Online MLIS Program
The Information School has developed the Online Master of Library and Information Science program to enable students to earn their degree while continuing to live in their current location. Formerly known as the distance program, the Online MLIS program is a high quality, high impact, part-time degree program that generally requires three calendar years to complete.
The degree requirements (core courses, electives, and culminating experience) for the Online MLIS program are identical to the Residential MLIS program. Courses in the Online MLIS program are equivalent to those in the Residential MLIS program, and iSchool faculty and guest lecturers provide instruction. All core courses are offered both online and on-campus, and most electives are offered both on-campus and online. There are, however, a handful of electives that may only be offered on-campus, while at the same time there are a handful of electives that are only offered online. In addition, while the course delivery mode may differ, an Online student’s diploma will read just as a Residential student’s diploma: “Master of Library and Information Science”.
An Orientation Week serves as the kick-off for newly admitted students, and typically takes place the week prior to the start of autumn quarter (during the third or fourth week of late September). It is the student's responsibility to make appropriate plans for missing work or other engagements, as well as plan for travel costs and lodging expense during this mandatory week on campus in Seattle. After that, course delivery will be Internet-based. The majority of the online program is asynchronous, meaning that there are no specific days or times where a student has to be online for synchronous communication. However some instructors may schedule an online synchronous session at the start of the quarter, before moving to a completely asynchronous delivery.
Curriculum is delivered through modules that include a set of activities (lectures, readings, discussion and assignments) centered on a theme, topic, or learning objective. Students work on activities in the module at an individual pace, but are expected to complete each module within the deadlines indicated in the course schedule. Assigned readings may include recommended books or electronic resources available through a variety of sources. Discussion related to readings, recorded lectures, or assignments takes place via asynchronous discussion boards. Assignments vary according to instructors and course materials.
While the classes in the Online MLIS program are offered online, it is important to note that the out-of-class experience of the Online students will not 100% mirror the experience of the Residential students. At times there will be events that happen on-campus that won't be available online, while at other times Online students may participate in these events via web chats or podcasts. There are also some opportunities only available to just Online students, such as Virtual Office Hours with the MLIS Academic Advisor. We strive to have as many resources online as possible, but acknowledge that not every student group activity, meeting, or event can be properly captured online, and that not every online student can make it to campus for these events.
To ensure students possess a baseline set of technologies through which we can deliver remote instruction, Online MLIS students must adhere to specific
technology requirements. Residential MLIS students should also adhere to these technology requirements in case they take an online course during their tenure and wish to work from a location outside of the iSchool Computer Labs.
Information technology literacy requirements should also be reviewed by all potential MLIS students.
The Online MLIS program offers a unique opportunity for those who choose it as their ideal mode of instruction. The iSchool is a national resource and the Online MLIS program is open to all - from Seattle natives, to those in the Pacific Northwest, to those across the country.