| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2025-12-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-06-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This interdisciplinary certificate program is designed for mid-career professionals with a previous master's degree in information science or library science. Students choose a self-designed specialization and complete core courses, specialization courses, and supporting courses. The program culminates in an advanced internship, major research seminar, and comprehensive exam.
Program Outline
Outline:
Core Courses:
- ProSeminar in Information Science and Technology
- Directed Readings in Information Science and Policy
Specialization Courses:
- Students choose classes in their self-designated area of interest.
Supporting Courses:
- Students take relevant classes in departments across the University.
Advanced Internship:
- Students work towards their career goals with new experience in a library or information agency.
Major Research Seminar:
- Students write a publishable research paper in their area of specialization.
Comprehensive Exam:
- Students demonstrate mastery of their area of specialization, knowledge of major trends and issues in the field, and familiarity with research methodologies and priorities.
Self-Designed Specialization:
- Students passionate about a specific topic in library and information science can pursue it as a specialization.
- Students work with their advisor to identify their area of specialization and develop a program of study that supports it.
- Past examples of self-designed specializations include:
- Information systems development
- Records and archives management
- Indexing and abstracting
Other:
- The program meets the needs of mid-career professionals with a previous master's degree in information science or library science who want to learn about current trends, computing applications, and emerging technologies relevant to their work in the field.
- The program is interdisciplinary.
- Completing this certificate enables students to develop new expertise in archival methods, information analysis, data collection, classification and indexing, reference management, and digital media storage and retrieval without having to complete a dissertation.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Bachelor's degree in library science, information science, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Official GRE scores (unless exempt - see below).
- Resume.
- Statement of goals.
International Overseas Students:
- Same requirements as EU Home Students.
- Additional requirements:
- Official transcripts translated into English.
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
Exemptions from GRE Scores:
- Applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Applicants who already hold a Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Applicants with 5 or more years of relevant work experience.
Additional Notes:
- This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience.
- Students who have been convicted of a felony may have difficulty completing the program due to licensing requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
International applicants whose native language is not English:
- Minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based test).
- Minimum IELTS score of 7.0.
- Other equivalent English language proficiency tests may be accepted.
