Prepare to Meet the Diverse and Quickly Changing Needs of the Information Age 

As one of the two American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master of Library and Information Science programs in the Chicago area, we offer a distinct degree experience. Here, you’ll earn an MLIS degree that upholds the core values of librarianship while giving you the skills you need to succeed in an ever-changing field.

Through our six required core MLIS courses, you’ll gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for a successful library and information science career. You’ll graduate prepared to make ethical, value-centered decisions, facilitate user learning, organize knowledge systems, and make evidence-based decisions. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in an area of MLIS technology of your choosing.

Our Chicagoland location means you’ll be studying in an information-rich setting that is full of internship, practicum and employment opportunities in the field. And, you can study for a master’s in library and information science in a format that works for you.


Program Highlights

  • 36 credits
  • Offered online (synchronous or asynchronous) or in a hybrid format
  • Complete in as little as one year, or take up to 6 years
  • Choose from a wide range of concentrations and certificates in in-demand areas
  • American Library Association (ALA) accredited*
  • Complete practicums and internships that build real-world skills
  • Connect to a strong alumni network of library leaders around the world

Needed

30,000+
Connections through Dominican's Robust Alumni Network
90+ year
Tradition of Educating Generations of Leaders in Library and Information Science
#1
Best Value School (U.S. News & World Report)

Join the Front Lines of the Information Revolution 

Today’s libraries are a lot more than buildings with books. They are vital communication and community centers—serving a wide diversity of audiences with never-ending needs for information that is critically important to their lives. Our MLIS program is at the forefront of preparing professionals for this dynamic information environment. 

Dominican’s strong commitment to social justice is fully reflected in the program’s focus on advancing intellectual freedom and equal access to information. This program will prepare you to meet the intensifying demand for ethical, thoughtful and skilled professionals who can manage and ensure access to reliable information in many settings throughout our society. 

Advance in a Rapidly Growing Career Field

At Dominican University, you’ll be prepared to not only join the field, but to lead a life of purpose and impact. 

High-Demand Credential

About 13,500 openings for library professionals are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Continued Growth

Demand for library professionals is expected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033.

Why Dominican?

Elevate Your Career

MLIS graduate Lauren Manu transformed her career as a librarian after she found community and wraparound support at Dominican.

Make a Difference

As head of youth services at Maywood Public Library, Dominican alumna Daniela Martinez provides resources that build community.

Take Your Coursework International

Dominican MLIS students traveled to Bologna, Italy, where they attended a prestigious children’s book fair and researched world-class international youth literature.

Explore In-Demand Concentrations and Dual-Degree Options

Add a certificate to your MLIS degree in an area of study that suits your long-term career goals. We offer a wide range of concentrations in in-demand areas:

These MLIS courses of study can also be taken as stand-alone certificates for Dominican graduates who have already earned their MLIS or MSIM degree (or its equivalent from an ALA-accredited graduate library program). Learn more about certificates

Expand your career potential by pairing your Master of Library and Information Science degree with another relevant area of study. Explore dual degrees

I highly recommend the master’s in library and information science at Dominican because of the amazing instructors that they have on board. The professors have great world knowledge and experience. You also get to develop a lot of great lifelong relationships as well—not only with the instructors but with your peers who you find working in the same place as you.

Faith Rice
Dominican University Graduate

What to Expect as You Earn Your MLIS 

At Dominican, we pride ourselves on the hands-on experiences and personal attention our students receive. You’ll get the benefit of a collaborative learning environment that will expand your knowledge, deepen your understanding and prepare you as a leader and advocate in library and information science.

As part of our School of Information Studies, our MLIS program sets the standard for excellence among other library studies graduate programs. We continually re-evaluate our rigorous academics to make sure our students gain the skills needed to be successful in today’s ever-changing environment. See what sets us apart

Our MLIS professors have a broad range of experience, and our small class sizes allow them to get to know you—and become the foundation of your professional network. Meet our faculty 

Areas of faculty expertise include:

  • Digital libraries and digital curation
  • Information policy
  • Media and services for youth
  • Archives and cultural heritage
  • Informatics
  • Cataloging and classification
  • School library media
  • Management
  • Leadership and advocacy

MLIS students at Dominican University continue to meet and exceed program standards and completion rates—and enter into a wide variety of professional positions in the field upon graduation. See our graduates' completion, achievement and career outcomes (pdf opens in a new window)

Finding Your Purpose

Alumna Erin Wyatt, PhD, MLIS credits her Dominican network and the lessons she learned for her innovative approach to librarianship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As the nature of information studies grows more and more complex, so does the discipline of library and information science. As such, the field is no longer restricted to the traditional librarian role. Although you will earn the necessary credential for librarianship, you can also pursue a career as an expert in information studies. You will find Dominican MLIS graduates working in an array of settings: 

“Traditional” Libraries

  • Chicago Public Library
  • University of Minnesota Library
  • State Law Library of Montana
  • Western Michigan University
  • Oswego East High School
  • and many more 

Non-library Settings

  • Argonne National Laboratory
  • McDonald’s Digital Asset Department
  • WFMT’s Studs Terkel Radio Archive
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • DuPage County
  • BP Law firms such as Sidley Austin
  • Consulting firms such as Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates 

Cultural Institutions and Museums

  • Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra
  • Oswego History Museum
  • Theater Historical Society of America
  • Polish Museum of America 

To apply for our MLIS program, students must submit a completed online application, a personal essay and official undergraduate transcripts. Before you apply, make sure you review our full application and admission requirements. 

Ready to take the next step? Apply now online

Along with opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants, the School of Information Studies offers a variety of departmental scholarships, including the Mary Wajer Scholarship for MLIS students (pdf opens in a new window), depending upon your area of study. A 20% tuition discount is also available to Dominican University alumnae/i. Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more. 

We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or by email at finaid@dom.edu.

Accreditation

The Master of Library and Information Science program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association (ALA). On January 20, 2023, ALA's Committee on Accreditation voted to continue the Dominican MLIS's full accreditation status for another seven-year term. The next comprehensive review will take place in 2029. View the 2022 MLIS program presentation (pdf opens in a new window).


Chicago's Only iSchool

Dominican University is also a member of the iSchools consortium, dedicated to advancing the information field. As Chicago’s only iSchool, Dominican’s School of Information Studies has long been a presence on Chicago’s higher education landscape, first offering library science programs in the 1930s. See what sets us apart.

For more information,
please contact:

Office of Graduate Admission
enrollment Managementt
gradinfo@dom.edu

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