Common Application Questions

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

No. Transcripts become the official property of Dalhousie University and cannot be photocopied or returned to the applicant.

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.

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.

Official transcripts from Dalhousie (or the former TUNS) are not required from current or previous Dalhousie students.

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.

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.

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

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

You can log into DalOnline (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.

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.

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

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.

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 Dalhousie University. 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.

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.

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).

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 Dalhousie University.

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

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

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

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.

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.

There may be costs for books and specialized online software subscriptions (other than those provided by Dalhousie Libraries).

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.

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.