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
- 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*
Database administrators and architects
- 9.7% much faster than the average
- 132,500 number of jobs
- $98,860 potential earnings
Curators
- 12.6% much faster than the average
- 14,500 number of jobs
- $56,990 potential earnings
Archivists
- 7.9% faster than the average
- 8,100 number of jobs
- $56,760 potential earnings
Librarians and media collections specialists
- 5.0% faster than the average
- 146,500 number of jobs
- $60,820 potential earnings
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 form2
- Statement of exception addressing circumstances and readiness for graduate education
- Application essay, see guidelines below
- Three letters of recommendation3 (starting with spring 2026 admission term, two letters of recommendation will be required)
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:4
- Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 DET 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.
- 2
The student profile form is embedded in the online application.
- 3
References should be able to attest that the applicant possesses the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from the workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead.
- 4
International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.
Guidelines for the Essay
The application essay showcases an applicant's readiness for graduate-level writing. Applicants should discuss the following questions based on their exploration of the Kent State iSchool website, as well as their own reflection on their academic abilities, experiences and personal qualities. Applicants are welcome to add comments from supplemental research and readings (cite in American Psychological Association [APA] style), observations and experience.
The essay should be fewer than 1,000 words and formatted in APA style. Any content that is not the applicant's own original thoughts must be properly attributed.
The School of Information values highly interdisciplinary synergy with regard to faculty research and teaching, its students and its contributions to the library and information science profession. Applicants should answer the following questions in their essay:
- What are the critical issues in the field of library and information science?
- What are your aspirations in the field of library and information science?
- What will you contribute to the Kent State iSchool community and to the field as a whole?
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
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| LIS 60020 | INFORMATION ORGANIZATION | 3 |
| LIS 60030 | PEOPLE IN THE INFORMATION ECOLOGY | 3 |
| LIS 60040 | INFORMATION INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONS | 3 |
| LIS 60050 | RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 3 |
| Major Electives, choose from the following: 1 | 12 | |
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| LIS 60099 | MASTER'S PORTFOLIO IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 1 |
| Additional Requirements or Concentration | ||
| Choose from the following: | 12 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 37 | |
- 1
A maximum of 6 credit hours of either course or any combination of LIS 60692 and LIS 61096 may be applied towards the degree program.
Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Library and Information Science (LIS) Electives 1 | 12 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
- 1
A maximum of 6 credit hours of either course or any combination of LIS 60692 and LIS 61096 may be applied towards the degree program.
Archival Studies Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| LIS 60652 | FOUNDATIONS OF RECORDKEEPING IN SOCIETY | 3 |
| LIS 60657 | THEORY AND METHODS OF ARCHIVAL ACQUISITION, SELECTION AND APPRAISAL | 3 |
| LIS 60658 | THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ARCHIVAL DESCRIPTION | 3 |
| Concentration Elective, choose from the following: | 3 | |
| INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PRESERVATION | ||
| DIGITAL CURATION | ||
| CULTURAL HERITAGE INFORMATICS | ||
| DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING AND COLLECTION MANAGEMENT | ||
| PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF HERITAGE MATERIALS | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO AUDIOVISUAL ARCHIVING | ||
| RARE BOOKS AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS | ||
| INTERNSHIP IN INFORMATION AND CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS 1 | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN INFORMATION STUDIES 2 | ||
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
- 1
A maximum of 6 credit hours of either course or any combination of LIS 60692 and LIS 61096 may be applied towards the degree program.
- 2
Selected topic courses should be chosen in consultation with faculty advisor to ensure relevance to concentration.
Medical Librarianship Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| HI 60419 | CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATICS | 3 |
| LIS 60620 | HEALTH INFORMATION RESOURCES | 3 |
| LIS 60671 | INTRODUCTION TO CATALOGING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES IN MEDICAL LIBRARIES | 1 |
| LIS 60672 | REFERENCE SOURCES AND SERVICES IN MEDICAL LIBRARIES | 1 |
| LIS 60673 | MEDICAL LIBRARY MANAGEMENT AND CULTURE | 1 |
| LIS 60692 | INTERNSHIP IN INFORMATION AND CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS 1 | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
- 1
A maximum of 6 credit hours of either course or any combination of LIS 60692 and LIS 61096 may be applied towards the degree program.
Graduation Requirements
| Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
|---|---|
| - | 3.000 |
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Apply the field's foundational theories, principles, values, ethics and skills to everyday practice.
- Critique and synthesize research and identify appropriate research methodologies to solve problems in the field.
- 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.
- Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a particular information context.
- Identify needs and connect individuals and communities with information that engages and empowers them.
Dual Degree with Master of 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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACCT 63037 | FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING | 2 |
| ACCT 63038 | MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKING | 2 |
| BA 64005 | ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING | 2 |
| BA 64026 | SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| CIS 64042 | GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY | 2 |
| ECON 62021 | MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS | 2 |
| ECON 62022 | MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS | 2 |
| FIN 66050 | LAW AND ETHICS | 2 |
| FIN 66060 | MANAGERIAL FINANCE | 2 |
| HRM 64271 | HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| LIS 50645 | DATABASE FUNDAMENTALS FOR INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS | 3 |
| LIS 60020 | INFORMATION ORGANIZATION | 3 |
| LIS 60030 | PEOPLE IN THE INFORMATION ECOLOGY | 3 |
| LIS 60040 | INFORMATION INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONS | 3 |
| LIS 60050 | RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 3 |
| LIS 60401 | LEADERSHIP IN LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS | 3 |
| MGMT 64158 | LEADERSHIP | 2 |
| MGMT 68051 | BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I 1 | 1 |
| MKTG 65051 | MARKETING MANAGEMENT | 2 |
| M.B.A. Business Administration Elective | 3 | |
| Library and Information Science Electives 2 | 9 | |
| Culminating Requirement | ||
| LIS 60099 | MASTER'S PORTFOLIO IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 1 |
| MGMT 64399 | BUSINESS STRATEGY | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 59 | |
- 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.