The Specialist Program in Library and Information Science is a postmaster's certificate curriculum designed for the practicing professional who requires specialized competence in an area of librarianship or information management, such as public services, technical services, reference, or information technology. This program enables librarians to:

1. update knowledge in the rapidly changing field of librarianship and information management—the organization, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of the human record;
2. use investigative methods and research findings in problem-solving and in the planning and evaluation of library and information services;
3. advance and extend competencies in areas of specialization begun during the first professional degree program (M.L.I.S.). Specializations may be in a particular library function (such as organization of materials, retrieval of information, information technology, collection development, management, public relations, and adult education), or in a type of information center (such as public, school, academic, and special), or in a service to a specific target group (such as business and industry, early childhood, the elderly, the handicapped, the institutionalized);
4. develop a new specialization responsive to the changing economic, technological, or social climate or to changing conditions in the life of the individual information professional; and/or
5. achieve other professional goals, as needed.

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. In addition, applicants to the Specialist program in Library and Information Science must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Possess a master’s degree in library and information science.
2. Have professional employment experience as a librarian or information specialist.
3. Submit a goals statement reflecting relevant personal and academic background and experience.
4. Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
5. Demonstrate professional competence, leadership, and potential for further growth.
6. Meet the SLIS Technology Requirements.

Candidates for the Specialist Certificate in Library and Information Science must complete thirty credits of 6000-8000 level course work providing the appropriate degree of concentration relevant to the student’s career goals. Students in specialist certificate programs at Wayne State must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. A Plan of Work and prescribed courses will be developed in consultation with a faculty advisor.