Careers & Accreditation – Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

ALA Accredited LogoThe fully American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at the University of Maryland (UMD) prepares students for careers in a plethora of fields – including government, higher education, archives, museums, libraries, startups, and many other organizations engaged in information activities.

Learning Objectives of the MLIS Program

Graduates of the MLIS program are equipped with a unique set of skills to launch successful careers

Graduates are able to:

  • Lead and manage information institutions, and be able to adapt to continually changing social, cultural, technological, and economic contexts;
  • Advocate for the needs of information institutions, their users, and their communities, as well as the needs of creators of information;
  • Develop and implement theories and best practices of information at all stages of the information cycle, from creation to evaluation to dissemination to access;
  • Apply user-focused strategies to work inclusively and equitably with diverse populations;
  • Promote information literacy and technology literacy by educating users about programs, systems, and technologies related to information behavior;
  • Solve community-based problems related to information; and
  • Contribute to new approaches, ideas, and innovations in the field.

Facts and Figures

According to a survey administered to 2022 graduates, 80.9% of those who were employed held positions directly relevant to the degree and 95.2% of these were employed full-time. In 2021, roughly 73% held positions directly relevant to the degree. More information from our 2022 alumni survey through Library Journal is available here.

Our average time to degree completion is 2.46 years (based on data from 2021- 2023). Our retention rate after 2 years is 90.7% (Based on our Fall 2021 cohort).

Retention Rate for LBSC/LBSO/HiLS Students

After 1 Year After 2 Year After 3 Year After 4 Year
2022 92
2021 96.6 90.7
2020 93.8 85.7 93.3
2019 97.8 88.8 91 91
2018 84.5 83.7 84.5 84.5

Average time to degree for LBSC/LBSO Students

Academic Year Average Time to Degree Median Time to Degree
2022- 2023 2.46 2.3
2021- 2022 2.3 2
2020- 2021 2.2 2
2019- 2020 2.3 1.9

Career Paths

Where do MLIS Graduates Work?
  • Academic libraries
  • Government libraries (state or federal government agencies)
  • Archives/Special collections
  • Public libraries
  • Museums
  • Information technology
  • Non-profit organizations other than a library
  • School libraries
  • Corporate organizations
  • Government intelligence
  • Law libraries and legal offices

Mission Statement of the MLIS program

The MLIS Program educates a diverse group of students in the knowledge, skills, habits of thought and inquiry, a
nd ethics of the library and information professions through theory and practice, enabling them to be leaders in the state, national, and global information society.

Vision Statement of the MLIS program

The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at the University of Maryland prepares graduates to be socially engaged and technologically focused information professionals, ready to create, educate, and innovate.

 

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