Academics

The MLIS program represents a continuous 100-plus-year tradition of education for the library and information professions, which began with the Training School for Children's Librarians at the Carnegie Library. The degree program has evolved over the century to include skills and knowledge necessary for the modern information professional. Perhaps the most significant innovation is the introduction of the FastTrack MLIS program. This online degree program offers the same courses, exercises, and teachers that you will find in our on-campus program. 

Students who have not worked in libraries may elect to do a three-credit Field Experience (LIS 2921) during which they perform professional activities in a library or information center under the supervision of a librarian or information specialist and with the cooperation of a member of the faculty.

FastTrack MLIS students may choose to fit the real-world experience into their regular course load, working in a library or achive in their region. However, past FastTrack MLIS students have created wonderful opportunities by taking vacation and completing an intensive Field Placement experience at institutions such as the Getty Institute or the Library of Congress.

The FastTrack MLIS Program may be completed in as little as two years of part-time, contiguous study.

Statute of Limitations

The Master’s Degree program must be completed within four years of the first term in which courses were taken after admission. The normal part-time course load is 6 credits per term, which permits the part-time students to complete the program in six terms. The faculty, in response to a student petition, must approve exceptions to the four-year limit if extenuating circumstances exist.

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