COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit, all of which must be completed through the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS), except for up to six hours that may be taken outside the school with advisor approval. The program is structured to ensure both breadth and specialization, combining core knowledge in information science with flexible elective pathways aligned to students’ career interests in libraries, archives, digital environments, and information organizations. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, with all coursework completed at a “B” average or better, and they are also required to complete a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates mastery of program learning outcomes through selected course artifacts and reflective work. The curriculum includes foundational core courses such as LS 500 (Information Science and Technology) and LS 501 (Information in Communities), which establish essential knowledge of how information is created, organized, accessed, and used in society. Students then select additional coursework from technology and management core areas, choosing topics such as digital libraries, metadata, database management, or leadership in information organizations depending on their interests. Beyond the core requirements, students complete 24 hours of elective coursework, which may be structured into focused areas of emphasis such as Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, Digital Stewardship, Information Science, Youth Services, Social Justice and Inclusivity, Information Organization and Retrieval, Information Literacy, or Collections and Archival Studies. These pathways allow students to tailor their degree toward specific professional roles in libraries, archives, information technology, education, or community services. The program emphasizes flexibility, applied learning, and emerging technologies, including digital preservation, data ethics, artificial intelligence, and information policy. Overall, the MLIS degree prepares graduates for diverse careers in libraries, archives, digital information environments, and knowledge management, while equipping them with the technical, ethical, and leadership skills needed in modern information professions.