Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MLIS Master of Library and Information Studies

Master of (MLIS)
Library and Information Studies

Online

Program Overview

Students in the MLIS program are prepared for leadership opportunities in library and information service careers. They gain knowledge on the uses, organization and management of information in socially responsible ways, while learning the role information plays in personal, educational and organizational contexts. Students will experience rewarding work in a fast-moving information environment and enjoy rewarding career opportunities and job mobility.

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    36
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

The University of Alabama's MLIS is custom designed for busy and disciplined students entering the profession.

The MLIS program takes advantage of the cohort model, providing students with support from a group of peers. Coursework for this national cohort option consists of online courses delivered synchronously with students attending virtual sessions, usually one night per week, to share content, work in groups, and have discussions with instructors. This convenient format provides students with the opportunity to network both with their professors and classmates.

  • Application Priority DeadlineFeb. 1 for the fall cohort; Oct. 16 for the spring cohort
  • AccreditationAmerican Library Association (ALA)
  • Orientation RequiredYes

Curriculum

The MLIS program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students may complete the program in less than two years by enrolling in two online courses per semester. Online courses hold virtual sessions, usually one night per week.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

Required Courses (9 hours)

  • LS 500 Information and Media
  • LS 501 Information in Communities
  • LS 513 Professional Paths

Area of Emphasis (27 hours)

Students have the opportunity to complete electives in a variety of areas within the School of Library and Information Sciences department, including academic libraries, digital stewardship, information literacy, public libraries, special libraries, social justice and youth services. For more curriculum information, visit the department’s website. Students interested in the School Library Media or Archival Studies concentrations should refer to links below for more information.

Technology Requirements

Online students enrolled in the MLIS program are required to meet hardware and software requirements as specified. Access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with a high-speed broadband Internet connection is required.

In addition, MLIS students who study online must have

  • a personal computer
  • email access
  • an up-to-date operating system (Microsoft Windows XP® or higher, or Mac OSX or higher)
  • Firefox® or Microsoft Internet Explorer® or Safari® or the latest Google Chrome® as your browser
  • a headset with an attached microphone
  • a quiet place to “attend” class (virtually) without interruption

Admission

Applications are accepted throughout the year. If you are interested in the program, we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All application materials must be received before the priority deadlines. Applicants will be reviewed if there is space available in the cohorts.

  • National online cohorts begin each fall or spring with priority deadlines for admission being February 1 (for Fall) and October 16 (for Spring). Newly admitted students are expected to attend a virtual orientation in August  for the fall cohort or in January for the spring cohort.

To be considered for admission, students should have a 3.0 GPA overall or for the last 60 semester hours in an undergraduate degree program.

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Contact Us

Program Information

Skyler Lynch
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
skylerl.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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