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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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