Masters of Library & Information Science

The Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the field of library and information science. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving information landscape. It covers key aspects of library and information services, digital resources, technology, and management. The curriculum is designed to meet the standards set by the American Library Association (ALA).

ALA-Accredited: The MLIS program at UWM is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous standards set by the profession and provides students with a high-quality education. Graduating from an ALA-accredited program is often a requirement for professional positions in libraries and information organizations.

Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in library and information science while allowing for specialization in specific areas of interest. Core courses cover topics such as information organization, reference services, information technology, and collection development. Elective courses enable students to tailor their studies to areas like digital libraries, archives, information management, or youth services. The program may also include practical experiences, internships, or fieldwork, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Research Focus: The MLIS program places a significant emphasis on research, encouraging students to engage in critical inquiry and contribute to the scholarly discourse in library and information science. Faculty members actively lead research initiatives, and students may have opportunities to participate in research projects, exploring topics such as information behavior, information retrieval, or emerging technologies in libraries.

Industry Engagement: Recognizing the practical applications of library and information science, the program fosters strong ties with the library and information community. Through internships, collaborative projects, and partnerships with local libraries and information organizations, students gain hands-on experience and insights into current industry trends. Guest lectures from professionals in the field provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the profession.

Global Perspective: The MLIS program at UWM incorporates a global perspective, acknowledging the international nature of information and the role of libraries in a globalized society. Courses may explore global information systems, cross-cultural librarianship, and the impact of technology on information access worldwide. Students may have opportunities to engage in international collaborations, participate in global initiatives, or contribute to projects with an international focus.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $75

Academic Requirements: Prospective postgraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 83% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 58 is often required.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 120 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is fostering academic excellence and diversity by offering a range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships aim to make education more accessible and support students in achieving their academic and career goals. 

Global Excellence Scholarship: UWM's Global Excellence Scholarship is designed to recognize outstanding academic achievements of international students. Eligibility criteria may include academic performance, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. This merit-based scholarship is intended to attract top-tier international talent to UWM.

international Student Tuition Remission: UWM provides an International Student Tuition Remission program to assist non-resident international students with tuition costs. This program helps alleviate the financial burden associated with out-of-state tuition rates, making UWM an affordable option for students seeking a high-quality education.

Panther Commitment: The Panther Commitment scholarship is part of UWM's dedication to providing financial support to students with demonstrated need. This program considers various factors, including financial need, academic achievement, and extracurricular involvement. The Panther Commitment aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder qualified students from pursuing their education.

Cultural Diversity Scholarship: UWM values diversity and offers the Cultural Diversity Scholarship to international students who contribute to the cultural richness of the university community. This scholarship recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive campus environment and supports students who enhance cultural understanding and collaboration.

Departmental Scholarships: Several academic departments at UWM offer scholarships specific to international students within their programs. These departmental scholarships may be based on academic achievements, research contributions, or specific criteria related to the field of study.

Graduates of the Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) are well-equipped for dynamic and fulfilling careers in the evolving field of library and information science. The program's comprehensive curriculum, ALA accreditation, and emphasis on practical skills prepare graduates for diverse roles in information organizations and beyond.

Librarian: One of the primary career paths for MLIS graduates is that of a librarian. Graduates may work in public libraries, academic libraries, special libraries, or other information institutions. Librarians play a crucial role in organizing information, assisting patrons, and managing library collections.

Digital Services Librarian: With the increasing prevalence of digital resources, graduates may pursue careers as digital services librarians. They focus on managing and providing access to digital collections, e-books, online databases, and other electronic resources.

Archivist: For individuals interested in preserving and organizing historical records, a career as an archivist is a viable option. Archivists work in archives, museums, or cultural institutions, managing and preserving documents, photographs, and other artifacts.

Information Architect: Graduates may explore careers as information architects, designing and organizing information structures for websites, databases, and other digital platforms. Information architects ensure that users can access and navigate information effectively.

Metadata Specialist: With a focus on information organization, graduates may pursue careers as metadata specialists. They work on creating and managing metadata, ensuring that information is properly categorized, indexed, and searchable.

Data Analyst in Libraries: Given the growing importance of data in decision-making, MLIS graduates may choose careers as data analysts in libraries. They analyze library usage data, user behavior, and collection metrics to inform strategic decisions.

Youth Services Librarian: For individuals passionate about working with children and young adults, careers as youth services librarians are possible. They plan and implement programs, recommend age-appropriate resources, and foster a love for reading and learning.

Reference Librarian: Graduates may pursue careers as reference librarians, assisting patrons in finding information, conducting research, and navigating information resources. Reference librarians play a crucial role in helping users access information effectively.

Library Director/Manager: With experience and leadership skills, graduates may advance to roles as library directors or managers. They oversee the overall operations of libraries, manage staff, and make strategic decisions to ensure the effective functioning of the institution.

Knowledge Management Specialist: For individuals interested in organizational information management, careers as knowledge management specialists are possible. They focus on organizing and facilitating the flow of information within organizations to enhance productivity and decision-making.

Digital Preservation Specialist: Given the importance of preserving digital content, graduates may explore careers as digital preservation specialists. They work on strategies to ensure the long-term accessibility and integrity of digital materials in libraries and archives.

Library Technology Specialist: Graduates with a focus on technology may pursue careers as library technology specialists. They manage and implement technology solutions in libraries, including library systems, automation, and digital tools.

Research Analyst in Information Services: With strong research skills, graduates may choose careers as research analysts in information services. They conduct research, gather information, and provide insights to support decision-making in various fields.