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.

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.

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 area of emphasis or advanced certificate (see below) or create an individualized program of study through consultation with their faculty adviser. For full course offerings, please visit INFO courses in the Course Catalog.

Areas of Emphases and Advanced Certificates

MSLIS students may choose to focus on a specific area by pursuing one of the following areas of emphases:

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 areas of emphases 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.

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MS Library and Information Science

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General

Yearly Plan of Study

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes