Why study this program?
The School of Library and Information Studies, the only graduate professional library and information studies program in the prairie provinces, offers the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree. The MLIS degree is offered on campus or completely online.
As a professional degree, the MLIS represents a program designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills that will prepare graduates to help people define their information needs, make their information seeking more effective, use information tools efficiently, evaluate information, critically examine Internet resources, make informed decisions about what to read, and help organizations manage their records and knowledge.
The MLIS program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. This accreditation is also recognized by the Canadian Library Association.
Student Organizations
The Library and Information Studies Students' Association represents all students enrolled in the MLIS program. Students elect their own officers, with the presiding officer representing them at meetings of the School Council. LISSA provides liaison between students and faculty and encourages participation in a variety of academic, professional, and extracurricular activities.
Entrance Requirements
The School's minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last ★60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Applicants who lack these qualifications are advised to make up any deficiency in consultation with the School of Library and Information Studies in order to be considered for admission as a candidate for the MLIS.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- 100 (Internet-based) for the TOEFL, or equivalent;
- 70 for the CAEL with a minimum of 70 on each subtest;
- 7.5 on the overall band for the IELTS (Academic) with a minimum of 7 on each test band
Applicants are also required to submit the following
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Three Letters of Reference. Academic referees are preferred; where fewer than three academic referees are available, one professional/supervisor referee is acceptable.
Please consult Admissions on the School of Library and Information Studies website for application details.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the subject headings Library and Information Studies (LIS).
Inquiries regarding program and course details, and financial assistance should be made to the School of Library and Information Studies. Details about University awards are found at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email slis@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1