MLIS and MAYL Dual Degree

Prepare for a rewarding career in librarianship, teaching, publishing, youth literature, web content creation, illustration, marketing and beyond.

Our dual MLIS/MAYL program prepares you to review, analyze, manage, organize and implement youth literature in a variety of professional settings, from schools and libraries to marketing and publishing.

This unique program is an ideal path for combining an interest in youth literature with a focus on library and information science. In less time than it would take to pursue each degree separately, you will get a comprehensive education in both fields.

As Chicago’s iSchool, we offer an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master of Library and Information Science program that upholds the core values of librarianship while developing the skills you need to succeed in a fast-changing field. In addition, our School of Information Studies has a long and distinguished history in the study of literature for children and young adults.

The dual MAYL/MLIS program offers you the opportunity to work with recognized experts in the field, supported by our own Butler Center for Children’s Literature. You will study a vast array of formats and genres of youth literature, from board books to graphic novels to Own Voices literature, as well as evaluating reading materials for a variety of ages while examining the dynamic relationship between young readers and their texts.

  • Study 100% online, in person or in a hybrid format
  • Complete practicums and internships that build real-world skills
  • Connect to a strong alumni network of library leaders around the world

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What you'll learn

The mantra of “radical inclusivity” is a distillation of our commitment to equity and diversity and informs the core of our program. You’ll graduate prepared to make ethical, values-centered professional choices, facilitate user learning, organize knowledge systems, and make evidence-based decisions.

Our powerful, values-based curriculum emphasizes the practical application of leading-edge theory in professional practice. You’ll gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for a successful career at the intersection of library science and youth literature.

Quick Degree Details
  • 54 credit hours, including 18 credits of required courses specific to each degree
  • Online, in person or in a hybrid format
  • Offered on our River Forest campus
  • Complete on your own timeline
  • American Library Association (ALA) accredited*
MLIS Concentrations and Certificates

Add a certificate to your MLIS degree in an area of study that suits your long-term career goals. We offer a wide range of concentrations in in-demand areas:

Archives and Cultural Heritage Resources and Services
Data and Knowledge Management
Digital Curation
Digital Libraries
Health Informatics
Informatics
Special Study
Web Design
Youth Services

What to expect as you earn your MLIS/MAYL

At Dominican, we pride ourselves on the hands-on experiences and personal attention our students receive. Whether you study online or on campus, you’ll get the benefit of a collaborative learning environment that will expand your knowledge, deepen your understanding and prepare you as a leader and advocate for youth and their literature.

Renowned School of Information Studies

As part of our School of Information Studies, our MLIS program sets the standard for excellence. We continually reevaluate our rigorous academics to make sure our students gain the skills needed to be successful in today’s ever-changing environment. See what sets us apart.

Nationally recognized faculty

Faculty in both the MLIS and MAYL programs bring a broad range of experience to face-to-face, virtual, or hybrid classrooms. Facilitated by small class sizes, faculty will get to know you—and become the foundation of your professional network. 

Areas of faculty expertise include:

  • Archives and cultural heritage
  • Cataloging and classification
  • Digital libraries and digital curation
  • Information policy
  • Informatics
  • Leadership and advocacy
  • Management
  • Media and services for youth
  • School library media
Strong graduate retention, achievement and career outcomes

Our students continue to meet and exceed program standards and completion rates—and enter a wide variety of professional positions in the field. See our graduates' completion, achievement and career outcomes.

Financing Your Degree

Along with opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants, the School of Information Studies offers a variety of departmental scholarships depending upon your area of study.

Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more. We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or finaid@dom.edu.