Accredited by ALA
This ALA-accredited program is ranked 10th by U.S. News & World Report in the magazine’s 2009 edition of "America’s Best Graduate Schools."
Cohort Concept
Not just a single student with a computer, but rather an online community of learners.
The advantage of student cohorts is that they allow students to draw upon their peers—in addition to the faculty—for support throughout the program. Peer interactions play an important part in the FastTrack MLIS Program.
FastTrack MLIS students are part of a cohort of students that will move through the program together. Cohorts will participate in class projects, lectures, and special learning opportunities via technology. Each new cohort will begin with an on-campus orientation in the first term that introduces students to the program, faculty, and to one another. Students will also spend time together in on-campus learning experiences one weekend of each subsequent term.
"What I like about this program is that you complement the online experience by spending structured time on campus on a regular basis. The on campus experience is a big plus."
Dan LaValla, FastTrack Alum
Students live in 35 different states, ranging from California to New York and from Minnesota to Texas. The program also has students from outside the United States. They range in age from 24 to 65, with an average age of 39. They hold a variety of degrees in the disciplines such as elementary education, English, psychology, art history, zoology, communications, social work, urban planning, sociology, speech, biology, and mechanical engineering. Many students also hold additional advanced degrees. Though most members of the cohort do have library experience, many have less than one year of experience. The cohort concept makes it possible for all FastTrack MLIS students to learn from other cohort members. The range of backgrounds, experiences, and interests adds to the discussions, projects and overall learning experience of each student.
"I just have to tell you how very much I am enjoying online education. I feel that we as students have bonded more than I ever have in a 'real' classroom and in a very short periond of time. The discussion boards and virtual classrooms are great. I look forward to each new assignment and I have had some of the best class discussions of my educational career."
Jamie Alascia, FastTrack Alum