MLIS Student Experience

We invite you to browse the statistics pulled from a recent exit survey of graduates who completed the Master of Library and Information Science program in May 2024. Note percentages are rounded and may not always equal 100. (n=117 responses)

“The online format is a huge benefit, and the program offers a really wide array of content areas through all of the pathways. I also found it a really good value for the cost compared to other online MLIS programs.” – MLIS Graduate

• 97% said they would recommend the MLIS program. 
• 87% rated their overall educational experience at our school as either Very Good (44%) or Good (43%). 
• According to the survey respondents, the top five strengths of the MLIS program are flexibility, online learning environment, curriculum, cost, and faculty. 
• Our MLIS students can customize their studies to their interests and career goals by taking classes from a variety of specialization areas. Of the 14 exciting career pathways students can explore when choosing electives, 21% selected Public Librarianship, 12% chose Academic Librarianship, and 11% chose Management, Digitization, and Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Records. 20% did not follow a specific pathway and instead mixed and matched their electives from a variety of career pathways.
• 68% completed the MLIS program in three or fewer years. Did you know that you can complete the MLIS program at your own pace, choosing the number of courses you want to take each semester? You have up to seven years to earn your graduate degree, but you could earn your graduate degree in as quickly as 18 months as a full-time student. View full-time course load scenario.
• As an online school, we know the importance of timely technology help. When asked about our technology resource center and technology support, 96% of those who used the services were satisfied or felt neutral.
• We help students to become the best job candidate by offering career workshops, a dedicated career blog, job search tips and guidance, access to job listing sites, and one-on-one consultations with our expert career counselor. 92% of the survey respondents who took advantage of our school’s career development resources were satisfied or felt neutral. 
• We provide advising tools and resources to help our students plan their course work. We also have faculty pathway advisors who can provide insight about the different career directions and electives. 94% took advantage of the advising support and ranked the advising toolkit, student success planner, and the MLIS career pathways as the most extremely useful of all of the MLIS advising tools and resources we provide to our students. 
• 100% of the survey respondents completed the e-Portfolio for their culminating experience. Did you know that you have a choice for your culminating experience? Students can choose to complete the e-Portfolio or a thesis. Learn more.

“The instructors are helpful and passionate about their work, and the iSchool Student Services Team is prompt and helpful.” — MLIS Graduate

Our students also took advantage of a range of informal learning opportunities and activities that helped them expand their professional network and aid them with future job seeking. For example:

• 87% were members of professional associations. Did you know we give new MLIS students a free one-year membership to the American Library Association (ALA), Special Libraries Association (SLA), Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), Society of American Archivists (SAA), or National Association of Government and Records Administrators (NAGARA)? Learn more.
• Extracurricular activities abound at our school. Among the vast opportunities for networking and resume building, 12% attended professional association conferences while enrolled in the MLIS program. They also participated in student chapters of professional associations, the peer-reviewed Student Research Journal, and the Library 2.0 Worldwide Virtual Conference series. Students enrolled in our MLIS program can apply for travel grants to attend professional conferences.
• Of the professional experience courses provided by our school, 13% expanded their skills, knowledge and work experience by completing a for-credit internship. Although not a requirement, internships are highly encouraged. Employers are looking for work experience, and internships are a great way to build your resume. Did you know that we offer both place-based and virtual internship opportunities at companies located around the world? Learn more.

“This online program offers amazingly supportive and knowledgeable professors who encourage students to explore, collaborate, and develop ideas in a warm, inclusive, engaging, and fun environment.” — MLIS Graduate

In addition, you’ll be in good company in the MLIS program. Here are some stats about our graduating MLIS students as reported in the spring 2024 exit survey:

• While earning their MLIS degree, our students lived in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. Our MLIS program is offered exclusively online, and there are no on-campus orientations or other required in-person events.
• The online program allows students the flexibility to continue working while pursuing their MLIS degree. 83% were both students at our school and employees at public libraries, K-12 schools, academic libraries, and a host of other types of career environments.
• 71% were between the ages of 26 and 45 at the time of graduation.
• 41% identified themselves as an ethnicity other than White, and 3% declined to answer.
• 81% marked female, 13% marked male, 3% marked non-binary, and 3% declined to answer. 
• 56% of respondents stated they are the first person in their family to obtain a master’s degree. Learn more about the First Generation Student Group.