College of Communication and Information
School of Information
www.kent.edu/iSchool

About This Program

If you're passionate about the world of information, the Master of Library and Information Science degree could be the key to unlocking a range of exciting career opportunities. From libraries to museums, archives and beyond, the M.L.I.S. degree prepares you to excel in a variety of information-related fields. Plus, with optional concentrations in Archival Studies and Medical Librarianship, you can tailor your studies to suit your specific interests and goals. And with the option to pursue a dual program with the M.B.A. degree, you'll gain a well-rounded education that's highly valued by employers. Read more...

Contact Information

• School Director: Meghan Harper | iSchool@kent.edu | 330-672-2782
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

American Library Association

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vita
• Student Profile Form
• Exception statement (addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
• Application Essay
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score
  • Minimum 82 MELAB score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 Duolingo English score

¹

In calculating the total GPA, all grades from all courses taken at relevant level (baccalaureate or master's) from all institutions are required. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.750 GPA requirement must submit a statement that addresses the circumstances that contributed to the GPA and preparation for success in graduate study. Applicants should include recent professional achievements that indicate an ability to perform at a higher academic level to be considered for conditional admission to the program.

Technology Requirements

Appropriate technology and computer literacy skills are essential for each School of Information course. In order to be successful in the program, all incoming students must meet the School of Information computer competencies, as well as its minimum computer hardware, software and internet access requirements before the first day of class. For details, students should consult the school's website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Application deadline: April 15
• Spring Semester
  • Application deadline: November 15
• Summer Term
  • Application deadline: March 15

Applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Archival Studies Concentration Requirements

¹

Selected topic courses should be chosen in consultation with faculty advisor to ensure relevance to concentration.

Medical Librarianship Concentration Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice.
2. Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the field.
3. Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians/information professionals and the environments they work in within the global society.
4. Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a particular information context.
5. Identify needs and connect individuals and communities with information that engages and empowers them.

Dual Degree with M.B.A. in Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.B.A. degree in Business Administration and the M.L.I.S. degree in Library and Information Science. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admission requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.

Dual Degree Requirements

¹

MGMT 68051 may be waived for students with at least two years of full-time work experience.

²

Any LIS graduate courses in accord to student's career goals may count as an elective in consultation with academic advisors. Students interested in working in a corporate or nonprofit environment will find topics such as record keeping, records management, information policy, knowledge management, library management and database fundamentals to be important in their future work.

Full Description

The Master of Library and Information Science degree prepares students for professional positions in public, academic, special and school libraries; archives; museums; and other types of information agencies, organizations and companies. Many M.L.I.S. graduates go on to positions in other areas of the information field besides libraries — in research, for example, or publishing, information management, competitive business intelligence and more. An accredited M.L.I.S. degree is the basic requirement for professional employment in most libraries and information centers.

Students can concurrently pursue a dual program with the Master of Business Administration degree. Each program makes an independent admission decision. For further information about the dual degree program, see the specific program section in this catalog.

The Library and Information Science major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Archival Studies optional concentration prepares students to work with records and other materials of historical value in a variety of settings, including special collections in libraries, government and corporate archives, as well as archival collections found in museums, historical societies and other heritage institutions. Students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities to enhance their understanding of archival principles and gain valuable practical experience. This concentration follows the recommendations of the Society of American Archivists for graduate archival education programs.
• The Medical Librarianship optional concentration prepares students to work in medical and health sciences libraries; in the community; and as part of a health system, hospital, clinician office, academic center, government research agency or medical specialty organization. Students in the concentration intern at a medical library, which will allow them to apply their skills and knowledge, as well as to observe the typical daily activities and requirements of medical librarians.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.