Overview

URI’s Master of Library and Information Studies is one of the first accelerated online MLIS programs, allowing students to complete within 2 years. This program provides professionals with knowledge and expertise in library and information services (across multiple sectors), management of information services, and information science, technology, and equity.

Graduates benefit from the experiential education and mandatory internships offered, as well as the robust alumni network our longstanding institution maintains. With the mentorship of dedicated faculty and advisors, students can tailor programs in a personalized manner to fit their needs and choose from four optional tracks in:

• Leadership
• Information Equity
• School Library Media
• Digital Media

Courses

Program Requirements*
Core Courses (15 credits)

• LSC 502 (3 credits): Lead, Manage & Connect Library and Information Services
• LSC 504 (3 credits): Searching for Answers: Meeting Users’ Information Needs
• LSC 505 (3 credits): Organization of Information
• LSC 508 (3 credits): Introduction to Information Science and Technology
• LSC 595 (3 credits): Apply and Reflect

*School Library Media Track students will have a different set of core courses. Learn more.

Elective Courses (21 credits)
All students must take 21 credits of electives selected in consultation with an advisor. Optional Tracks will require that students take particular electives. With the approval of your advisor and program director, 6 elective credits in career-related courses may be taken in other online accelerated graduate programs.

*School Library Media Track students only take 3 elective credits.

Click on the optional tracks below to learn more about curriculum for available program specializations.

• School Library Media
• Digital Media
• Libraries, Leadership, and Transforming Communities
• Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship

Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887

Admissions

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A 500-800 word statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from previous instructors or employers
• Unofficial digital transcripts (to be uploaded to your application) and official transcripts.
• Credit for Courses Taken Prior to Admission and/or Taken at Other Institutions: Subject to the approval of the GSLIS director and the dean of the Graduate School. Please refer to the URI Graduate Student Manual for our policy on Transfer Credits, Section 7.20.
• Current Resume