Program Overview

Master of Library and Information Science

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program prepares students to understand the roles of information and data in society. The program is responsive to the information marketplace and encourages the development of creativity, professionalism, and a proactive attitude to the needs of various clienteles in library and information service environments.

At A Glance

• Credits: 36
• Duration: 1 to 4 years to complete
• Format: On campus or online

Admissions Requirements

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Application Deadlines

• Term | Domestic and Online International Students | On-campus International Students
  • Fall | July 15 | February 15
  • Spring | November 1 | June 15
  • Summer | March 15 | December 15

Tuition

• Residency | Full-time per term | Part-time per credit
  • PA Residents | $14,130 | $1,148
  • Out-of-State Residents | $24,909 | $2,044 Note: The above tuition costs are the rates for the current academic year. Tuition rates are updated annually every summer.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have careers not only in library, archive, and museum settings but also in government, corporate, non-profit, and entrepreneurial environments. The MLIS program prepares a diverse population of graduate students to make a difference in their communities through a rewarding and forward-thinking career path.

Coursework

The MLIS degree is a 36-credit graduate degree program that can be completed in three consecutive terms of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study. A thesis is not required.

Areas of Study

• Academic Information Resources and Services
• Applied Data-Driven Methods Certificate
• Archives Resources and Services
• Children and Youth Resources and Services
• Health Sciences Resources and Services
• Public Library Resources and Services
• School Library Certification Program

Accreditation

The American Library Association (ALA) accredits masters programs in library and information studies across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2021, our MLIS program was successfully re-accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) for seven years until 2028. The MLIS program has been continuously accredited since the ALA first began accreditation in 1924.

Graduation and Retention Rates

About 66% of students are part-time, and 0.34% are full-time students. 100% of students who completed their first term study between Fall Term 2014 and Fall Term 2018 graduated. On average, slightly less than half of students complete the MLIS program in three terms; these are full-time students registered for 12 credits in each of three terms.

Employment Locations of MLIS Graduates

Graduates from 2019 through 2024 are working in 26 states in the U.S. and in five countries abroad. Graduates have found employment in many different fields, including public libraries, academic institutions, archives, museums, government institutions, business and industry, health sciences, and elementary and secondary schools.

Employment Rates of MLIS Graduates

• 2023 Graduates:
  • 41% (9 out of 22 students) of April 2023 graduates were employed within eight months.
  • 70% (19 out of 27 students) of August 2023 graduates were employed within four months.
  • 60% (13 out of 19 students) of December 2023 graduates were employed within one month.
• 2022 Graduates:
  • 78% of April and August 2022 graduates are employed.
  • 66% of December 2022 graduates are employed.
• 2021 Graduates:
  • 90% of August and December 2021 graduates are employed.