Library and Information Science, MS
Pratt Institute School of Information’s Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) program prepares students to become librarians, archivists, and other information professionals. We are not only the oldest Library and Information Science program in North America (since 1890) but also the most distinctive. Our work is situated within the context of NYC’s arts, culture, and technology communities, and the vast majority of our courses are offered face-to-face in Manhattan, which adds up to a unique learning experience. Between 2014 and 2024, job titles obtained by MSLIS graduates include:
- Archivist
- Art Digitization Project Manager
- Digital Archivist
- Digital Asset Specialist
- Digital Initiatives Librarian
- Emerging Technologies Librarian
- Library Director
- Metadata Specialist
- Photo Archivist
- Reference and Genealogy Librarian
- Registrar
- UX Researcher and Strategist
- UX/UI Designer
- Young Adult Reference Librarian
Pratt’s MSLIS program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) with the status of continued accreditation. The program has been accredited by ALA since 1924, the first year ALA accreditation was introduced.
Course and Credit Requirements
The MSLIS consists of 36 credits (12 three-credit classes): four required courses and eight electives, which must be completed with a B average or higher. The program is designed to be completed in two years (3 courses per semester) or three years (2 courses per semester). Summer courses may reduce the duration of the program. Please note that international students must be enrolled full-time (3 courses or 9 credits per semester). Courses are held at 11:30 AM, 3 PM, and 6:30 PM.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Foundation | ||
| INFO-601 | Foundations of Information | 3 |
| MSLIS Core | ||
| INFO-652 | Reference and Instruction | 3 |
| INFO-653 | Knowledge Organization | 3 |
| INFO-654 | Information Technologies 1 | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select eight Electives | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
The INFO-654 Information Technologies requirement may be waived for students with sufficient technical knowledge and/or experience; for more information, please visit the Information Technologies course waiver web page.
Elective Courses (8 Courses, 24 Credits)
Any course offered by the School of Information may be taken as an elective by MSLIS students, and 3-credits max can be taken outside of the School of Information. When selecting electives, students may choose to follow a specific program concentration or advanced certificate (see below) or create an individualized program of study through consultation with their faculty adviser. Below is a small sampling of our diverse elective course offerings. For full course offerings, please visit INFO courses in the Course Catalog.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INFO-609 | Introduction to Spatial Thinking & GIS | 3 |
| INFO-611 | Information Policies & Politics | 3 |
| INFO-612 | Advanced GIS | 3 |
| INFO-628 | Data Librarianship and Management | 3 |
| INFO-630 | Human-Centered Research Design & Methods | 3 |
| INFO-638 | Web Development | 3 |
| INFO-643 | Information Architecture & Interaction Design | 3 |
| INFO-660 | Collection Development | 3 |
| INFO-661 | Art Documentation | 3 |
| INFO-665 | Projects in Digital Archives | 3 |
| INFO-673 | Literacy & Instruction | 3 |
Program Concentrations and Advanced Certificates
MSLIS students may choose to focus on a specific area by pursuing one of the following program concentrations:
- Archives, Preservation, Rare Books, and Digital Curation
- Public Librarianship
- Academic Librarianship
- Technology and Knowledge Management
In addition, the MSLIS degree can be completed while earning any of the following advanced certificates:
Please note that program concentrations can be used for planning your program of study, while advanced certificates act like minors that have required courses that you must take. The completion of the certificate will be indicated on your transcript. If you intend to complete an advanced certificate, please submit the Certificate Declaration form at your earliest convenience once enrolled in the program.
Advanced certificates available for graduate students that can be completed beyond the 36-credit degree can be found here.
MSLIS Dual Degrees
MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design
The MSLIS/MA History of Art and Design dual-degree program prepares students for careers in art, museum, and academic libraries. With fellowship opportunities taking place at NYC’s leading museums, libraries, and archives, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Frick Art Reference Library, the dual-degree program offers unique opportunities for experiential learning.
This program consists of 30 credits at the School of Information and 30 credits at the Department of History of Art and Design for a total of 60 credits, which must be completed with a B average or higher. Students in the dual-degree program generally take one or two classes in each program per semester (3–4 courses, 9–12 credits). The average time for degree completion is three years. For more information on this dual degree, please consult our website.
Scholarships
Two-Year Renewable Scholarships for New Students
These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and are renewable for the second year for students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarships will not renew beyond two years of study. Students must be full-time (minimum of 9 credits per semester).
Fellowships
The School of Information offers a number of fellowships in partnership with NYC cultural institutions. Each fellowship requires the completion of a 9-month internship (120 hours per semester) and is accompanied by a scholarship in the amount of $7,730. For a complete list of fellowship opportunities, please visit the School of Information website and go to Experiential Learning Opportunities, Fellowships.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. The applicant must have a superior scholastic record or be able to demonstrate the ability to perform work at the graduate level and is expected to offer evidence of maturity and leadership potential for the profession. All applicants must apply using the online application, upload the following top three items, and submit requests for recommendations online:
- Official transcripts of all previous postsecondary education
- A statement of purpose describing interest in the program and personal goals
- A current résumé/CV
- Request two letters of recommendation online from academic or professional sources
A TOEFL of 82 (internet and home test), TOEFL ITP Plus for China of 553, IELTS of 6.5 or a PTE of 53 is required for international students. Students who are not international but whose first language is not English must submit the GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students may continue to apply after the January 5 deadline until the department is full. Applicants may apply for nonmatriculated status if desired and take up to 6 credits (US citizens or permanent residents only).
Special Note for International Students: The LIS program is designated as a STEM program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and thus qualifies for the STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension for F-1 students.
Office
Tel: 212.647.7682
Fax: 212.367.2492
si@pratt.edu
si.pratt.edu
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| INFO-601 | Foundations of Information | 3 |
| INFO-652 | Reference and Instruction | 3 |
| Library and Information Science Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| INFO-653 | Knowledge Organization | 3 |
| INFO-654 | Information Technologies | 3 |
| Library and Information Science Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| Library and Information Science Electives | 9 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| Library and Information Science Electives | 6 | |
| Choose one elective | 3 | |
Library and Information Science Elective or |
||
All Institute Elective |
||
| Required E-Portfolio Submission | 0 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
To graduate from the MSLIS program, students must submit a Portfolio that demonstrates they have met the program’s five student learning outcomes:
- Foundations of Library and Information studies – Apply core concepts and theories to information collection, organization and access in multiple environments.
- User-centered services – Students can meet information needs of diverse user communities across multiple communication formats (e.g. oral, written, visual, interactive).
- Technology – Students can select and apply tools and technologies used in the field to improve information functions.
- Research – Investigate information environments and users’ needs, behaviors, and experiences through appropriate research methods and analysis.
- Ethical/Creative/Critical practice – Apply core ethical principles to professional practice, including the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and understand the broad impact of information on society. Students can raise critical questions about information, its production, dissemination, storage and preservation.
The Portfolio is a small but representative sampling of your work that collectively demonstrates your competence with the MSLIS program-level student learning outcomes. More information on completing the Portfolio can be found on our website under Current Students, MSLIS Portfolio.