FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM AVAILABLE
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) prepares students for leadership in libraries, schools, and information organizations. The program emphasizes flexibility, applied learning, and preparation for a rapidly evolving information landscape.
Accredited by the American Library Association, the 36‑credit‑hour degree supports public library certification and school library licensure in North Carolina. Students bring diverse academic and professional backgrounds and graduate ready to lead and serve their communities.
Program Distinctions
- Our program is nationally accredited by the American Library Association.
- Available 100% online option for maximum flexibility.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply at any time, and begin your program during either the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Student Experience
As part of the ILRS department, the MLIS program emphasizes customization and interdisciplinary learning.
You can shape your experience through:
- Electives aligned with your interests
- Applied projects and real‑world experiences
- Interdisciplinary coursework across related fields
This flexibility allows you to align your degree with your professional goals—whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for a new direction.
Our faculty bring professional experience, research expertise, and a student‑centered approach to teaching. You’ll work closely with instructors who understand today’s information challenges and are invested in your success.
Program Customization
You have the opportunity to focus on developing your skill set in specific areas. Below are some suggested courses to help students plan out a particular destination in their studies. None of these courses are required, but they can help students who wish to refine their academic experience within a particular area.
Academic Librarian
LIS 656 The Academic Library
LIS 665 Information Literacy
LIS 672 Instructional Design
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology
LIS 630 Computer-Related Tech for Info Management
LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
LIS 636 Website Production and Usability for Librarians
LIS 661 Library and Information Science Research
LIS 662 Information Services to Diverse Client Groups
LIS 667 Information Services for Adults
Archives and Special Collections
LIS 610 Collection Management
LIS 639 History of Information Technologies
LIS 657 The Special Library
LIS 658 Archival Management
LIS 681 Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Special Collections
LIS 683 Archival Preservation, Curation and Access
Cataloging
LIS 641 Cataloging and Classification
LIS 643 Metadata
Children & Youth Services
LIS 617 Materials for Children
LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
LIS 619 Storytelling
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 625 Electronic Resources for Youth
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 664 Reading and Literacy in the Library
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues of the Virtual Community
LIS 634 Libraries and MakerSpaces
Digital Collections
LIS 631 Emerging Technologies
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
LIS 643 Metadata
Information Organization
LIS 631 Emerging Technologies
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
LIS 643 Metadata
Information Organization
LIS 641 Cataloging and Classification
LIS 642 Seminar in Indexing and Abstracting
LIS 643 Metadata
LIS 644 Digital Libraries
Public Library Certification
Click here to access this link from the State Library
Required by State Library Certification:
LIS 610 Collection Management
OR LIS 617 Materials for Children & LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
Other good electives courses for public library service include:
LIS 655 Public Libraries
LIS 631 Emerging Technological Trends in Information Access
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 636 Website Production
LIS 661 Library and Information Science Research
LIS 662 Information Services to Diverse Client Groups
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 665 Information Literacy
LIS 667 Information Services for Adults
LIS 668 Community Informatics
LIS 672 Instructional Design
** You can take either LIS 610 or LIS 617 with LIS 618
A combination of collections and resources**
Reference Librarianship
LIS 623 Principles of Database Information Retrieval
LIS 628 Science and Technology Information Sources
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues in the Virtual Community
LIS 682 Seminar: Advanced Information Sources and Services
School Libraries
Required by DPI:
LIS 617 Materials for Children
LIS 618 Materials for Adolescents
LIS 635 Introduction to Technology Resources
LIS 653 The School Library
LIS 654 School Library Media Specialist and the Curriculum
LIS 693 Capstone Practicum
Recommended Electives:
LIS 619 Storytelling
LIS 625 Electronic Resources for Youth
LIS 663 Library Services for Young People
LIS 664 Reading and Literacy in the Library
LIS 674 Seminar: Issues of the Virtual Community
LIS 634 Libraries and MakerSpaces
LIS 688 Seminar: Legal Ethical Issues in School LIbraries
After Graduation
Graduates of the MLIS program pursue careers in a wide range of settings, including:
- Academic, public, and school libraries
- Archives and special collections
- Government and nonprofit organizations
- Cultural institutions and museums
- Information management and data services
This degree prepares you for roles that organize, preserve, and connect people with information—locally and globally.
Graduates can qualify for the North Carolina Public Library Certification.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
The following outcomes are undergirded by the application of ethics, the use of technology, and the value of diversity.
- Communicate and collaborate with colleagues and communities [Written & Oral Communication, Team Work, Community Engagement]
- Connect people to information and information technology, particularly to promote a just and equitable society [Information Organization, Access and Retrieval] **
- Assess and respond to the needs of diverse communities [Planning, Outreach & Assessment]
- Analyze problems and propose solutions through the application of evidence. [Evidence-based Practice]
- Utilize instructional strategies and communication in both formal and informal interactions to increase information competence [Instructional Communication and Methods]
- Advocate for public policies, laws, organizations, and resources that promote a just information society [Advocacy & Public Policy]
- Embrace change to lead organizational innovation. [Leadership, Management, Innovation, Professional Development/Lifelong Learning
**Broad categories in bold are presented here only to provide a helpful context for the outcomes as they relate to the planning documents and to the previous PLOs.
LIVE OUTSIDE NORTH CAROLINA?
Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education. UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.
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