Information and Library Science, MS
Our fully-accredited master's program in information and library science focuses on enabling you to seek professional employment in a wide range of information careers in the United States and around the world. Our program, accredited by the American Library Association, is offered fully online.
Why Information and Library Science at UB?
The features of our program include:
- accreditation by the American Library Association, which makes your degree more valuable
- flexibility through online course delivery and enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
- specialized degree program options including music librarianship and law librarianship; and practicums, special projects and directed study courses to gain real-world experience
- student-centered learning experiences including student groups and chapter activities, departmental seminars, and opportunities to serve on committees to enrich learning and networking
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Master of Science (MS) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 36 |
| Time to completion | 4 full-time semesters |
| Course delivery | Online |
| Careers | Examples include:
|
| Application deadline | Fall: May 1 Spring: Nov. 1 |
Required Core Courses (9 credits)
- LIS 507 Information Life Cycle
- LIS 508 Information Users and Uses
- LIS 575 Introduction to Research Methods
Concentrations are available within this program. You can prepare to be generalists or choose courses with concentrations in one or more areas:
- Information management
- Information organization
- Information services
- Information storage and retrieval
- Law librarianship, with a concurrent MS in information and library science and JD degrees
- Music librarianship, which combines MS in information and library science and master's in music
- Public or academic libraries
- Special libraries including those serving business, museums and law firms
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
You must have received an undergraduate bachelor degree with a GPA of 3.0 or better by the intended beginning semester. Applications with lower GPA’s may still be considered and granted a “conditional admission” (see below for more information).
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: A detailed statement describing your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in the information and library studies field. Include your professional goals and objectives and indicate any area of special interest within the field.
Conditional Admission Status: You may be admitted conditionally to this MS program when you do not meet all admission requirements (most often because of an undergraduate GPA below 3.0) but your personal statements, transcripts, entrance examination scores, employment history and letters of reference demonstrate potential for success. At the end of the semester in which you have attempted 9 credit hours in the program — including two core courses (e.g., LIS 507, LIS 508, LIS 575) (courses with a grade of R/resigned do not count as attempted, but I and U do) — your academic standing will be reviewed by IS staff. At the time of the review, if you meet all the conditions of good academic standing and have no incomplete or unsatisfactory grades, conditional status is automatically lifted and you are considered to be in good academic standing.
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.
Admission Decision: The admission 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.
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.
Questions about the program?
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Frequently Asked Questions
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Office of Graduate Admission
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu