Information and Library Science MS

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The fully-accredited Master’s program in Information and Library Science, focuses on enabling you to seek professional employment in a wide range of information careers in the United States, and around the world. Our program, accredited by the American Library Association, is offered fully online.

Required Core (9 credits)

LIS 507LEC - Information Life Cycle Credits: 3
LIS 508LEC - Information Users and Uses Credits: 3
LIS 575LEC - Introduction to Research Methods Credits: 3

Electives (27 credits)

Select at least 1 course from each category for a total of 27 elective credits.

Information Life Cycle: Information Technologies

Select at least 1 from:

LIS 500LEC - Special Topics in Information Technologies Credits: 1 - 6
LIS 526TUT - Practicum Credits: 1 - 3
LIS 527TUT - Special Projects Credits: 1 - 6
LIS 559LEC - Systems Administration - UNIX, Linux and Web Servers Credits: 3
LIS 560LEC - Emerging Technologies for Library Studies Credits: 3
LIS 562LEC - Networking Technologies Credits: 3
LIS 569LEC - Database Systems Credits: 3
LIS 598TUT - Directed Study Credits: 1 - 6

Information Life Cycle: Information Management

Select at least 1 from:

LIS 501LEC - Special Topics in Information Management Credits: 1
LIS 513LEC - Records Management Credits: 3
LIS 514LEC - Conceptualizing and Representing Information Credits: 3
LIS 526TUT - Practicum Credits: 1 - 3
LIS 527TUT - Special Projects Credits: 1 - 6
LIS 561LEC - Information Systems Analysis and Design Credits: 3
LIS 563LEC - Digital Libraries Credits: 3
LIS 566LEC - Information Search Credits: 3
LIS 571LEC - Information Organization Credits: 3
LIS 598TUT - Directed Study Credits: 1 - 6

Information Users & Use

Select at least 1 from:

LIS 502LEC - Special Topics in Information Users and Use Credits: 2 - 6
LIS 518LEC - Reference and Information Services Credits: 3
LIS 523LEC - Information Literacy Instruction Credits: 3
LIS 526TUT - Practicum Credits: 1 - 3
LIS 527TUT - Special Projects Credits: 1 - 6
LIS 534LEC - Resrces & Srvcs for Child Credits: 3
LIS 535LEC - Resources and Services for Young Adults Credits: 3
LIS 536LEC - Multicultural & Special Population Materials for Children and Young Adults Credits: 3
LIS 586LEC - Health Science Librarianship Credits: 3
LIS 598TUT - Directed Study Credits: 1 - 6

Professional Skills

Select at least 1 from:

LIS 504LEC - Special Topics in Professional Skills Credits: 4
LIS 509LEC - Introduction to Archives Management Credits: 3
LIS 510SEM - Law Library Admin Credits: 3
LIS 526TUT - Practicum Credits: 1 - 3
LIS 527TUT - Special Projects Credits: 1 - 6
LIS 531LEC - Marketing of Information Services Credits: 3
LIS 567LEC - Government Information Credits: 3
LIS 568LEC - Computer Applications in the School Library Media Centers Credits: 3
LIS 570LEC - Archival Arrangement & Description Credits: 3
LIS 580LEC - Information Policy Credits: 3
LIS 581LEC - Mgmt of Lib & Info Agencs Credits: 3
LIS 587LEC - Collection Management Credits: 3
LIS 588LEC - Music Librarianship Credits: 3
LIS 589LEC - Music Description and Access Credits: 3
LIS 598TUT - Directed Study Credits: 1 - 6

Other ILS Electives

LIS 503LEC - Special Topics in Information and Library Science Credits: 3
LIS 524TUT - School Media Center Field Experience Credits: 3
LIS 525TUT - School Media Center Practicum Credits: 1 - 3
LIS 532LEC - Curriculum Role of Media Specialist Credits: 3
LIS 568LEC - Computer Applications in the School Library Media Centers Credits: 3
LIS 585LEC - Management of School Libraries Credits: 3
LIS 599TUT - Masters Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Culminating Experience Milestone: Portfolio or Thesis (0 credits)

(Note: Thesis credits would count toward the 27 required elective credits)

LIS 599TUT - Masters Thesis Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 36

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

Online (100 percent of the degree requirements can be fulfilled online)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time
Part Time

Credits Required

36 Hours

Time-To-Degree

2 Years

Application Fee

$50

Special Requirements

The GRE is not required If you already have a master’s degree and a GPA (for that degree) of 3.5 or greater; or If you already have a doctoral degree.

Program Contact

Renad Aref
366 Baldy Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: gseinfo@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-2110

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.