School of Information Sciences—Library and Information Science Program
The School of Information Sciences offers programs of graduate study leading to the Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) and the Doctor of Philosophy degree, as well as two certification programs for school library media specialists. Students enrolled in LIS programs, under the mentorship of the program faculty, prepare for careers in the information professions as librarians, archivists and records managers, college and university faculty members, supervisors in diverse information centers, and as information specialists.
The basic professional program leads to the MLIS degree, which requires completion of 36 credits of course work. The MLIS degree program is offered both on campus and through the MLIS: Pitt Online Program, an asynchronous online program that can be completed in six terms of study.
The core curriculum (12 credits) is enriched by advanced courses in management, technology, resources and services for specific patron groups, and organized behavior. Upon award of the MLIS degree, graduates are prepared to make contributions to the profession at the local, national, and international levels. On-campus students may target their career goals by enrolling in one of our top-ranked specializations.
The School also offers a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) program in Health Sciences Librarianship. This 15-credit program, with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, addresses a national need for continuing education for information professionals who work in the fast-changing health care environment.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science Program prepares students for advanced work in research, teaching, and administration. The program will give students the opportunity to gain skills in teaching or research appropriate for careers at major research universities, teaching institutions, and library systems.
Beyond curricular offerings, educational experiences available to students in the program include colloquia, participation in local conferences, and attendance at professional association meetings.
Research Focus
Members of the LIS faculty are active researchers, with records of funding from governmental agencies and private sources. While both master's and doctoral students have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects, doctoral students are most involved in the research process.
The areas of research interest include archives and records management; biomedical; children's literature; distance education; digital libraries; human information behavior; information retrieval; interactive information retrieval; library management; organization of information; cyberscholarship; cyberinfrastructure; social information tools; and school library media center management.
Contact Information
- Library and Information Science Program
- School of Information Sciences
- 135 North Bellefield Avenue
- 412-624-3988
- Fax: 412-628-5231
- E-mail: lis@sis.pitt.edu
- www.ischool.pitt.edu/lis
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Program
The role of information professionals has changed dramatically as the volume of available information has increased and technology for information search and retrieval has advanced. The ability to manage the growing array of information tools has led to new opportunities for those who want to work in the information field, a discipline which bridges the management of both traditional and emerging information sources. The MLIS program 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 program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association. The MLIS Program is ranked tenth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and many of its specializations are ranked in the top ten.
Admissions
The Library and Information Science 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.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to the MLIS program.
Students who have not worked in libraries may elect to do a three credit Field Experience.
A maximum of 6 credits earned with a grade of B or better may be transferred toward either the Master’s or PhD degree from institutions fully accredited for graduate study, provided that these credits have not been applied to any other degree or certificate, that they are applicable to the students’ program of study, and that they are not older than the statute of limitations for the degree.
International Applicants
There are different documentation requirements for international students. These are explained here.
English Language Proficiency
Graduate students must possess sufficient knowledge of English to study without being hindered by language problems, to understand lectures, and to participate successfully in class discussion. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be taken if the applicant’s native language is not English. The institution code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927 and the department code is 90.
A minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL is required for admission to graduate study in this program. The requirement to take the TOEFL may be waived if the applicant has received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States.
Upon arrival, students with TOEFL scores less than 600 (paper) or 100 (Internet-based) will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a second language are recommended as an outcome of the Michigan Test of English Proficiency, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study.
Students may choose to take the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) in place of the TOEFL. Students must receive a score of Band 6.5. Students who do not achieve a score of Band 7.0 or better will be given the on-campus administered English Language Proficiency Test. If remedial courses in English as a second language are recommended as an outcome of the Michigan Test of English Proficiency, the student must complete the remedial course during the first two terms of study.
Application Fee
All applicants are required to submit an application fee as determined by the School of Information Science. This fee is non-refundable.
MLIS Degree Requirements
Students seeking the MLIS must complete the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 36 credits of graduate-level course work
- Complete core courses of the specialization in which the student is enrolled with a grade of "B" or better in each
- Maintain a B (3.00) average for the required 36 credits of graduate-level course work
Requirements for the MLIS degree must be completed within a period of four calendar years from the student's initial registration.
There are specific course requirements for each of the on-campus specializations, which are listed below.
