Program Overview

Public History and Library and Information Science, M.A. & M.L.I.S.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

College of Information and Communications

Combine your interests in history, curation and information in this degree that prepares students for careers in education, communities, industries, businesses and more.

This program combines respected curriculum, alumni networks and faculty expertise from two colleges at USC. Both the Public History program and the School of Information rank nationally, with this combined program a perfect fit for students seeking specialized skills and career advancement in library and history fields.

Program Highlights

• ALA Accreditation

Receive a quality education in library science certified by the American Library Association.

• Storied History Program

Our Public History program is one of the oldest and best in the country. You’ll benefit from excellent scholarship and faculty support.

• Top-Ranked

USC’s Library and Information School has been ranked in the top 20 of all ALA accredited schools by U.S. News.

• Dual Preparation

Gain research skills and a core foundation of best practices in the profession to stand out to employers.

What You’ll Study

Students complete requirements for both degree programs, but with fewer credit hours than completing each program individually. Courses include Foundational Principles of Library and Information Science, Historical Research Methods and Archival Administration. Complete an internship and a portfolio of research and a thesis.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Analytical Reasoning

Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

• Writing

Creating professional written content for inclusion in scholarly journal articles, books and reports

• Advocacy

Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education and policy change

• Database Management

Organizing and maintaining data in a computer system, including storage, retrieval and security

• Interpersonal Skills

Communicating and interacting effectively in a variety of social and professional situations

• Research

Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers

  • Reference Librarian
  • Educator
  • Policymaker
  • Historian
  • Archivist
  • Database Manager

• Workplace Settings

  • Historic Sites
  • Education
  • Special Collections
  • Public Organizations
  • Nonprofits
  • Museums

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Doctorate

  • History, Ph.D.
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
  • Library and Information Science, Ph.D.
    • College of Information and Communications