Master of Library and Information Science

At the University of Washington Information School, we educate the innovators and leaders of the library and information world, helping develop the skills needed to play a critical role in any knowledge-intensive industry. Libraries are evolving and the way they serve the public is rapidly changing. The iSchool’s Master of Library and Information Science not only provides the practical skills to advance a career and the confidence to make bold decisions, it elicits the essential skills to connect, communicate effectively, and be a changemaker in the community.

The MLIS program is designed to prepare students for employment at an array of organizations and companies. In the beginning, students focus on foundational technology and library science principles, with an emphasis on the values of diversity, inclusion and social justice.

After completing the core requirements, students dive into elective offerings such as knowledge organization, Indigenous systems of knowledge, children’s and young adult literature, design thinking, and information ethics and intellectual freedom. Students explore experientially and customize their learning with research, directed fieldwork and independent study.

All of this is aided by vision and mission-based student learning outcomes that guide us as we educate students to be inquisitive critical thinkers who challenge assumptions and guide others in the strategic and ethical use of information in society.

Students immerse themselves in the MLIS program either on campus or online, working independently on their own schedule. Regardless of format, residential and online students take the same courses and earn the same Master of Library and Information Science degree. Learn more about these degree options as well as the statistics for graduation rates and length of time to degree for each program mode.