than through the regular processes of the University.
- Should there be a discrepancy between information on the SLIS website and the MBA website regarding the MBA program, please refer to the MBA program.