Programs

Degree Programs

The core of our teaching at SLIS surrounds the degree of Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), which is offered in a variety of formats. This includes an all-online option, a thesis option, and combined degree program offerings in partnership with the Master of Arts in Digital Humanities and the Master of Business Administration programs.

See the program pages for information about degree requirements, entrance requirements, and application procedure for each of our graduate programs. For information about students, instructors, and support staff, see People. For answers to commonly asked questions, please visit our FAQ page for prospective students.

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MLIS Program OPTIONS

Before submitting an application, all prospective students are expected to review the admissions requirements for their chosen MLIS degree option, as well as the general admissions requirements for graduate students from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

MLIS | Master of Library and Information Studies

Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), our MLIS allows students to pursue a course-based or thesis-based degree on a full-time or part-time basis. Students in the thesis-based MLIS typically attend full-time. The Online MLIS is part-time and course-based only.

Online Option

Course-based and part-time, this offering is entirely online and is ideal for students interested in distance learning. Learning is asynchronous, meaning you can fit your studies around your work and home schedule. There are no residency or citizenship requirements for students in the online program.

Thesis Option

All MLIS applicants are admitted to the course-based program. Students interested in completing the thesis-based MLIS may change their program route to the thesis route after their first year of study in the course-based MLIS. The thesis option is restricted to on-campus MLIS students.

MLIS Combined Degree Programs

SLIS has partnered with other faculties in the University of Alberta to offer combined degree programs in concert with our MLIS. Combined degree programs are an excellent way to broaden your education and career opportunities. And by taking two degrees together you save both time and tuition fees compared to taking both programs separately. Please note the deadline and admission requirements for combined dual-degree programs may differ from the MLIS deadline and admission requirements.

MA/MLIS | Master of Arts in Digital Humanities + Master of Library and Information Studies

In this inter-faculty joint degree program, students may complete the on-campus MLIS offering in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Digital Humanities. This is a thesis-based degree program, which typically extends over three years of full-time study. Upon completion students will be awarded two degrees. This program is only available on-campus.

MBA/MLIS | Master of Business Administration + Master of Library and Information Studies

In this inter-faculty joint degree program, students may complete the on-campus MLIS offering in conjunction with the Alberta School of Business' Master of Business Administration (MBA). This combined program typically extends over three years of full-time study. MLIS students can apply either directly into the combined program, or apply during the first year of their MLIS. Upon completion students will be awarded two degrees. This program is only available on-campus.

Comparison of MLIS Program Options

Degree	Delivery Mode	Course or Thesis-Based	Entry Route	Years to Completion^*
MLIS	Online	Course-Based	Apply Directly	3 to 6
MLIS	On-Campus	Course-Based	Apply Directly	2** to 6
MLIS	On-Campus	Thesis-Based	Apply During First Year	2.5 to 3^**
MA/MLIS	On-Campus	Thesis-Based	Apply Directly	3^**
MBA/MLIS	On-Campus	Course-Based	Apply Directly or Apply During First Year	3^**

* Years to completion varies depending on each student's course load.

** If taken full time.

Programs Offered by Other Departments

MA | Master of Arts in Digital Humanities, Library & Information Studies Specialization

Individuals may pursue a course-based or thesis-based Master of Arts in Digital Humanities (DH) with a specialization in Library & Information Studies.

Interdisciplinary PhD

Individuals may pursue a PhD at SLIS in conjunction with another department on campus that has an established PhD program.