In the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, students are prepared to understand the roles of information and data in society. MLIS is responsive to the information marketplace and encourages the development of creativity, professionalism, and a proactive attitude to the needs of various clienteles in library and information service environments.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
At A Glance
Credits: 36 Duration: 1 to 4 years to complete Format: On campus or online
| Application Deadlines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term | Domestic and Online International Students | On-campus International Students |
| Fall | July 15 | February 15 |
| Spring | November 1 | June 15 |
| Summer | March 15 | December 15 |
| Tuition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Full-time per term | Part-time per credit |
| PA Residents | $14,130 | $1,148 |
| Out-of-State Residents | $24,909 | $2,044 |
Note: The above tuition costs are the rates for the current academic year. Tuition rates are updated annually every summer.
Admissions Requirements Apply Now
What can you do with a master's in library and information science?
Our graduates have careers not only in the library, archive and museum settings, but in government, corporate, non-profit, and entrepreneurial environments as well. The MLIS program prepares a diverse population of graduate students to make a difference in their communities through a rewarding and forward-thinking career path. View our goals for MLIS graduates.
Coursework
The MLIS degree is a 36-credit graduate degree program that can be completed in three consecutive terms of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study. A thesis is not required. View full MLIS degree requirements in the Pitt Course Catalog.
Students may pursue an area of study which follows a more specific distribution of credits. These areas provide specific skills pertinent to students' career goals. Pathways and certificates include:
- Academic Information Resources and Services
- Applied Data-Driven Methods Certificate
- Archives Resources and Services
- Children and Youth Resources and Services
- Health Sciences Resources and Services
- Public Library Resources and Services
- School Library Certification Program
ALA Accreditation
The American Library Association (ALA) accredits master’s programs in library and information studies across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Accreditation is achieved through a review process conducted by an external review panel of practitioners and academics that verifies that the program meets the Standards for Accreditation of Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies.
In 2021, our MLIS program was successfully re-accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) for seven years until 2028. The MLIS program has been continuously accredited since the ALA first began accreditation in 1924.
Our students pursue their degrees as either full-time or part-time students. About 66% of students are part-time, and 0.34% are full time students.
100% of students who completed their first term study between Fall Term 2014 and Fall Term 2018 graduated. On average slightly less than half of students complete the MLIS program in three terms; these are full-time students registered for 12 credits in each of three terms.
Graduates from 2019 through 2024 are working in 26 states in the U.S. and in five countries abroad.
Graduates have found employment in many different fields including public libraries, academic institutions, archives, museums, government institutions, business and industry, health sciences, and elementary and secondary schools. Examples of institutions include Barnes & Noble, Harvard University, Yale University, The Library of Congress, Simon & Schuster, PPG Industries, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
View a full list of institutions who have hired Pitt MLIS graduates.
2023 Graduates (Data updated as of Summer 2023)
- 41% (9 out of 22 students) of April 2023 graduates were employed within eight months.
- 70% (19 out of 27 students) of August 2023 graduates were employed within four months.
- 60% (13 out of 19 students) of December 2023 graduates were employed within one month.
2022 Graduates
- 78% of April and August 2022 graduates are employed. (Note: 2022 reflects less than a 12-month period and spans the COVID-19 pandemic.)
- 66% of December 2022 graduates are employed.
2021 Graduates
- 90% of August and December 2021 graduates are employed.