Degree Requirements

The accelerated degree option can be completed in four years. The first year consists of MLIS coursework and then students join a cohort-based PhD program to complete the doctoral degree.

Prospective students should apply for the accelerated MLIS/PhD option. When a student has been accepted into the accelerated MLIS/PhD program, his/her status as a doctoral student is conditional until the 24 MLIS credits have been completed. The MLIS degree is awarded after the student completes the 24 MLIS credits, 12 doctoral credits, and the ePortfolio requirement.

MLIS Degree Requirements

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18 credits of core and required courses:

  • LIS 701 Core Values, Ethics, and Issues in the Library and Information Professions
  • LIS 702 Facilitating User Learning and Information Needs
  • LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
  • LIS 707 Leadership, Marketing, and Strategic Communication
  • LIS 708 Evidence-Based Planning, Management, and Decision-Making

Technologies for the Library and Information Professions: Complete one of the following courses:

  • LIS 709 Technology for the Library and Information Professional
  • LIS 724 Integrating Technology into Programming, Services and Instruction 
  • LIS 750 Information Storage and Retrieval 
  • LIS 751 Database Management 
  • LIS 753 Internet Fundamentals and Design 
  • LIS 754 Systems Analysis and Design 
  • LIS 757 Digital Asset Management
  • LIS 759 Digital Libraries 
  • LIS 768 Social Media and Emerging Technologies 
  • LIS 786 Advanced Web Design 
  • LIS 884 Big Data and Competitive Intelligence 
  • LIS 886 Records and Information Management 
  • LIS 889 Digital Curation

Additional courses and requirements:

  • Six credit hours of MLIS elective coursework
  • Twelve credit hours of doctoral coursework
  • Submission of and passing grade on ePortfolio
  • All other MLIS degree requirements, including maintenance of a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
PhD Degree Requirements
  • Completion of a minimum of 36 hours of doctoral coursework (including the 12 credits earned as part of the MLIS)
  • Passing the PhD qualifying/comprehensive exam
  • Satisfactory completion of a doctoral dissertation (which includes 18 credit hours of dissertation work beyond the 36 course credit hours)
  • Maintenance of a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

View course descriptions.