Endorsement Option—Fulfills the requirements for the MLIS degree as well as for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certification in Library Science, K–12.
Intern Option—Designed for students who have not fulfilled the requirements for an Instructional I teaching certificate established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science Program
The Certificate of Advanced Study in Health Sciences Librarianship is a post-Master’s program. It prepares students for advanced professional positions in health sciences libraries in academic medical centers, hospitals, public health agencies, research institutes, and other health care settings. Librarians are taking on new roles in health care and they need advanced skills in:
- the expanding knowledge base in health care,
- the unique needs of users engaged in clinical care, and
- research and education.
Students who have already earned their MLIS degree will be able to take courses to enhance their knowledge of the theory and practice of health sciences librarianship. The 15-credit CAS will consist of 12 credits of coursework on an array of topics, including the health care information environment, managing collections and resources, and library services and instruction for the health care team. Students will also undertake a 3-credit research project relevant to health sciences librarianship. Each student will have a mentor from his or her home institution who will be actively involved in shaping and evaluating the research project.
The Health Sciences Librarianship program is offered online and is designed so that the student can continue to work while earning this Certificate. The program utilizes user-friendly online education technology to present the three courses asynchronously.
For admission to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science program, applicants must:
Possess a master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or a master's degree from the School of Information Sciences, with a grade point average of 3.00 (on a scale where A=4.00), or equivalent qualification.
Submit three letters of recommendation that attest to the applicant's aptitude and motivation to pursue professional studies at a level beyond the master's degree.
Submit application fee as determined by the School of Information Sciences.
For more information, visit www.ischool.pitt.edu/lis/degrees/cas-admissions.php
Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Library and Information Science Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science program prepares students for advanced work in research, teaching, and administration. The primary purpose of this 54-credit program is to develop an understanding of library and information science beyond the master's degree, with particular emphasis on the conduct of original research, the production of significant and generalizable research findings, and the contribution of such findings to public knowledge.
The advisor selected by the student for the period prior to the dissertation stage of the program is the program advisor; before the dissertation proposal is prepared, the student should select a dissertation advisor. The program advisor and the dissertation advisor may be the same person, but the student has the option to select a different advisor for the dissertation. The advisor must be a member of the graduate faculty in the Library and Information Science Program who is able to spend the time and effort necessary for the advising role, be available for examinations, and with whom a productive and comfortable working relationship can be established.
For complete information on the Doctor of Philosophy program, consult Statement of Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/lis/degrees/phd.php.
PhD Admission Requirements
The following are requirements for admission to the program:
- A master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, a recognized international program, or the equivalent in a closely related field of study.
- Attainment in graduate work of a minimum grade point average of 3.50 (on a scale where A=4.00). An international student's grade point average will be calculated on the basis of equivalency from universities that use a different scale.
- Submission of scores from a predictor test, such as the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogy Test, taken within the last three years.
- At least three references from persons in the professional and academic communities.
- An interview may be required
As evidence of the ability to undertake doctoral work, the student's application must be accompanied by:
- An essay (not exceeding 1,000 words) indicating, as specifically as possible, the student's academic and professional goals in relation to the Library and Information Science doctoral program and identifying potential areas and/or topics in which the student expects to pursue dissertation research.
- A complete curriculum vitae that provides an overview of education, work, publication, and other professional activities.
- At least one example of scholarly research or professional writing in any format (print or electronic). The student should describe fully any published or unpublished research, thesis, contributions to the professional or scholarly literature, and other professional or academic experience relevant to an assessment of capacity to pursue doctoral study successfully.
Credentials of prospective students are reviewed by the Admissions and Review Committee and voted upon by the LIS Committee on Doctoral Studies throughout the year. However, students who are applying for financial aid should be aware that they must be admitted and meet financial aid deadlines to ensure consideration for funding. PhD students may begin their studies only in the fall term in order to ensure a coherent program of study.
International Applicants
There are different documentation requirements for international students. These are explained here.
English Language Proficiency
Graduate students must possess sufficient knowledge of English to study without being hindered by language problems, to understand lectures, and to participate successfully in class discussion. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be taken if the applicant’s native language is not English. The institution code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927 and the department code is 90.
A minimum score of 600 paper-based or 100 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL is required for admission to graduate study in this program. The requirement to take the TOEFL may be waived if the applicant has received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States.
