Information for Prospective Students

Welcome to the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) at the University of Alberta. At SLIS our central degree offering is the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS). The MLIS is a professional, graduate degree program that is accredited by the American Library Association.

We offer the only MLIS program on the Canadian Prairies and the only Canadian MLIS program delivered entirely online. Online students do not have to be physically present in Edmonton throughout the entire duration of their program. The on-campus MLIS can be course-based or thesis-based, and taken full-time or part-time. SLIS has also partnered with the UAlberta Faculty of Arts and the Alberta School of Business to offer two on-campus combined degree programs. 

Whether you study online or on-campus, our MLIS programs will provide you with the strong background in both the theory and practice necessary for your future career. We prepare global library and information professionals to become the leaders of tomorrow. Our graduates find careers in public libraries, colleges and universities, hospitals, law firms, museums, archives, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

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.

Degree Program Options

This page provides a brief overview of our various degree program options. The core of our teaching at SLIS surrounds the degree of Master of Library and Information Studies, 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.

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. By taking two degrees together students save time and tuition compared to taking both programs separately. SLIS currently offers two combined degree programs: 

  • MA/MLIS in Digital Humanities (Faculty of Arts)
  • MBA/MLIS (Alberta School of Business)

Degree Programs List

Master of Library and Information Studies (Online + On-Campus)

MLIS

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.  

Online Option

Course based and part time, this fully online asynchronous program is ideal for working professionals and students who wish to remain in their home city, province, or country. Asynchronous course delivery means you can fit your studies around your existing schedule. There are no residency or citizenship requirements for students in the online program. This part-time degree program is designed to completed within six years, though depending on your chosen course load it can be completed sooner. 

Thesis Option

All MLIS applicants are admitted to the course-based program. Students interested in completing the thesis-based MLIS may change their program 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. 

Master of Arts in Digital Humanities + Master of Library and Information Studies

MA/MLIS

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.

Master of Business Administration + Master of Library and Information Studies

MBA/MLIS

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.

Programs Offered by Other Departments

Interdisciplinary PhD

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

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

The Master of Arts in Digital Humanities (DH) is a thesis-based degree program offered through the Faculty of Arts.

Detailed Overview of Degree Programs

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ALA Accredited

The MLIS program at the University of Alberta is accredited by the American Library Association Committee on Accreditation, with the status of Continued Accreditation. The next comprehensive review visit is scheduled for Spring 2028.

 

Application PERIOD 

Applications to the MLIS are accepted from September to December, with admitted students beginning studies the following September. See Application Dates + Deadlines for more information.