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 with selected classes also offered on-campus.

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 3.00 or better or possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.50 and 2.99 can satisfy this requirement by one of the Alternative Admissions methods.
3. Meet the MLIS Technology Requirements. Entering students with strong technology skills are encouraged to consider submitting a request to waive the core course, LIS 6080, Information Technology. 
4. Submit a personal statement 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.
6. MLIS students are expected to complete an online New Student Orientation prior to starting classes. 

Application

1. Complete and submit the online Graduate Admission Application form.
2. Compose a personal statement and upload it to your application. 
3. Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae with your application.
4. Pay $50 application fee.
5. Request official transcripts from each university you have attended and have them sent directly to Graduate Admissions, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202.

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 Library and Information Science will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate, synthesize, and disseminate information.
2. Understand how complex interactions between diverse users, societal factors, and information environments affect professional situations.
3. Facilitate access to, and use of, information resources between users and communities.
4. Apply multiple and emerging approaches to the organization of knowledge for varied literatures, records, and historical documents.
5. Articulate and advocate for the foundations of the profession and its basic values and ethics such as intellectual freedom, information access and dissemination, and apply these principles to the advancement of the profession.
6. Determine the significance of intellectual property, security, and privacy issues.
7. Assess, adopt, and utilize the most relevant information technologies.
8. Utilize current management and leadership theories and practices in the workplace.
9. Evaluate and apply library and information science research to problems of professional practice by employing theories, best practices, and assessment strategies to the range of information functions.
10. Practice professional engagement through leadership, service work, lifelong learning and community involvement.

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	Foundations of the Information Professions
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.