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.
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 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 |
| MILS | 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
The Master of Arts in Digital Humanities (DH) specialization in Library & Information Studies (LIS) is a course-based or thesis-based degree offered through the Faculty of Arts.
Interdisciplinary PhD
Individuals may pursue a PhD at SLIS in conjunction with another department on campus that has an established PhD program.