M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.S. in Library & Information Science
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Library & Information Science (M.S.L.I.S.) at The Catholic University of America is a master's degree program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the dynamic and evolving field of information management. Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), the program equips students with essential skills in information organization, retrieval, digital librarianship, and data management. It caters to individuals seeking careers in traditional libraries (academic, public, school, special), archives, and various other information professions in corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. The program emphasizes ethical training and a commitment to service, reflecting the university's core values.
Curriculum: The M.S.L.I.S. program requires a total of 36 semester hours of graduate credit. The curriculum includes four core courses that cover the central elements of the field: LSC 551: Organization of Information, LSC 553: Information Sources and Services, LSC 555: Information Systems in Libraries and Information Centers, and LSC 557: The Information Professions in Society. Students can then choose from various specialized areas of study, referred to as "Courses of Study," which include Community Services Librarianship, Cultural Heritage Information Management, Data Science, Digital Libraries, Information Architecture, Law Librarianship, Organization of Information, and School Library Media. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and fieldwork, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world applications. A comprehensive examination is also required for graduation. For undergraduate students at Catholic University, there is a 4+1 accelerated program that allows them to begin working towards the M.S.L.I.S. while completing their bachelor's degree.
Research Focus: The Department of Library and Information Science at Catholic University focuses its research on transforming the role of libraries and information in society. Faculty research interests include digital collections, library and information science education, information design and architecture, and information system design and evaluation. The program's core mission emphasizes the creation and management of knowledge and information, the preservation of heritage and scholarship, and a commitment to the common good. Students are expected to engage in research that allows them to apply classroom concepts in real-world applications, exploring how information professionals assist users and organizations in finding, understanding, and utilizing information to support decision-making. The program encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with practitioners, reflecting its commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and practice in the field.
Industry Engagement: The M.S.L.I.S. program at Catholic University boasts strong industry engagement, primarily due to its strategic location in Washington, D.C., which is often referred to as the "world's information capital." Students benefit from unparalleled access to a vast network of federal institutions, museums, and specialized information centers, including the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the National Institutes of Health. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through required internships and fieldwork, which provide invaluable real-world application and networking opportunities. The department cultivates partnerships with leading information centers throughout the D.C. metropolitan area, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed as professional leaders in diverse information environments.
Global Perspective: The M.S.L.I.S. program at The Catholic University of America embraces a global perspective by recognizing that information transcends geographical boundaries and is critical for an interconnected world. The program aims to produce information professionals who are "capable of serving information seekers in a global society." While rooted in the U.S. context, the curriculum addresses universal principles of information organization, access, and ethics, which are applicable across diverse cultural and political landscapes. The department's mission explicitly states its commitment to transforming the role of libraries and information in society "globally and locally." The diverse student body and faculty further enrich the learning environment with international perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of information management in a globalized information environment.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.S. in Library & Information Science program are highly versatile professionals equipped with skills in information organization, digital management, data analysis, and user services. Their expertise is invaluable across a broad spectrum of industries.
Academic Librarian: Working in college or university libraries, specializing in areas such as reference, instruction, collection development, or digital services.
Public Librarian: Serving diverse communities in public libraries, providing information literacy instruction, managing collections, and developing community programs.
Archivist/Records Manager: Preserving and organizing historical records, digital assets, and organizational documents for institutions, corporations, or government agencies.
Digital Asset Manager: Managing and organizing digital content (images, videos, documents) for businesses, media companies, or cultural institutions to ensure discoverability and accessibility.
Information Architect: Designing and structuring websites, intranets, and other digital platforms to optimize user experience and information findability.
Data Librarian/Curator: Managing, organizing, and ensuring the accessibility and preservation of research data in academic institutions, research centers, or government agencies.
Special Librarian (e.g., Law, Medical, Corporate): Working in specialized libraries that serve specific professions or industries, providing highly tailored information resources and research support.
Knowledge Manager: Developing and implementing strategies for organizations to capture, store, share, and effectively use their intellectual capital and knowledge.
User Experience (UX) Researcher/Librarian: Conducting research on how users interact with information systems and designing user-friendly interfaces and services.
School Library Media Specialist: Managing library resources, teaching information literacy, and supporting curriculum development in K-12 school environments.
