UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL · UNITED STATES
Information and Library Science (Graduate)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Master of Science in Information Science (M.S.I.S.)Degree Offered
- Master of Science in Library Science (M.S.L.S.)Degree Offered
- Master of Professional Science (M.P.S.)Degree Offered
- Ph.D. in Information and Library ScienceDegree Offered
- Ph.D. in Health InformaticsDegree Offered
- Graduate Certificates AvailableSpecializations
The School of Information and Library Science (SILS) at UNC-Chapel Hill offers graduate programs designed to prepare students for professional roles and further academic study in the dynamic fields of information and library science. The school provides master's degrees (M.S.I.S., M.S.L.S., M.P.S.), a Ph.D. in Information and Library Science, and a Ph.D. in Health Informatics. Students build specialized programs of study upon a core curriculum, focusing on the design, development, and ethical implications of information systems and services. The M.S.I.S. program aims to equip students to lead in the creation and management of information systems and networks, emphasizing theoretical knowledge and practical application. Graduates are prepared for roles in information analysis, database administration, user experience design, knowledge management, and information security. The M.S.L.S. program focuses on developing leaders for libraries and information organizations, addressing diverse community needs and technological advancements. Graduates are well-prepared for positions such as library directors, archivists, digital librarians, and subject specialists in various library settings. SILS also offers graduate certificates in specialized areas like applied data science, digital curation, and public health informatics. The school encourages interdisciplinary study through dual-degree programs with other UNC schools and neighboring universities, allowing students to combine their SILS master's with degrees in public health, art history, public administration, or law. The M.P.S. degrees in digital curation and management, and biomedical and health informatics, offer specialized professional training with a focus on practical application and career readiness.
Curriculum
Master's programs require 48 credit hours of coursework, selected in consultation with a faculty advisor. This includes core courses and specialized options, along with electives. A master's paper or practicum project is also a required component. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, encouraging students to apply research to professional situations and conduct their own research when necessary.
- Year 1 (Core & Bin Courses)
- Ethics, Values, and SocietyINLS 776
- Perspectives on Information, Technology, and PeopleINLS 777
- Information Bin Course 1
- Information Bin Course 2
- Services and Organizations Bin Course 1
- Services and Organizations Bin Course 2
- Technology Bin Course
- People and Communities Bin Course
- Year 2 (Electives & Project)
- Elective Course 1
- Elective Course 2
- Elective Course 3
- Elective Course 4
- Elective Course 5
- Elective Course 6
- Master's Paper or Practicum ProjectINLS 992
Careers
Graduates from the School of Information and Library Science are prepared for a wide range of professional roles in libraries, archives, information organizations, and technology-focused industries. The programs emphasize skills for leadership and adaptation in evolving information environments.
- Information System Analyst/Designer
- Database Administrator
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- Web Designer/Manager
- Social Media Specialist
- Knowledge Manager
- Information Security Analyst
- Competitive Intelligence Analyst
- Library Director
- Archives Manager
- Records Manager
- Digital Librarian
- Documents Librarian
- Cataloger
- Reference Services Librarian
- School Librarian
- Acquisitions and Collection Manager
- Youth Librarian
- Community Engagement/Outreach Librarian
- Special Collections Librarian
- Academic Library Subject Specialist
- Systems Librarian
- Health Informatics Leader
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Information and Library Science master's programs?
- You need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a strong academic record in liberal arts and sciences, and foundational knowledge in relevant technological tools. Specific requirements are detailed on the SILS website.
- How can I determine the tuition and fees for international students?
- Tuition and fee rates are assessed per credit hour and depend on program, residency status, and courses taken. International students should consult the University Cashier website for the most current and detailed information.
- What is the duration of the master's programs?
- Master's programs require 48 credit hours of coursework, typically completed over two years, including core courses, electives, and a master's paper or practicum project.
- What career paths are available for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Information System Analyst, User Experience Designer, Archivist, Digital Librarian, and Library Director in libraries, archives, information organizations, and technology industries.
- Are there opportunities for scholarships or financial aid?
- The university offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships, with some awarded automatically during the admissions review. Specific scholarship details and application processes are available through the university's financial aid and SILS websites.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The primary language of instruction and administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is English.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university is required. Undergraduate work should demonstrate a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences. Applicants are expected to have a foundation in basic technological tools used in the field (e.g., HTML, CSS, databases).
Applicants must also meet the general requirements for The Graduate School at UNC-Chapel Hill. Specific program details and curriculum information are available on the SILS website.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee rates are determined by academic program, residency status, and courses taken. Specific rates for graduate programs are assessed on a per-credit hour basis. International students should consult the University Cashier website for detailed information.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee rates are determined by academic program, residency status, and courses taken. Specific rates for graduate programs are assessed on a per-credit hour basis. North Carolina residents typically have different tuition rates than non-residents.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program or supporting pages.
Tuition rates are set by the North Carolina legislature and approved annually. Students can use the tuition estimator tool on the University Cashier website for estimated costs. Visit the UNC Cashier website for the most current tuition and fee information.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific requirements and curriculum for the M.S.I.S., M.S.L.S., or M.P.S. programs on the SILS website.
2. Prepare for AdmissionEnsure you have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a strong academic record in liberal arts and sciences. Demonstrate foundational knowledge in relevant technological tools (e.g., HTML, CSS, databases).
3. Gather Application MaterialsThis typically includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially standardized test scores, although specific requirements may vary.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through The Graduate School's admissions portal by the specified deadline.
5. Await DecisionAdmission decisions are typically released after the application review period, following the key dates outlined by the university.
Scholarships
Academic ScholarshipsVaries
Need-based ScholarshipsVaries
Pogue ScholarshipVaries
Morehead-Cain Scholars ProgramFull Scholarship
Robertson Scholars ProgramFull Scholarship
Accreditation
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Specific program accreditations are not detailed on the provided pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Information and Library Science master's programs?
+
You need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a strong academic record in liberal arts and sciences, and foundational knowledge in relevant technological tools. Specific requirements are detailed on the SILS website.
How can I determine the tuition and fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fee rates are assessed per credit hour and depend on program, residency status, and courses taken. International students should consult the University Cashier website for the most current and detailed information.
What is the duration of the master's programs?
+
Master's programs require 48 credit hours of coursework, typically completed over two years, including core courses, electives, and a master's paper or practicum project.
What career paths are available for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Information System Analyst, User Experience Designer, Archivist, Digital Librarian, and Library Director in libraries, archives, information organizations, and technology industries.
Are there opportunities for scholarships or financial aid?
+
The university offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships, with some awarded automatically during the admissions review. Specific scholarship details and application processes are available through the university's financial aid and SILS websites.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The primary language of instruction and administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is English.