MA in Library and Information Studies - Online

Join us at the iSchool for a progressive and challenging program. Accredited by the American Library Association since its inception of accreditation (1924), our program will support you in becoming innovative information professional.

The Program Offers

• Small class sizes, accessible instructors, individual attention;
• Friendly, supportive, and collaborative community of learners;
• Flexibility in scheduling for full or part-time programs of study;
• Preparation for a variety of information careers;
• Real-world experience through a required practicum course;
• Highly regarded career services and professional placement rates.

Features Of The Online Program

• Virtual orientation Bootcamp prepares you to be an effective online learner and includes a thoughtful blend of live group sessions and solo activities;
• The required field practicum can be completed wherever you live;
• Affordable tuition – comparable to Wisconsin resident graduate tuition per credit.

What Is Online Learning Like?

Courses in the online program are delivered using cutting-edge technology tools customized to course content and the instructor’s teaching style. Regular interaction occurs among students and instructors in weekly modules via interactive learning assignments, discussions, team projects, and virtual meetings.

Online students may opt to concentrate on specific areas, including the type of library (Academic, Public, or Special), or follow a technology-focused course of study. Please note that the Digital Archives concentration is not available online, and the School Library Media specialization is only available to students residing or working in Wisconsin. Not all courses in all concentration areas are available online.

ALA Accreditation

The MA in Library and Information Studies program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Continued Accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for fall 2022.

Concentrations Within The LIS Masters

Our 39-credit program includes only three required courses, allowing students the flexibility to pursue five different concentration areas, including librarianship, digital archives, UX & information technology, data/information management & analytics, and organization of information.

Concentrations

The iSchool master’s degree is a generalist degree preparing students for a variety of information careers. Students may craft a personalized plan of study after completion of program requirements. Students are encouraged to mix and match courses across the concentration areas listed below.

General Concentration Areas

Librarianship Concentration

Work in a variety of library settings with diverse collections and patrons. Includes college and university librarianship, public librarianship, youth, and young adult librarianship, electronic collections management, science librarianship, health librarianship, research data management, and the Wisconsin school library media certification.

Archives In A Digital Age Concentration

Provide access to and promote the preservation of born-digital and historic archival materials and records. Potential jobs include digital asset management, digital preservation and curation, corporate archives, government archives, special collections, tribal libraries archives, and museums.

Only available in the on-campus program.

Data/Information Management & Analytics Concentration

Work in corporate, government, research, education, or other nonprofit settings to apply skills in research, analysis, and managing information and data flows. Potential jobs include information/data analysis & visualization, knowledge management, prospect research, systems analysis, records management, and compliance, research data management, information systems analysis, and project management.

Information Technology & UX Concentration

Design, develop and manage information technologies with a focus on the user. Potential jobs include User experience and web design, digital humanities, digital asset management & curation, database and data management, and IT training/instruction.

Information Organization Concentration

Develop innovative new standards and systems to organize and arrange access to current and emerging information sources. Potential jobs include metadata expert, cataloger, taxonomy, and ontology construction, XML and linked data specialist, database manager, systems analysis, and project management.

Double Degree Programs

Double degree programs in law, art history, and music require formal admission and acceptance into both programs, as well as additional semesters of coursework to complete both degrees.

Named Certificates

Named Certificates are optional enhancements to the generalist master’s degree. Named certificates provide formal recognition that a student has completed a defined set of courses representing a particular concentration. Each requires specific courses and, in some cases, may require additional credit hours. The following named certificates can be completed as part of the iSchool degree:

Innovation And Organizational Change Certificate

Campus students can complete a certificate in Innovation and Organizational Change in conjunction with the UW Business School. Graduates manage and lead organizational change or innovate to create new information products and services across a variety of information agencies.

UW‑Madison Leadership Certificate

Campus and Online iSchool MA students can earn a UW‑Madison Certificate in Leadership as part of their MA degree. Develop your leadership capacities in a supportive environment. Certificate completion requires a combination of coursework, civic engagement, non-credit workshops, and intentional reflection.

1. Demonstrate understanding of societal, legal, policy, or ethical information issues.
2. Employ appropriate tools, standards, or best practices to organize information or information carriers for usability and access.
3. Design appropriate research methodologies to assess programs, services, or systems for inquiry or decision-making.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of professional competencies important for the management of information organizations.
5. Demonstrate competency with information technologies important to the information professions.
6. Apply concepts, principles, or theories learned in courses to field practice, broadly defined via a practicum, applied work experience, or practical course assignments.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of systemic inequalities surrounding information organization, use, services, or professions, specifically in relation to privilege and marginalization.

Most on-campus iSchool students work one or more part-time LIS jobs on campus or in the community. In addition to gaining experience and new skills, you will make connections with professionals who can serve as a resource and a reference when you apply for professional employment.