For complete information regarding the academic rules and regulations of the University, students should consult the Academic Regulations section of this bulletin. The following additions and amendments pertain to the School of Information Sciences.

The accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree prepares professionals for leadership roles in libraries and other information organizations. By emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and skills, we educate 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. The MLIS degree is available online.

Admission Requirements

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

1. Possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better or possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.50 and 2.74 can satisfy this requirement by one of the Alternative Admissions methods.
3. Meet the Technology Requirements.
4. Submit a Statement of Purpose 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).
5. Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae. 

Application

1. Complete and submit the online Graduate Admission Application form.
2. Compose a Statement of Purpose (pdf) and upload it to your application.
3. Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae to your application.
4. Request official transcripts from each university attended and have them sent directly to the Wayne State University Office of Graduate Admissions.

Learning Outcomes — Master of Library and Information Science

Students who successfully complete the Master of Library and Information Science degree at the Wayne State University School of Information Sciences will:

1. Develop an understanding of the theoretical, conceptual, and historical aspects of the lifecycle of information and its relevance to our diverse society.  
2. Assess community needs and formulate a response to users grounded in the service-based and user-focused nature of the information professions. 
3. Demonstrate professional competency, including leadership, critical thinking, research, communication, cultural competence, technology development and use, lifelong learning, and adherence to professional ethics.   
4. Apply values, attitudes, and behaviors that are essential for information and library professionals to issues of social justice in scholarship and practice.

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

Code	Title	Credits
Professional Core		18
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
Professional Specialization		18
Total Credits		36

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.

A Plan of Work is a formal statement of the goals and prescribed courses of a student's academic program. SIS requires that a Plan of Work be submitted after completion of nine credits of graduate course work. The Plan 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. Please visit the program's website for more information on the selection of elective courses.