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.

  • See the MSIST page and the MLIS page for more information.

Information Science and Technology (MS)

Core Courses
INFOST 582Introduction to Data Science3
INFOST 583Survey of Information Security3
COMPST 701Computing Fundamentals for IT Professionals3
COMPST 703Software Development Life Cycle3
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 790Project Design, Implementation, and Evaluation3
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 Credits24

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Core Courses12
Foundations of Library and Information Science
Organization of Information
Information Access and Retrieval
Research Methods in Information Studies
Other MLIS courses18
Total Credits30

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:   

  1. Explain the fundamental theories, methods, and concepts of information science and technology.  
  2. Apply systems and tools of information technology to solve problems in the rapidly changing information technology field. 
  3. Develop analytical and critical thinking skills and capacities in a variety of Information Technology contexts.  
  4. Assess the quality and ethics of technology-related information as well as its value to those who will ultimately use it for decision-making.  
  5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders. 

Library and Information Science MLIS Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the master’s program in Library and Information Science (MLIS) will be able to: 

  1. Critically assess the philosophy, principles, culture, ethics or values of library and information science.  
  2.  Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to develop and evaluate library and information services and systems.  
  3.  Outline how library and information services may serve the needs of a diverse global society.  
  4.  Apply knowledge of research methods in library and information science to investigate an issue of relevance to the field. 

See the full list of ALA Core Competencies here.