Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MLIS Master of Library and Information Studies

Master of (MLIS)
Library and Information Studies

Online

Program Overview

Students in the MLIS program are prepared for leadership opportunities in library and information service careers. They gain knowledge on the uses, organization and management of information in socially responsible ways, while learning the role information plays in personal, educational and organizational contexts. Students will experience rewarding work in a fast-moving information environment and enjoy rewarding career opportunities and job mobility.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
36
Tuition Per Hour
$440

The University of Alabama's MLIS is custom designed for busy and disciplined students entering the profession.

The MLIS program takes advantage of the cohort model, providing students with support from a group of peers. Coursework for this national cohort option consists of online courses delivered synchronously with students attending virtual sessions, usually one night per week, to share content, work in groups, and have discussions with instructors. This convenient format provides students with the opportunity to network both with their professors and classmates.

Application DeadlineMay 15 for the fall cohort; Nov. 16 for the spring cohort
Application Priority DeadlineFebruary 1 for the fall cohort and October 1 for the spring cohort.
AccreditationAmerican Library Association (ALA)
Orientation RequiredYes
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey

Curriculum

The MLIS program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students may complete the program in less than two years by enrolling in two online courses per semester. Online courses hold virtual sessions, usually one night per week.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

All MLIS students who enroll in Fall 2025 or later must complete, as part of the minimum 36 hours, the following 6 hours of required courses in the first two semesters of enrollment:

LS 500 Information Science and Technology
LS 501 Information in Communities

In addition, MLIS students must choose and complete one 3-hour Management core course and one 3-hour Technology core course from the following approved list for a total of 12 credit hours of required courses:

BA 505 Introduction to Digital Design (New course starting Fall 2025)
LS 504 Technology Integration in Youth Libraries (New title starting Fall 2025)
LS 552 Digital Preservation
LS 560 Information Technologies
LS 562 Digital Libraries
LS 563 Linked Data
LS 564 Prog. Digital Libraries
LS 566 Metadata Fundamentals
LS 569 Database Management

LS 508 Management Theory and Practice
LS 530 Public Libraries
LS 531 Academic Libraries
LS 532 School Media Centers
LS 533 Spec Lib & Info Centers
LS 535 Records Management & Admin (New title starting Fall 2025)
LS 630 Div Leadership in Info Orgs (New course number starting Fall 2025)

All MLIS students who enroll in Fall 2019 or later are required to complete the comprehensive portfolio.

Students have the opportunity to complete electives in a variety of areas within the School of Library and Information Sciences department, including academic libraries, digital stewardship, information literacy, public libraries, special libraries, social justice and youth services. For more curriculum information, visit the department’s website. Students interested in the School Library Media or Archival Studies concentrations should refer to links below for more information.

Online students enrolled in the MLIS program are required to meet hardware and software requirements as specified. Access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with a high-speed broadband Internet connection is required.In addition, MLIS students who study online must have

a personal computer
email access
an up-to-date operating system (Microsoft Windows XP® or higher, or Mac OSX or higher)
Firefox® or Microsoft Internet Explorer® or Safari® or the latest Google Chrome® as your browser
a headset with an attached microphone
a quiet place to “attend” class (virtually) without interruption

Admission

Applications are accepted throughout the year. If you are interested in the program, we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All application materials must be received before the priority deadlines. Applicants will be reviewed if there is space available in the cohorts.

National online cohorts begin each fall or spring with priority deadlines for admission being February 1 (for Fall) and October 1 (for Spring) and final deadlines for admission being May 15 (for Fall) and November 16 (for Spring). Newly admitted students are expected to attend a virtual orientation in August for the fall cohort or in January for the spring cohort.

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, based on a 4.0 system. The MLIS degree program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit. We do not require a bachelor’s degree in a specific field in order to apply for the program.

A complete application consists of the following items:

Application Form
Statement of Purpose
Resume or curriculum vitae
Application Fee
Transcripts
Two (2) letters of recommendation (these letters should be professional or academic in nature, speaking to your ability to succeed in the MLIS program*)

(*) Applicants who wish to be considered for a Graduate Council Fellowship must submit two (2) academic letters of recommendation from instructors who have taught them in undergraduate and/or graduate courses. Without two (2) academic letters of recommendation, applicants will not be considered for a Graduate Council Fellowship.

Please contact Joi Mahand at (205) 348-1524 or wwmahand@ua.edu for additional questions about the application process.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.