Library & Information Science, MS
for the degree of Master of Science in Library & Information Science (on campus & online)
The MS in LIS is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Two scheduling options are available to students pursuing the MS degree: On-Campus or Online.
On-campus or Online
The on-campus option serves students who are in residence at Urbana-Champaign, as well as part-time, commuting students. The online scheduling option is an online education option that uses the Internet and other information technologies for delivery.
School Librarian Licensure
School Librarian Licensure is available in conjunction with both the MSLIS and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS). Candidates interested in the School Librarian Licensure program must first be admitted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student within the School of Information Sciences before their application to the School Librarian Licensure program is reviewed. Accepted students must successfully pass two Illinois State Board of Education testing requirements prior to registration for the final fieldwork experience.
Admission
The general admission requirements of the Graduate College apply. n addition to the Graduate College requirements, visit our page MSLIS admission requirements for program specific information.
for the degree of Master of Science in Library & Information Science (on campus & online)
For additional details and requirements, refer to the unit's Graduate Programs of Study and the Graduate College Handbook.
This degree program can be completed with or without a thesis, either on campus or online; the requirements are listed below:
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IS 505 | Information Organization and Access | 4 |
| IS 510 | Libraries, Information and Society | 2 or 4 |
| Research/Project/Independent Study Hours (4 max applied toward degree) | 4 | |
| IS 599 | Thesis Research | 8 |
| Total Hours | 40 | |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IS 505 | Information Organization and Access | 4 |
| IS 510 | Libraries, Information and Society | 2 or 4 |
| Research/Project/Independent Study Hours (4 max applied toward degree) | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 40 | |
Other Requirements for both Thesis and Non-Thesis
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 28 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 |
| A C grade or better in required courses. | |
| The credit-no credit option can only be applied to courses taken outside the library and information science curriculum and courses taken with this option can't be applied to the degree. | |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
for the degree of Master of Science in Library & Information Science (on campus & online)
Graduates of the Illinois MS/LIS program will be able to:
- Apply foundational concepts, theories, and principles to problems of information organization and access.
- Communicate capably with diverse stakeholders, promoting not just access to but also effective use of information services and systems in specific contexts.
- Use evidence to help address information problems, meet information needs, and create relationships in their institutions, communities, profession, and the world.
- Compare and critique contemporary information practices, structures, and standards in relation to historical and global alternatives.
- Apply core ethical principles to professional practice.
Graduate Degree Programs in the School of Information Science
Information Management, MS (on campus & online)
Library & Information Science, MS (on campus & online)
Bioinformatics: Information Sciences, MS
- Writing Studies - optional concentration
Joint Degree Programs
Library & Information Science, MS and African Studies, MA
Library & Information Science, MS and History, MA
Library & Information Science, MS and Law, JD
Library & Information Science, MS and Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies, MA
Certificate and Licensure Programs
Library & Information Science, CAS (on campus & online)
- Available in conjunction with the MS in LIS and Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in LIS
For more information on our graduate programs, visit Graduate Programs page.
for the degree of Master of Science in Library & Information Science (on campus & online)
School of Information Sciences
Website: School of Information Sciences
501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211
(217) 244-3432, (800) 982-0914 (within the US)
Admissions
MSLIS Graduate Admissions & Requirements
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements