Information and Library Science, AC
Become an expert in managing, organizing and disseminating information in various formats. You’ll be able to ensure efficient access to information, support research and learning and manage library resources.
Utilize Information and Library Science to Meet the Needs of Communities
Explore topics like digital archiving, data management and information ethics, preparing you to meet the challenges of modern libraries and information centers. Whether you aim to advance in your current role or explore new career opportunities, our advanced certificate will empower you to become a leader in the evolving landscape of information science.
The Value of an Advanced Certificate
In today’s dynamic professional environment, continuous self-improvement is essential for career success. Advancements, competition and evolving landscapes require professionals to maintain current, industry-relevant knowledge, skills and competencies. Advanced certificates can complement completed degrees or serve as standalone credentials. Regardless of your chosen path, an advanced certificate offers additional knowledge and opportunities to refine professional skills, facilitating career advancement. They offer a flexible, accessible and cost-effective educational route to pursue career goals and remain competitive.
Points of Distinction
Enhance learning and networking through group activities, seminars and committee opportunities, and gain real-world experience with internships eligible for academic credit.
You'll complete 18 credit hours of interdisciplinary study tailored to your academic goals and customize your education with specialized tracks in information technology, advanced management and special librarianship.
Study flexibly with online asynchronous courses, available for full-time or part-time enrollment. With self-paced learning, you can balance your education with work and personal commitments. Our courses are designed to provide the same level of engagement and interaction as traditional classroom settings.
Program Summary
| Academic credential granted | Advanced Certificate |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 18 |
| Time to completion | 2 full-time semesters |
| Course delivery | Online |
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Fall: May 1 Spring: Nov. 1 |
Those holding this certificate seek professional roles in library and information science, such as:
- advanced management
- information technology
- special librarian
- archives administration
- digital libraries
- academic librarianship
- reference services
- You will be expected to take, or have taken, a graduate-level research methods course appropriate to your area of interest.
- If you are a full-time certificate student, you are eligible for a graduate assistantship.
- Special directed studies may be arranged in areas not covered by formal courses.
- An advanced studies project (6 credit hours) is the culmination of this program. Through individual study under the guidance of an advisor and a special committee, you are prepared for one of the following: a comprehensive exam, a research paper or a demonstration project.
You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. You must have a master's degree in information and library science or a related field. You will also be asked to come for an admission interview to review your program objectives. If you are a current ILS MS student at UB, you do not need to supply transcripts or letters of reference.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Contact information for at least three individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Statement of education and career goals
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admissions Decision: The admissions decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Canadian Applicants
- Canadian citizens may study in the U.S. on a part-time basis and must be bona fide Canadian citizens. Part-time Canadian students must be commuters; document financial capability for the number of credits they intend to register for; part-time Canadians are not permitted to reside in the U.S.
- Non-Canadian citizens (that is, permanent residents and/or Landed Immigrants) may not study on a part-time basis (they must hold an F-1 Student Visa which requires full-time study and financial documentation; full-time and commuting is permitted).
- If enrolled in a full-time graduate program, Canadians are treated as international students by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, and must provide International Admissions with complete financial documentation to qualify for and receive a Certificate of Visa Eligibility.
In-State Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Test, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic, or DET (Duolingo English Test).
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 79 for internet-based test
- IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- DET minimum score is 120 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.