Master of Library and Information Science (On-campus and Online)
- How do I apply to the MLIS Program (on-campus or online)?
All applications are available online at GradCAS.
- What are the prerequisites for the MLIS Program?
The Master of Library and Information Science degree program seeks students with diverse educational and career backgrounds. Applicants for graduate study must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.
- Can I specialize in my MLIS studies?
We have Thematic Areas that cluster classes together for the purpose of assisting students in course choices that meet their particular interests. The thematic areas maintain flexibility in order to maximize the ability for students to personalize their plan of study.
- How much does it cost to attend a graduate program at the School of Computing and Information?
Tuition costs can be found on Pitt’s Tuition site.
- How long will it take to earn the MLIS degree?
You can finish the program in as little as a year – three consecutive semesters of full-time study – or up to four years (twelve terms) of part-time study.
- What types of financial support are available for students?
The Program has a limited amount of financial support available, on a competitive basis, for students entering or continuing in its programs and who meet its academic requirements for admission. For more information, explore our scholarships or visit Pitt's financial aid for graduate students page.
- Who should apply to the MLIS Online Program?
At this time, SCI is authorized to enroll students from all U.S. states in our online graduate programs pursuant to state laws and regulations.
- As an online student, can I take on-campus courses?
No. If you are on online student, you can only take online classes.
- How does online learning work?
Courses delivered in the MLIS Online Program might involve a choice of asynchronous or synchronous class delivery, or real-time conferencing with faculty and peer students, and an on-campus residency. Course delivery is designed to facilitate the flow of communication between instructors and students. You will simply log into the student learning portal and view classes via the University’s course delivery system. Through the student portal, you’ll have access to the technology and library resources of the University.
Some instructors incorporate the choice of participating in real-time sessions, in which you’ll participate using Skype or other Web-conferencing tools. If a team project is assigned, you and your teammates will have a suite of collaborative tools to facilitate the successful completion of the project.
- Will my degree be considered an “online” degree?
As a student of the University of Pittsburgh, your degree will be awarded from the University. It will not be classified as an online degree.
- Will I get to participate in research projects?
Both Master’s students and PhD candidates can—and do—participate in research projects. The faculty has numerous projects underway, including several that have received federal funding.
PhD in Library and Information Science
- How do I apply to the LIS PhD Program?
All applications are available online at GradCAS.
- What are the requirements for admission to the PhD Program?
For information regarding admission to the PhD program, visit the program’s page in the University of Pittsburgh Catalog.
- How do I choose my advisor for the PhD Program?
An advisor will be assigned to the student upon entering the program, but students are free to select a different advisor for subsequent advising and registration as their interests become more focused. The PhD student should seek a faculty program advisor who is knowledgeable in the student’s major area of study. The advisor must be a member of the department's graduate faculty.
- Will I get to participate in research projects?
Both Master’s students and PhD candidates can—and do—participate in research projects. The faculty has numerous projects underway, including several that have received federal funding.