Master of Library and Information Science

Information experts in our digital age

Expand your skills without putting your life on hold, by earning our Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree online. Graduates join a community of highly regarded professionals who provide creative, data-driven ideas that empower library patrons, corporations, civic groups, and our communities.

 

ALA-accredited

ALA sealOur Master of Library and Information Science, the entry degree for a professional librarian, is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA-MLS). Universally required for professionals in academic libraries, the MLIS is essential for leadership in public libraries and provides valuable management skills.

Program goals

There are eight M.L.I.S. program goals. These are derived from the ALA Core Competences of Librarianship that indicate the basic knowledge to be possessed by all persons graduating from an ALA-accredited master’s program in library and information studies.

100% online

A leader in the field of online learning, we specialize in fostering collaborative learning from a distance. We create an environment that allows you to work from home or wherever you need to be.

Customize your degree

You can add a specialization or combine your Master of Library and Information Science degree with a graduate degree from another field to expand your career options.

Preparing you for a new world of information

Your online MLIS coursework reflects what’s expected of graduates in the working world.

Areas of study such as digital libraries better prepare you for finding, collecting, organizing, and preserving information. Students learn about legal aspects of the profession, including copyright law, freedom of speech, and ethical and policy issues arising from the digital age.

  • Knowing the options
    You’ll learn emerging trends to help you assist researchers, small business owners, amateur genealogists and others in finding the data they need.
  • Creating connections
    Staying current with technology in areas such as databases and social media gives you the power in more ways than ever to link users to information.
  • Spreading the word
    Making information resources accessible relies on being well-grounded in digital technology. ​
  • Taming the data
    You’ll analyze, design, and implement new systems that make searching easier for users.

Plans of Study (Specializations)

Students who have already begun their studies before fall semester 2022 will use a Prior to Fall 2022 checklist or one of the new specialization checklists. Students who began Summer 2022 and afterwards will follow the Fall 2022 and beyond plan.

Each specialization lists electives. However, these are recommendations or suggestions. Any course not listed under Foundations or Specialization Core for your specialization can be an elective. Pre-requisites required for a course but not for a specialization will count towards a student’s electives.

Dual Degrees

These programs have agreed to share some courses and reduce the total credits that would be required to earn both degrees independently: