Curriculum

The MLIS program is 63 quarter credits, consisting of core courses, electives, and a culminating experience. The core courses rely heavily on theory, and students should expect a broad overview of library and information science as they progress through these core courses. The electives allow opportunities for specialization and emphasis. MLIS requirements are the same for students in the Residential MLIS and Online MLIS programs. Law MLIS students should refer to their specific requirements, which differ. All requirements for a graduate degree must be completed within six years.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum required of all MLIS students makes up just over half the credits required for the degree.  These courses provide a rich and solid foundation that will meet individual interests and needs, while preparing students for their professional work.  Courses in the core cover the following topics:

• LIS 500 The Life Cycle of Information (2 credits)
• LIS 510 Information Behavior (3)
• LIS 520 Information Resources, Services and Collections (4)
• LIS 530 Organization of Information and Resources (4)
• LIS 550 Information in Social Context (3)
• LIS 560 Instructional and Training Strategies for Information Professionals (3)
• LIS 570 Research, Assessment and Design (4)
• LIS 580 Management of Information Organizations (4)
• One 4-credit Information Technology Core Course which you can choose from a menu of options such as information retrieval, XML, conceptual database design, and network system administration. (4) Click here for more information. 
• INFX 505 Project Management (1)

Course descriptions may be found in the UW Course Catalog.

Electives

Beyond the required core courses, students have the option of crafting a program of study specific to their interests and career goals. MLIS course electives include, among others, organization of information; information systems; resources and services; and children, young adult, and school library services and resources. Electives may also include advanced LIS and INFX courses, Directed Fieldwork (LIS 590), Independent Study (LIS 600), or relevant upper level coursework in other academic disciplines.

Culminating Experience

Beginning in autumn 2012 MLIS students may choose between two culminating experience options: Masters Capstone or Degree Research Project.  Students may choose one Culminating Experience option to begin pursuing after completion of 30 credits in the MLIS program. Click here to learn more about these options.

Note that the Professional Portfolio and Thesis options are only available to students who began the MLIS program in autumn 2011 or earlier.

Directed Fieldwork

Directed Fieldwork (LIS 590) is one of the iSchool’s most popular courses. It is an elective course designed to provide students with an opportunity to work in an information environment under the supervision of an experienced professional mentor. During a fieldwork placement, the student works to meet meaningful learning objectives that have been mutually defined by student and supervisor. The range of settings and opportunities has expanded dramatically in recent years and includes wide-ranging options from archives to corporate libraries, from reference and technical services to database development, and from web design to working with children and youth. For more information, see Directed Fieldwork for MLIS Students.