Learn More!
The iSchool hosts a number of opportunities for you to explore the LIS program. Attend Information Sessions at the iSchool or online, whichever suits your schedule. More >
Welcome
Welcome to the Library and Information Science Program —
An ALA-Accredited Program with a Rich Heritage
As you consider your choice of a school that will prepare you for a career in the information professions, we urge you to consider the University of Pittsburgh. First, consider the long-standing reputation of the Master of Library and Information Science program, which has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association since 1926. The program has a 100+ year tradition of educating librarians and archivists. Our roots began in 1901 when the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh began a program to educate librarians to serve children in the new library located in a city of immigrants, and Andrew Carnegie was our first benefactor. We also offer a rigorous Doctor of Philosophy in Library and information Science for those seeking careers as faculty members and researchers and administrators.
Rankings
A degree from an ALA-accredited program is a necessity for career placement, advancement, and mobility in all types of libraries and archives. Equally important is acknowledgement of program quality by peers at other institutions. Our MLIS program and many of our areas of interest are ranked in the top ten in the 2014 U.S. News and World Report rankings:
- Children and Youth Resources and Services
- Digital Libraries (offered jointly with the Information Sciences faculty)
- Health Resources and Services
- Information Technology
- Reference Resources and Services
- School Library Certification Program
You may also choose an Individualized course of study with your faculty advisor to meet your specific career goals. We offer a rich range of 70+ courses taught by faculty and practitioners who are experts in their subject areas and well connected to the information professions.
The University of Pittsburgh: A Major Research Institution with a Large Graduate Student Population
A second reason for choosing the University of Pittsburgh is the university itself—a top-tier research institution with more than 200 graduate degree programs, a large and diverse graduate student body and an outstanding library system ranked by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in the top quartile.
Pittsburgh—A Most Livable City
A third reason for choosing the University of Pittsburgh is life in the city itself. Pittsburgh offers world-class cultural institutions such as the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Carnegie Museums, championship sports teams, the natural beauty of three rivers, and friendly people. Pittsburgh has been named a “most livable city,” most recently in 2009 by The Economist.
Our Greatest Resource—The Success of Our Students and Alumni
Our students come from across the United States and abroad and represent many aspects of diversity. Their undergraduate majors span the disciplines, creating intellectual vigor in our classes. The MLIS Program has thousands of alumni working in libraries and archives around the world. They form an informal network to help our current students.
We Invite You to Visit Our City, Our University, Our School, Our Program
We invite you to visit Pittsburgh, the University, and the School. We host regular Information Sessions and can arrange for you to meet with a faculty member and to visit our classes and meet our students. We also offer a variety of asynchronous ways to learn more about our program. If you would like to arrange a visit to meet a faculty member and attend a class or two, please contact Brandi Belleau at lisinq@sis.pitt.edu.
