Library and Information Science, MLIS: Online Degrees: Online Degree Programs: Indiana University

Library and Information Science,
MLIS

Master of Library and Information Science

Course Delivery
100% Online
Total Credits
39
In-State Tuition Per Credit
$492.50
Out of State Tuition Per Credit
$492.50

Library and Information Science, MLIS

Master of Library and Information Science

When the discipline of library science emerged in the second half of the 19th century, it focused on the study of library operation and administration. Today's professionals are leaders in applying technology to facilitate access to information. Experts in library science and data technology focus on information literacy, metadata management, and other modern challenges in our digital age.

The IU Online Master of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association and explores foundation courses in five areas of librarianship. You also work with your advisor to select advanced elective courses. As a student in the program, you learn about libraries' roles in contemporary society. You develop an understanding of key policy issues and technological trends, and come to recognize how these issues and trends affect libraries and other information organizations. The program prepares you to assist library users, develop and manage collections, organize information resources, conduct effective research, and make the most effective use of information technologies.

Intensive coursework links you to fellow students across Indiana and other states. You converse, work in teams, and complete individual projects with instructors-as-coaches. You tie general principles to observations and experiences in your own home area. Customized options include internships, directed readings, and directed research.

Your IU Online MLIS prepares you to work in public services, technical services, reference services, and collection development at public, school, academic, and special libraries, in such careers as:

Digital collections librarian
Genealogy researcher
Social science data librarian
Media specialist
Metadata specialist
Technical services specialist
Teen librarian
Library director
Curator
Information architect

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the MLIS, you must complete 39 credit hours including foundation courses and specialization electives.

Specializations

To increase your expertise in specific areas, you may pursue concentrations in:

Generalist (no specialization)
Academic librarianship specialization
Digital curation specialization
Archives management specialization
Public librarianship/adult services specialization
School library specialization
Technical services specialization
Youth services specialization
Facilitated learning

Dual Degree Options

You can combine your Master of Library and Information Science degree with a graduate degree from another field to expand your career options. These programs have agreed to share some courses and reduce the total credits that would be required to earn both degrees independently:

Master of Library and Information Science + MA History
Master of Library and Information Science + MA Philanthropic Studies*
Master of Library and Information Science + MS Health Informatics*
Master of Library and Information Science + JD Law
Master of Library and Information Science + Nonprofit Management Certificate*
Master of Library and Information Science + Public Management Certificate*

*These dual degrees are offered online. Please see the delivery method in the Schedule of Classes for all other dual degree programs and

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree
3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

Transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement (750-1,500 words)
TOEFL score (minimum 100) or IELTS score (minimum 7.5) - international students only

Courses

Core

Foundation Courses:

LIS-S 500	Methods and Tools for the Information Profession	3 Credits
LIS-S 501	Information Sources and Services	3 Credits
LIS-S 502	Acquisitions and Management of Knowledge and Information*	3 Credits
LIS-S 503	Organization and Representation of Knowledge and Information*	3 Credits
Note:	*For all specializations except Digital Curation	Credits

Elective

Specialization and Elective Courses:

LIS-S 504	Cataloging	3 Credits
LIS-S 505	Evaluation of Information Sources and Services	3 Credits
LIS-S 506	Introduction to Research	3 Credits
LIS-S 511	Database Design	3 Credits
LIS-S 512	Information Systems Design	3 Credits
LIS-S 517	Web Programming	3 Credits
LIS-S 524	Adult Reader’s Advisory	3 Credits
LIS-S 532	Information Architecture for the Web	3 Credits
LIS-S 533	Online Searching	3 Credits
LIS-S 541	Information Policy	3 Credits
LIS-S 551	Library Management	3 Credits
LIS-S 552	Academic Library Management	3 Credits
LIS-S 553	Public Library Management	3 Credits
LIS-S 554	Library Systems	3 Credits
LIS-S 558	Archives and Records Management	3 Credits
LIS-S 571	Materials for Youth	3 Credits
LIS-S 572	Youth Services	3 Credits
LIS-S 574	Information Instruction	3 Credits
LIS-S 575	Public Library Services	3 Credits
LIS-S 582	Digital Preservation	3 Credits
LIS-S 583	Data Curation and Management	3 Credits
LIS-S 605	Internship in Library and Information Science	3 Credits
LIS-S 631	Advanced Cataloging	3 Credits
LIS-S 632	Advanced Resource Management	3 Credits
LIS-S 634	Metadata	3 Credits
LIS-S 652	Digital Libraries	3 Credits
LIS-S 656	Scholarly Communication	3 Credits
LIS-S 671	School Media	3 Credits
LIS-S 672	Seminar on Literature for Youth	3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $492.50

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1477.50

Note: Additional fees will apply.

Cost for Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $492.50

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1477.50

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, IU has calculated a “Cost of Attendance” for this program based on the most common enrollments from students who are enrolled full time for the academic year. We’re showing you the estimated cost of attendance for the full 2023–24 academic year (fall and spring semesters). Cut these numbers in half to figure out the cost of a single semester. Your actual costs for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses will vary based on:

• The number of credit hours you take
• Whether you’re an Indiana resident
• Your personal choices
• Your travel habits

Your cost of attendance may differ from these estimates.

Full time Students

Part time Students

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Non-residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Non-residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $15,570

Books & Supplies $770

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $15,570

Books & Supplies $280

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

If you would like a more detailed estimate of expenses, please use IU's Tuition and Fee Calculator.

IU Tuition & Fee Calculator

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