PhD Degree Requirements
This PhD program requires a minimum of 54 credits beyond the master's degree with a total credit minimum of 72. A minimum of 36 credits must be taken in advanced course work. The student must receive a letter grade in each course taken in this 36-credit requirement (except for the teaching practicum course). An additional 18 credits are required, which must be applied to dissertation research and writing. However, regardless of the number of credits taken, no more than 18 credits for dissertation research and writing may be applied toward graduation.
The minimum of 36 credits of course work, all of which must be on the graduate level, must be distributed as follows:
- Three credits: LIS 3000: Introduction to Doctoral Studies
- Nine credits: 3000-level doctoral seminars in SIS
- Three credits: LIS 3950 Teaching Practicum
or FACDEV 2200
- Six credits: Courses in research methodology and statistics
- Six credits: Courses in cognate field
- Nine credits: Which may be
- 2000-level courses in SIS (with the expectation that doctoral level work will be conducted)
- 3000-level independent studies or doctoral seminars in iSchool
- Additional cognate courses
- Additional research methodology courses
Graduate degrees are conferred only on those students who have completed all courses required for the degree with at least a 3.50 GPA.
Doctoral students are required to devote some portion of their studies to work on other disciplines in order to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of library and information science. To fulfill the cognate requirement, students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits and a maximum of 12 credits in some area of graduate study outside the field of library and information science. These credits may be from more than one department or school or from another institution.
The research methodology course requirement must be fulfilled prior to taking the preliminary examination. Research methodology courses may include courses in statistical analysis, general research methodology, and specific research methods or research methods used in specific fields of study such as historiography, ethnography, or case and field study.
A three-credit teaching practicum is required for all doctoral students in order to provide the student with teaching experience that may become part of the student’s professional vita. The teaching practicum is usually taken after completion of two terms of study. The student is responsible for identifying an appropriate course related to his or her areas of interest and obtaining the agreement of the instructor of record.
Residence and Registration Requirements
According to University of Pittsburgh policy, students seeking the PhD degree are required to engage in a minimum of one term of full-time doctoral study, which excludes any other employment except as approved by their departments. Doctoral students must register for at least 3 credits in each term until they have achieved candidacy. To maintain active status, all doctoral candidates must be registered for a minimum of 3 credits in each 12-month period (3 credits in one term or 1 credit in each of three terms) from the time of admission to candidacy until receipt of degree.
School-Based Financial Support
Financial aid information is available at www.ischool.pitt.edu/lis/degrees/financial-aid.php.
Preliminary Examination
Upon completion of 24 credit hours of course work each student submits for review a portfolio comprising the best representation of work completed thus far. The student presents this portfolio orally to the Doctoral Studies Committee (DSC) as a whole, which votes on its acceptability. The Preliminary Examination is based on the breadth and depth of knowledge as addressed through course work, as well as whether the course work taken will support the research plan the student submits and defends to the DSC.
Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination is conducted by a three person committee - the faculty advisor and two faculty members chosen by the student and the faculty advisor. The examination consists of a written take-home exam over two weeks and an oral examination conducted by the student's committee. The take-home exam has two parts: a broad perspective on current issues in the field of library science, information science, or archives, depending on the student's general area; and the area of the student's research specialization.
Language Requirement
Students are required to be proficient in any languages necessary for completion of doctoral work. Depending upon the student’s course of study, proficiencies in modern languages, linguistics, and/or computer languages may be required.
Candidacy and Dissertation
For admission to formal candidacy for the PhD degree, a student must have:
- Passed the preliminary evaluation
- Completed a minimum of 36 credits beyond the master's degree with a GPA of 3.50 or higher
- Passed the comprehensive examination
- Successfully defended the dissertation proposal and received permission from the Dissertation Committee to begin research
Students demonstrate their ability to complete a sound project of original research by presenting and defending the dissertation proposal to their Dissertation Committee. The Dissertation Committee must unanimously approve the dissertation topic and research plan before the student may be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree.
Public Presentation Requirement
During the course of the PhD program, each student is required to make a public presentation on a research project in which the student is engaged.
Statute of Limitations
All requirements for the PhD degree must be completed in not more than six calendar years from the time of first registration. Students may, in extenuating circumstances, submit a formal request for extension of their statute of limitations or for a leave of absence from the program.
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