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M.S. in Library and Information Science

Palmer School of Library and Information ScienceA Master of Science degree in Library and Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.) will prepare you for careers in a world transformed by the Internet. More information reaches people today than ever before. The tremendous value of information is now widely recognized by every for-profit and not-for-profit sector, including corporations, industry, schools, organizations and government agencies. As a result, those who can find, analyze and present information are highly valued by employers. People who hold M.S.L.I.S. degrees are uniquely suited to help individuals and organizations find and use the information they need.

Information professionals are assuming leadership positions in such areas as marketing, strategic planning, Web site development and information architecture, in addition to traditional library settings.

Accredited by the American Library Association, the 36-credit master’s degree fuses traditional library science with information science and state-of-the-art technology. The program comprises 12 courses. Five required core courses provide the foundation upon which students add the electives that will best prepare them for the career path they choose.

Fifteen credits of required coursework include “Introduction and Information Science,” “Information Sources and Services,” “Introduction to Knowledge Organization,” “Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science” and an Internship. An additional 21 credits of electives can be taken from a broad array of courses that are tailored to suit your individual career objectives.

The average length of time to complete the master’s depends on the course load each students takes. Full-time students (9 credits/semester) can expect to finish the program in one academic year and a summer session. Students who attend part-time usually complete the degree in two and a half years.

You can personalize your Master of Science in Library and Information Science degree by adding a specialization in one of the following areas:

Required Courses

  • LIS 510: Introduction to Library and Information Science
  • LIS 511: Information Sources and Services
  • LIS 512: Introduction to Knowledge Organization
  • LIS 514: Introduction to Research in Library and Information Science
  • LIS 690: Internship

Elective Courses

Students choose from more than 45 elective courses in a wide range of library and information specialties. In addition, the Palmer School offers special topics on new subjects and emerging technologies.

Internship Program

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Palmer School education is the Internship Program. Every student is offered the opportunity to participate in a capstone internship that will provide them with marketable experience and essential skills for a competitive job market.

Career Opportunities

Among the careers and specialties for which the Palmer School trains students are: academic and public librarianship, digital librarianship, health information management, business information, school media librarianship, knowledge organization, law librarianship, archives and records management, and rare books librarianship.