Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Library and Information Science Program

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at Wayne State University is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in libraries and other information organizations. The program emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills, educating students in the core principles of information management, access, organization, services, and support, as well as emerging fields such as digital collections, competitive intelligence, information architecture, and data analytics.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the School of Information Sciences is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. Master of Library and Information Science applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better, or possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.50 and 2.99 can satisfy this requirement by one of the Alternative Admissions methods.
• Meet the MLIS Technology Requirements. Entering students with strong technology skills are encouraged to consider submitting a request to waive the core course, LIS 6080, Information Technology.
• Submit a personal statement reflecting relevant personal and academic background and experience. The statement should be a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 words (1-2 pages).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• MLIS students are expected to complete an online New Student Orientation prior to starting classes.

Application Process

To apply, students must:

• Complete and submit the online Graduate Admission Application form.
• Compose a personal statement and upload it to the application.
• Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae with the application.
• Pay the $50 application fee.
• Request official transcripts from each university attended and have them sent directly to Graduate Admissions, Wayne State University.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Master of Library and Information Science degree will be able to:

• Critically evaluate, synthesize, and disseminate information.
• Understand how complex interactions between diverse users, societal factors, and information environments affect professional situations.
• Facilitate access to, and use of, information resources between users and communities.
• Apply multiple and emerging approaches to the organization of knowledge for varied literatures, records, and historical documents.
• Articulate and advocate for the foundations of the profession and its basic values and ethics, such as intellectual freedom, information access and dissemination, and apply these principles to the advancement of the profession.
• Determine the significance of intellectual property, security, and privacy issues.
• Assess, adopt, and utilize the most relevant information technologies.
• Utilize current management and leadership theories and practices in the workplace.
• Evaluate and apply library and information science research to problems of professional practice by employing theories, best practices, and assessment strategies to the range of information functions.
• Practice professional engagement through leadership, service work, lifelong learning, and community involvement.

Program Requirements

The Master of Library and Information Science is offered only as a Plan C master's program, requiring a minimum of thirty-six credits to be distributed as follows: eighteen credits in the library and information science professional core, and eighteen credits in elective professional courses.

Course List

The professional core includes: | Course List Code | Title | Credits | | --- | --- | --- | | INF 6010 | Information in Society | | | INF 6080 | Fundamentals of Information Technology | | | or INF 6050 | Computer Programming | | | or INF 6420 | Web Development | | | or INF 6460 | Database Design and SQL | | | INF 6120 | Access to Information | | | INF 6210 | Organization of Information | | | INF 7040 | Management and Leadership | | | INF 7996 | Research for the Information Professions | | A maximum of six credits in courses outside of library and information science may be accepted as cognates. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Plan of Work

A Plan of Work is a formal statement of the goals and prescribed courses of a student's academic program. It is prepared in consultation with the faculty advisor and may be organized around one or more areas of specialization. The emphasis may relate to the type of environment in which the student intends to work or to specialized job activities or functions. Faculty advisors will assist the student in devising an optimal Plan of Work that meets the student's academic goals.