Program Overview

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Introduction to the Library and Information Studies: Online Program, MA

The Library and Information Studies: Online Program, MA, is a named option within the Library and Information Studies MA at the University of WisconsinMadison. This ALA-accredited master's degree prepares graduates to develop, provide, and assess information services in a diverse, technological, and global society.

Program Overview

The program prepares information professionals to work in multiple areas, including libraries, archives, digital librarianship, and information organization. Students can tailor their program to include emphases such as Tribal Libraries, Archives and Museums, social justice, and digital humanities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can obtain employment in various areas, including:

• College and university librarianship
• Public librarianship
• Youth and young adult librarianship
• Electronic collections management
• Science and health librarianship
• Research data management
• School library media centers
• Digital asset management
• Digital preservation and curation
• Digital archives
• Corporate archives
• Government archives
• Special collections
• Tribal libraries archives and museums
• User experience and web design
• Digital humanities
• Digital asset management and curation
• Database and data management
• IT training/instruction
• Metadata management
• Taxonomy and ontology development and implementation
• Digital asset management
• Cataloging
• XML and linked data
• Database management

Program Structure

Full-time students generally complete the master's program in two academic years, while part-time students complete it in three to four years. Students gain hands-on experience through the school's required field practicum, which can be chosen based on their career goals.

Named Options

Students interested in the Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies should refer to one of the named options:

• Campus Program
• Online Program

Optional Specializations

The Information School hosts several specializations that require specific coursework from other departments or other requirements, including:

• Business School Graduate/Professional Certificate in Strategic Innovation
• Certificate in Leadership
• Double degrees with the UW Law School, the School of Music, and the Department of Art History
• School Library Media Specialist License

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). The school admits students to its on-campus and online master's programs once a year, for fall semester. Priority consideration, including consideration for departmental scholarships, is given to applications received by the fall deadline.

Funding

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Program Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 36 credits, with 30 credits of graduate-level coursework. Students must complete a minimum of a 120-hour practicum and a PLO Assessment prior to graduation. The program also requires the completion of specific courses, including:

• Core courses: L I S 601, L I S 602, and L I S 603
• Tier Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) course
• Tier Management course
• Tier Technology course
• Tier L I S Fundamentals courses
• Capstone course: L I S 620 or L I S 521
• Electives

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures. Programs may set more stringent policies than the Graduate School.

Named Option-Specific Policies

The program has specific policies regarding prior coursework, probation, advisor/committee, credits per term allowed, time limits, grievances and appeals, and other areas.

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch careers.