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University of Washington

University of Washington Information School

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Master of Library and Information Science

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The library science master's program at the University of Washington is ranked #2 in the U.S. The UW iSchool offers residential and online modes.

Follow your passion

At the University of Washington Information School, we’re educating the innovators and leaders of the library and information world. Our world-class faculty will help you develop the skills you need to play an essential role in any knowledge-intensive industry. With your Master of Library and Information Science degree in hand, you’ll have the practical skills to advance your career and the confidence to make bold decisions as libraries evolve and serve the public in a rapidly changing landscape. 

The iSchool approach

The MLIS program is designed to prepare you for an array of experiences at diverse organizations and companies. Our core curriculum emphasizes our values of diversity, inclusion and social justice.

Courses in knowledge organization theory, design thinking, and information ethics create a framework and academic foundation on which you can build throughout your career. Electives give you the flexibility to explore your interests more deeply or study a subject completely new to you. Take your understanding deeper through an independent study or Directed Fieldwork by designing learning outcomes specific to your professional goals. 

As a student in the iSchool's MLIS program, ranked No. 2 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, you will gain: 

  • An integrated understanding of information concepts, theories, processes, models and research with a focus on the needs of people who use the information services, systems and resources, and the technology that supports them.
  • An appreciation of the varied roles, contexts and settings in which information work occurs and their interrelationships. 
  • Awareness of important and trending information issues and the ability to discuss the social impact of these trends.
  • Professional skills and experiences important for entry-level positions, and a deeper understanding that will take your career to the next level.
  • The ability to be an innovative and strategic thinker in solving contemporary information problems.

Learn more about our key student learning outcomes.

Residential or Online

Immerse yourself in the MLIS program on campus or pursue your studies online, on your own schedule. It’s all up to you. Residential and online students take the same courses and earn the same Master of Library and Information Science degree. Learn more about these degree options.

Learn more about the statistics for graduation rates and length of time to degree for each program mode.

What’s Your Next Career?

Your MLIS degree will open doors to a satisfying career in which you can make a positive impact. iSchool career advisors provide targeted programming to help you achieve your goals. Our recent graduates have moved on to work as librarians, metadata specialists, information architects, web content managers, taxonomists and more. Learn more about potential careers with your MLIS.

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Lorcan Dempsey
Article 1 of 4,

Practical approach to librarianship

Library luminary Lorcan Dempsey is eager to share his expertise with MLIS students

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Read More About Practical approach to librarianship
Nassim Parvin in downtown Seattle
Article 2 of 4,

A firm belief in social justice

As associate dean for IDEAS, Nassim Parvin will focus on making the iSchool equitable for all

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Read More About A firm belief in social justice
Melanie Walsh stands near book stacks in Suzzallo Library.
Article 3 of 4,

Where data meets literature

iSchool's Melanie Walsh seeks to use data science to hold publishing industry accountable

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Read More About Where data meets literature
Faces of 9 faculty members in circles on a textured background.
Article 4 of 4,

iSchool welcomes new faculty

6 join the school and 3 take new roles, bolstering school's research and teaching

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Read More About iSchool welcomes new faculty
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News

Cindy Aden takes new role as teaching professor, MLIS chair

Monday, October 2, 2023
Cindy Aden, who wrapped up her term as the Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the iSchool in June, is staying on as a teaching professor and taking over as chair of the Master of Library in Information Science program. Aden has...
Read more
Lorcan Dempsey

Library luminary eager to share practical expertise

Monday, October 2, 2023
After 21 years at OCLC, most recently as vice president for research and membership & chief strategist, Lorcan Dempsey was ready for a change. The opportunity to serve as the University of Washington Information School’s...
Read more

Events

Oct 4
 
10:00-11:00AM

Career Services - Aligning Career Goals with Academic Planning

Online
Oct 4
 
12:30-1:30PM

Career Services Workshop: Mindfulness in the Job/Internship Search

Online
Oct 5
 
4:00-6:00PM

iQueeries Meet 'n Mingle

Mary Gates Hall - Room 258
Oct 6
 
10:00-11:00AM

Faculty Meeting

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© 2023 UW Information School
Box 352840 - Mary Gates Hall, Ste. 370
Seattle, WA 98195-2840
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