Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Program

The University of Maryland's Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program is designed to prepare students to support information institutions such as libraries, museums, and archives, and to innovate and advocate to meet the information needs of individuals and communities. The program is ranked #3 in the U.S. and is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

Program Overview

The MLIS program requires 36 credit hours of academic work, which can be completed in as little as two years. Students can choose from two tracks: the Field Study Track or the Thesis Track. The Field Study Track consists of 4 core courses, 7 electives, and 1 field study, while the Thesis Track consists of 4 core courses, 5 electives, and 1 thesis.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in library and information science. Students can customize their degree by choosing electives that align with their career goals. Common elective focus areas include:

• Archives and Digital Curation
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Youth Experience
• Intelligence and Analytics
• Legal Informatics
• School Library Certification for the State of MD

Career Paths

The MLIS program prepares students for a variety of career paths, including:

• Academic libraries
• Government libraries (state or federal government agencies)
• Archives/special collections
• Public libraries
• Museums
• Information technology
• Non-profit organizations other than a library
• School libraries
• Corporate organizations
• Government intelligence
• Law libraries and legal offices

Reputation and Accreditation

The MLIS program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) and is ranked #3 in the U.S. The program has a strong reputation, with distinguished faculty and a high graduate placement rate.

National Rankings

• #2 in USA – Services for Children and Youth Focus (U.S. News & World Report)
• #3 in USA – MLIS Program Overall (U.S. News & World Report)
• #5 in USA – School Library & Youth Focus Areas and Information Systems Focus Area (U.S. News & World Report)
• #6 in USA – Archives & Preservation Focus Areas (U.S. News & World Report)

Hands-On Learning

The program provides students with hands-on learning opportunities through internships, class projects, and events. Students can also build relationships with the INFO College's 400+ top industry and government partners.

Student Community

The INFO College has a diverse student body, with students from over 61 countries. The college is committed to bringing together many perspectives to foster deeper understanding and innovation.

Admissions and Pre-Requisites

The application deadline for the Fall 2026 semester is January 6, 2026. The application requirements include:

• A 4-year baccalaureate degree
• 3.0 GPA on prior undergraduate or graduate work
• GRE score is not required
• A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score is required for international applicants
• Complete the UMD Graduate School application
• Complete the supplemental MLIS application of four questions (max 200 word responses each)
• $75 application fee

Tuition and Costs

The tuition and fees for the MLIS program are approximately $37,000 for in-state students and $72,000 for out-of-state students. The program also offers financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Financial Aid

The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students may also reduce their tuition costs by serving as a TA or GA at UMD, but please note that these positions are competitive. There are also additional sources of financial aid offered by the University and by outside sources.

Conclusion

The University of Maryland's Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program is a comprehensive and accredited program that prepares students for a variety of career paths in library and information science. With its strong reputation, hands-on learning opportunities, and diverse student body, the program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in this field.