Master of Library and Information Science

The MLIS degree is a 36-credit program that can be completed in three consecutive terms of full-time study or up to four years (twelve terms) of part-time study.

Beginning in Fall 2009 (2101), there will be four core courses -- the remaining eight courses are tailored to your career goals or chosen specialization. It is important to plan carefully, in consultation with your faculty advisor, to make the best use of the educational opportunities available at the School of Information Sciences.

The program is built upon the concept of each student mastering a set of core skills. The table below outlines the core courses for the MLIS program. Please note that some specializations have a different set of core courses.

For those matriculating in Fall 2009 (2101):

(Please note that the required core courses changed as of Fall 2009)

General	Archives, Preservation & Records Management	School Library Certification Program
1. Understanding Information Area
LIS 2000	LIS 2000	LIS 2000
2. Organizing/Retrieving Information Area
LIS 2005	LIS 2224, LIS 2223	LIS 2005
3. Managing Area
LIS 2700	LIS 2220 or LIS 2215	LIS 2774
4. Information Technology Area
LIS 2600	LIS 2600	LIS 2600

The rest of your course selection will be determined in conjunction with your academic advisor. Please feel free to visit our Course Descriptions page to see the array of course offerings in the Library & Information Science Program.

Upon completion of the MLIS degree, graduates will incorporate the knowledge, skills, ethical foundations and social responsibilities of the information professions into professional practice.
Specifically, graduates will be able to:

Draw effectively upon the ethics, values, principles, knowledge and history of library and information science and other related disciplines;
Apply the principles of the information life cycle (selection, organization, dissemination and preservation);
Advance the intelligent and ethical applications of information technologies;
Apply the principles of management (planning and assessment, budgeting, human resources development and evaluation) to various functions in information environments;
Plan, implement, evaluate and advocate for reference and user services to meet the needs of diverse users;
Promote the ideals of open access to information and of intellectual freedom;
Understand and apply research in library and information science; and
Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of the information professions through advocacy, continuing education and lifelong learning.

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 full-time course load is 9 to 12 credits per term; thus, a full-time student will complete the program in three or four terms. 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.