MA/MLIS in Digital Humanities

In this inter-faculty combined degree program, students may complete the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree in conjunction with the Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Humanities degree. This is a thesis-based degree program, which typically extends over three years of full-time study. For additional information, please see the Digital Humanities website.

MA/MLIS Program Requirements

The School of Library and Information Studies and the Digital Humanities program offer a combined MA/MLIS that students can complete within three years. The combined program is offered on-site at the University of Alberta and requires ★45 and a thesis for completion (★18 from MA program and ★27 from MLIS program).

Courses

Required MLIS Courses

  • LIS 501 – Foundations of Library and Information Studies
  • LIS 502 – Organization of Information
  • LIS 503 – Reference and Information Services
  • LIS 504 – Leadership and Management Principles for Libraries and Information Services 
  • LIS 505 – Introduction to Research in Library and Information Studies
  • LIS 597 – Seminar in Advanced Research

NOTE: The MLIS requirement to complete two designated Information Technology courses is fulfilled by content covered in the Digital Humanities courses.

Required MA Courses

  • DH 500 – Survey of Digital Humanities
  • DH 510 – Theoretical Issues in Digital Humanities
  • DH 520 – Technical Concepts & Approaches in Digital Humanities
  • DH 530 – Project Design & Management in Digital Humanities

Students will typically take three courses per term at ★3 each (or equivalent) with the sixth and final term designated for the thesis.

All students must take LIS 501, DH 500, and DH 520 in the first term of their program, as these provide a context for all of the other courses in the program.

  • Year 1 – 3 DH + 3 SLIS courses (6 total)
  • Year 2 – 2 DH + 4 SLIS courses (6 total)
  • SIXTH TERM (Winter) THESIS

*Electives are determined on a rotation therefore suitable electives may not be offered. Consult with your advisor.

Before You Apply

As this is a combined dual degree program, applicants must be admitted into both programs: Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Humanities and the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS).

Application Process

Applicants will first apply to the Master of Arts in Digital Humanities program. If admitted, your application will then be forwarded to us to be reviewed for admission to the Master of Library and Information Studies program.

Applicants must select the MA/MLIS combined program when applying.

Admissions

All applicants must meet the minimum admissions requirements to be considered for admission. These include:

  • A completed four-year undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Technology Proficiency
  •  Supporting Documentation. 

See the Admissions page for more information.

Other Information

At the time of admission, each student is assigned a Program Advisor who will provide advice and counselling in adapting the program to match career goals and objectives. Students should also consult the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Graduate Program Manual, the University Calendar, and the Digital Humanities website for additional information.

The Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement provides foundational ethics education for all graduate students. The requirement for masters students consists of one zero- credit, self-paced online course: INT D 710: Ethics and Academic Citizenship. There is no additional tuition or fees for the course, and it does not impact full-time or part-time status.

The timeline for completion of the Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement will depend on several factors, including when the student began their program and when they expect to complete their program.

The time required to complete the combined program may vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of research undertaken; however, the program is designed to be completed within 36 months. Students must complete all program requirements within six years.

For information on tuition and fees, sample fee assessments, and scholarships & awards, see Tuition + Finance.
 

Application Period

Applications Open: September 15
Applications Close: December 15 at 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Contact

Please direct admissions and program inquiries to slis@ualberta.ca.