Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
Explore a career in libraries, archives, museums, school libraries, government institutions, and more!
MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE @ THE UMD ISCHOOL
#2 in USA
Master of Library and Information Science Online
(TheBestSchools.org)
#4 in USA
Master of Library and Information Science
(US News & World Report)
#6 in USA
Archives & Preservation Focus Area
(US News & World Report)
#5 in USA
School Library & Youth Focus Areas
(US News & World Report)
LIS Scholarship Rankings of UMD iSchool Faculty
2021 Paul Jaeger #1, John Bertot #5 in US for LIS publication prestige
2020 Paul Jaeger #1, John Bertot #1 (tied) contributors to public library research internationally 1983-2018
2020 Paul Jaeger #1, John Bertot #3, Ursula Gorham #9 contributors to public library research internationally since 2010
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program prepares students to support information institutions such as libraries, museums, and archives, innovate to meet the information needs of individuals and communities, and advocate for information and technology inclusivity, accessibility, and literacy. Our students become experts in curation, digital asset management, information architecture, ethics, human rights, information policy, and youth learning. For students pursuing a school library media specialist career, a state certification is earned as part of the curriculum through the school library certification focus area.
Our students also learn how to transform data into solutions for real-world challenges. They build information, technology, and data analytics skills that uniquely prepare them for digital curation roles in the government or private sector, including legal informatics and intelligence.
At the UMD iSchool, we believe one of the best ways to learn – is to do. In addition to studying under world-renowned faculty, our students learn hands-on with industry professionals and through projects with our 400+ industry partners and at our research centers and labs. Located just outside Washington DC, MLIS students have unparalleled opportunities to work on projects with leading information agencies and organizations.
EXPLORE
Would you like to learn more and connect with our program team?
Request More Info
STUDENT SERVICES
Meet Holly McIntyre, Alumna & Archivist for NASA Goddard
“The MLIS program taught me archival theory, which is huge – it keeps me on my path,” says Holly McIntyre, MLIS Alumna and Archivist for NASA Goddard. In 2015, Holly became the first-ever archivist for NASA Goddard. She took 60 years of history and materials and created today’s Goddard Archives.
The UMD iSchool, with a history of activism and a continued mission to support social good, is a supportive and diverse community of 100 faculty and staff members and 2100+ students. Our students come to us from 52 countries with 31% from underrepresented groups and 42% female.
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
MLIS courses are offered as a combination of in-person and online. However, if there are social distancing restrictions, all courses will be offered in appropriate spaces or online.
Recent News
Finding Her Calling: From Elementary School Teacher to “2023 Maryland School Librarian of the Year”
May 16, 2023 | Laurie RobinsonA profile of MLIS and Ph.D. alumna Sheri Anita Massey
