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Program Overview
We offerÌýone Master of Information Studies (MISt) degree with two concentrations:
1. Information Studies - Non-Thesis – Course Work
2. Information Studies - Non-Thesis – Project (including an 18 credit research project component)
Both programs prepare graduates to work as information professionals in a wide range of environments or to pursue further research and academic studies in library and information studies. Offered on campus at ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ University, the MISt programs are comprised of required courses around which students create an individualized program of study based on career and academic goals.
Research Options
Both the MISt and the MISt - Project areÌýnon-thesis programs in which students may complete research-related coursework. For students who wish to delve deeper into topics of interest, the MISt - Project program allows students to complete 18 credits of research-related coursework.
Areas of Interest
Courses are available in areas such as library studies, knowledge management, archival studies, User Experience (UX) and Data Science. Students have the flexibility to focus on one area of interest or combine courses from across information studies domains. For more information on the courses and career paths related to each area, please visit the Courses and OutlinesÌýpage.
Duration
The MISt degrees are awarded after successful completion of 48 credits,Ìýwhich are typically taken over two years in Fall and Winter semesters.
Although the program is normally taken full-time, it may be pursued part-time to be completed within 5 years of initial registration.
Goals, Objectives, & Learning Outcomes
Goals
- To provide the intellectual foundation for careers as information professionals.
- To foster competencies in managing information and knowledge resources.
- To promote the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs.
- To promote research in information studies.
- To advocate access to information as a fundamental human right.
- To educate service-oriented information professionals.
Objectives
- Understand the historical and theoretical foundations of information studies.
- Identify key issues and debates in information policy.
- Understand research principles and techniques that are applied in the field.
- Select, acquire, organize, store, retrieve, and disseminate information and knowledge resources in any format.
- Design, manage, and evaluate information systems and services.
- Understand the role of technology in the field.
- Apply management theories, principles, and techniques in information and knowledge-based organizations.
- Facilitate the interaction between usersÌýand information and knowledge resources.
- Understand the nature of professional ethics and the role of professional associations.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the key historical, theoretical, and ethical foundations in the field of information studies.
- Assess, organize, and manage information and knowledge resources.
- Articulate the issues concerning access to information such as copyright, privacy, censorship, and intellectual freedom.
- Apply information and communication technology (ICT) concepts to designing, managing and evaluating information systems.
- Apply the principles and practices of information literacy.
- Critically evaluate scholarly and professional literature and apply basic research methods.
- Apply management principles and techniques, including those related to project management.
- Analyze information needs and user requirements at individual, organizational, and community levels to provide effective information services.
- Demonstrate communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills in a collaborative environment.
- Explain and appreciate the diverse roles and responsibilities of information professionals in various organizational and societal contexts.
Practicum
An optional 3-credit Practicum course allows 2nd year MISt students in either MISt degree to apply knowledge gained in the program through supervised practice in the field.
ALA Accreditation
Our Master's program is accredited by the (ALA), an internationally-recognized body which assures quality, innovation, and value in Library and Information Studies education. As described on the webpage:
"Accreditation is achieved through a review process conducted by an external review panel of practitioners and academics that verifies thatÌýthe program meets the Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies. Graduating from an ALA-accredited program provides flexibility in the types of libraries and jobs you can apply for and enhances career mobility. Most employers require an ALA-accredited master's degree for most professional level positions, and some states require an ALA-accredited degree to work as a professional librarian in public or school libraries."
Careers
The MISt program prepares students to work as information professionals in established and emerging information-related fields. Visit the Careers page for additional information and links.
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