In collaboration with several other academic units at UW-Milwaukee, SOIS offers students the opportunity to obtain two Master’s degrees concurrently—one in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and one in a subject area.
Degree Requirements
- The number of degree credits needed for each of the coordinated programs is usually 12 fewer than the sum of the two programs if they were not taken simultaneously. All degree requirements of each component must be satisfied.
- The MLIS portion of the coordinated degrees can be completed online.
- Prerequisite to the award of either degree in this program is the simultaneous award of its counterpart degree.
MLIS Component
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) component of each of the coordinated programs includes 30 credits of SOIS courses. These include the MLIS core courses (12 credits). The remaining 18 MLIS credits are selected from the School’s offerings in accordance with the student’s goals in the coordinated degree program.
MSIST/MS Information Science and Technology
A Master of Science in Information Science and Technology/Master of Library and Information Science program prepares students for positions in information technology in all types of libraries, 54 credits.
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.
Credits and Courses
Degree Requirements
Thirty hours will be required for the MLIS and twenty-four for the MSIST. SOIS reduces the MLIS by 6 credit hours of electives in consideration of another master’s degree. The requirements for the MSIST are its 5 or 6 core courses plus 6 or 9 credits of elective coursework totaling 24 credits. In sum, for 54 credit hours a student can complete both the MLIS and MSIST degrees. Degrees will be awarded simultaneously.
Information Science and Technology (MS)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| INFOST 582 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| INFOST 583 | Survey of Information Security | 3 |
| COMPST 701 | Computing Fundamentals for IT Professionals | 3 |
| COMPST 703 | Software Development Life Cycle | 3 |
| Programming proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following with a "C" or better: | 0-3 | |
| Introduction to Application Development | ||
| R Programming for Business Analytics | ||
| Introductory Programming Using Python | ||
| Problem Solving with Object-Oriented Programming | ||
| Essential Programming for Health Informatics | ||
| Data Management and Visualization in R | ||
Programming Competency Examination | ||
| Culminating Course | ||
| INFOST 790 | Project Design, Implementation, and Evaluation | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| 6-9 credits from any INFOST or COMPST course offerings from any of the Tracks. Number of credits is dependent on whether programming competency is demonstrated through coursework or examination. | 6-9 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 12 | |
| Foundations of Library and Information Science | ||
| Organization of Information | ||
| Information Access and Retrieval | ||
| Research Methods in Information Studies | ||
| Other MLIS courses | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Important
You must refer to the catalog pages of both individual master's programs to ensure that you meet all requirements for both degrees.
Additional Requirements
Time Limit
All degree requirements must be completed within seven years from the date of initial enrollment in the Master’s program.
Information Science and Technology MS Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from the MSIST program will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental theories, methods, and concepts of information science and technology.
- Apply systems and tools of information technology to solve problems in the rapidly changing information technology field.
- Develop analytical and critical thinking skills and capacities in a variety of Information Technology contexts.
- Assess the quality and ethics of technology-related information as well as its value to those who will ultimately use it for decision-making.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
MLIS Mission, Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes
Mission
The mission of the MLIS program is to educate the next generation of information professionals by offering a rigorous curriculum that fosters professional knowledge and skills, professional ethics, critical inquiry, and leadership to address the needs of a diverse and global information society.
Goals and Learning Objectives
Goal 1: To impart knowledge of library and information science (LIS).
Students will be able to…
1.1 Delineate and assess important social, political, and historical developments in library and information science and cultural heritage institutions.
1.2 Analyze the information needs, preferences, and behaviors of users.
1.3 Describe and evaluate the range of roles that LIS professionals fill in society.
1.4 Apply the philosophy, principles, and ethics of LIS to professional practice.
Goal 2: To prepare the next generation of professionals for leadership roles in library and information science.
Students will be able to…
2.1 Identify and evaluate the diverse functions of the LIS professions.
2.2 Prepare for change in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
2.3 Apply principles and technologies for the organization, access, retrieval, and preservation of information.
2.4 Develop and evaluate library and information services and systems.
Goal 3: To prepare professionals who are able to serve the information needs of a diverse global society.
Students will be able to…
3.1 Identify, promote, and provide services to serve the needs of diverse stakeholders, including underserved populations.
3.2 Integrate the theory and practice of library and information science for diverse audiences in a global society.
Goal 4: To develop new scholars and information professionals who can evaluate and apply research findings.
Students will be able to…
4.1 Assess the merits of research and apply relevant findings to professional practice.
4.2 Apply research theory, methods, and techniques to solve problems in the LIS professions.