Master of Library and Information Science

Our Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program is both theory and practice-based. Curriculum focuses on 21st-century information science and data management, and developing the skills needed to evaluate, manage and adapt to technological change.

To explore our online option, please visit The Online Master of Library and Information Science portal.

You will learn in a unique environment that exclusively offers small class sizes and experiential learning. This means you will get plenty of one-on-one time with faculty and hands-on projects. You will also work with a faculty advisor to design a custom coursework plan that fits a specific specialization area, like Archives, Digitization, Academic Librarianship or Information Technology.

You can take classes in our Research Methods and Statistics program, too, to prepare for research-oriented positions.

And because what you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn in it, you will have access to hands-on learning opportunities in real-world settings.

The MLIS program’s mix of practical knowledge, cross-disciplinary learning, and hands-on opportunities will give you the tools to use information in ways that can better our world.

Applications are currently under review, look for decision emails coming soon!

Applications Open for 2024

Explore Admission Requirements

Research and Data Management Concentration (RDM)

The university also provides an exciting and unique opportunity through the Research Data Management concentration. This optional concentration of the MLIS responds to the emerging need for well-trained information professionals to support the research data lifecycle. Areas of study focus on open access, digital preservation, scholarly communication, and research data management. Coursework involves classes in the related Research Methods and Statistics program as well. Professional opportunities to apply RDM include:

  • Academic Libraries
  • Government Agencies
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Research Centers

Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for the Master of Library and Information Science are as follows:

  • Defend LIS professional ethics & values
  • Justify the importance of intellectual freedom in a variety of information access situations.
  • Characterize the attributes and value of teaching, service, research and professional development to the advancement of the profession and personal career plans.
  • Characterize historical, current and emerging aspects of information organizations and information producers.
  • Distinguish and apply multiple and emerging approaches to the organization of information.
  • Analyze the interaction of individual characteristics and social factors with information environments. Identify, evaluate, synthesize and disseminate information for a variety of communities and users. Demonstrate the interaction between information users and information resources and how to improve that interaction.
  • Apply current management and leadership theories and practices in the creation, administration and assessment of services.
  • Demonstrate competency with current information technologies.
  • Demonstrate professional communication skills, work behaviors and respect for diversity.
  • Critique and construct library, archive and information science research.

Program Requirements

You’ll need to complete 58-quarter credit hours. Other requirements include:

  • Portfolio of your work
  • Culminating experience consisting of a 100-hour internship or capstone project

 

Accreditation

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program is accreditation by the American Library Association. For data related to the program as part of ALA accreditation, please see: Library and Information Science ALA Accreditation.