MLIS Academics

The Master of Library and Information Science degree program is designed to provide graduate students with a comprehensive understanding of library and information science theory and practical skills that are transferable to diverse and global information work environments.

Students can customize their educational experience to fit personal interests and career objectives with our extensive selection of electives offered each semester. We develop our electives in collaboration with industry leaders and by following the business and technology trends and the library trends in the field. This ensures our students graduate very well-prepared to assume professional positions in the information professions.

All of our graduates receive a diploma that says they earned an MLIS degree. However, our school offers numerous career pathways to assist students in career planning and course selection.

Technology Focus

Our school offers a number of courses designed to give MLIS students experience with the most innovative and important technologies in the field of library and information science. Students have the opportunity to study a number of technology-focused subjects taught by experts in the field of information technology. These electives are offered to ensure that all students have the most sought-after technology skills when they enter the job market.

Students also gain hands-on experience using emerging technologies daily since they take all of their courses online. Over the course of a semester, a typical student will use the Canvas online learning management system daily, attend virtual workshops via Zoom, watch lectures and presentations on Panopto, create a blog on WordPress, and use various software programs such as PowerPoint and Prezi to create presentations and complete assignments. 

“Our curriculum is very extensive, and we have a wide range of elective choices.” – Dr. Sandra Hirsh

Increased Flexibility

MLIS students have the opportunity to explore many trending topics and expand their knowledge in a variety of areas by enrolling in variable unit courses. The variable unit courses are typically one or two units and a shorter duration (4 weeks versus the standard 15-week format). Many of these shorter courses have a leadership focus.