Program Overview

Online Master's in Library & Information Science (MLIS)

The Online Master's in Library & Information Science (MLIS) program at Drexel University is a fully accredited, industry-leading program in digital information management. Ranked among the nation's top library science programs, it boasts top national recognition in Health Librarianship, Information Systems, Digital Librarianship, Services for Children and Youth, and School Library Media.

Program Features

• Fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)
• Innovative curriculum with a strong technological background and a focus on teaching career skills in all aspects of information management
• Taught by the distinguished faculty of Drexel University's College of Computing and Informatics
• Highly interactive curriculum designed to challenge and engage students while remaining convenient for the working professional

MLIS Degree Online Program Details

• Duration: 2 years on average
• Format: Fully online
• Credits: 45 quarter credits
• Cost per Credit: $1000

Curriculum

The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year, allowing students to take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Core Courses

Embedded Certificate

Students choose one LIS certificate as an area of focus, totaling 12.0 credits.

Specializations

• Archives and Curation: Focuses on the management and preservation of archival materials.
  • Required Courses:
    • INFO 560: Introduction to Archives I
    • INFO 561: Introduction to Archives II
  • Electives:
    • INFO 750: Archival Access Systems
    • INFO 755: Electronic Records Management
    • INFO 756: Digital Preservation
• Metadata and Digital Technologies: Emphasizes the organization and management of digital information.
  • Required Courses:
    • INFO 657: Digital Library Technologies
    • INFO 662: Metadata and Resource Description
  • Electives:
    • INFO 547: Design Thinking for Digital Community Service
    • INFO 552: Introduction to Web Design for Information Organizations
    • INFO 660: Cataloging and Classification
• Users and Library Services: Concentrates on serving diverse user communities.
  • Required Courses:
    • INFO 652: Information Behavior
    • INFO 687: Issues in Information Literacy
  • Electives:
    • INFO 649: Library Programming
    • INFO 650: Public Library Service
    • INFO 651: Academic Library Service
    • INFO 665: Collection Management
    • INFO 682: Storytelling
    • INFO 683: Resources for Children
    • INFO 684: Resources for Young Adults

Electives

Students can use electives to add an additional LIS certificate or another CCI graduate certificate, totaling 12.0-15.0 credits.

Admissions Criteria

• A four-year bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in a completed degree program, bachelor's degree or above.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
• One letter of recommendation required, two recommended (academic, professional, or both)
• Essay/Statement of Purpose: Describe professional goals, how an advanced degree facilitates success, and any additional information for the Admissions Review Board.
• Resume
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required but are highly recommended for international applicants and for domestic applications with a GPA below 3.0 in their undergraduate degree.
• Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1000 per credit. Students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year. This program is eligible for Financial Aid, with special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of Partner Organizations.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, with specific start and end dates for classes and exams.

Career Paths and Skills

Graduates of the MLIS program can pursue various career paths, including librarian, library technician, library assistant, archivist, database administrator, and information systems manager. The program equips students with in-demand skills such as adaptability, resource management, digital literacy, data-driven decision making, understanding of digital research, and software proficiency.