• ACADEMIC RULES & PROCEDURES
• ADVISING & STUDENT PROGRESS
• APPEALS
• COMPUTER LITERACY REQUIREMENTS
• DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS
• DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
  • Comps
  • Thesis
• CORE CURRICULUM CHANGE
• COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS
• EXEMPTION FROM COURSES
• FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• GRADUATION
• PROBATION & GRADE MAINTENANCE
• TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Graduate Frequently Asked Questions

| Prospective | Academics | Financial | Application | International |
| FAQs for Current Students |

For Prospective Students

Is the UWM School of Information Studies (SOIS) accredited by the American Library Association?

Yes, the School of Information Studies is ALA accredited.  SOIS has been ALA accredited for more than 30 years.

Can I complete the MLIS degree entirely online?

Yes, the MLIS degree can be completed entirely online.

Can I complete the Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) Degree without coming to the UWM campus?

Yes, you can complete your MLIS degree without coming to campus.  While we encourage you to come to campus for orientation, the comprehensive exam, and graduation, it is not  required. Many students find that a trip to Milwaukee to connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff is well worth their time.

Are there any residency requirements for the MLIS?

There are no residency requirements for the MLIS.

How much is tuition?

Tuition information for onsite courses can be found here: http://www.bfs.uwm.edu/fees/Fall%202007/tuitionschedule.htm
Tuition for online courses for the 2008-2009 academic year:
$689.00/credit
Most courses are 3 credits: $2,067.00
Please note: The online course fee is the ONLY fee charged for online courses. This amount is paid in lieu of regular tuition. For online courses, students pay roughly the equivalent of a 3 credit course for in-state, off-campus tuition regardless of whether or not you are a resident of Wisconsin. 

What is the total cost of the program?

The total cost of the program depends on the number of courses you take per semester, and   the number of semesters you are enrolled, and the total number of credits you need to earn to complete your MLIS. What makes the SOIS distance education program unique is that our DE students pay approximately 1/3 of out-of-state tuition costs.

How do I apply to the program?

You will need to apply to both the School of Information Studies and the UW-Milwaukee Graduate School to complete your application process. Please visit our admissions page for instructions:  http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SOIS/admission/graduate.htm

What are the degree requirements for the MLIS degree?

The minimum degree requirement for the MLIS is 36 graduate credits.  If you have already completed a master's or doctorate in a field other than library and information science you may have the MLIS program reduced to 30 credits. In addition to the required credits, you are also required to demonstrate proficiency in the field of library and information science. There are two options for completing the proficiency requirement: passing a comprehensive examination or completing and successfully defending a thesis.
Please Note:  You must be registered for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which you are planning on taking the Comprehensive Exam and/or graduating.  If you decide to pursue the thesis option, you will be required to complete three additional credits in your program.

How long does it take to complete my degree?

The average SOIS online student takes between 2 to 2 1/2 years to complete their MLIS degree. Most online students take 1 or 2 courses (6 credits) per semester.

The average SOIS onsite student takes about a year and a half to complete their MLIS degree. Most full-time onsite students take 3 courses (9 credits) per semester.

These are only averages and your experience will vary depending on how many courses you take per semester. 

What is considered a full academic load?

Enrollment in eight or more credits per semester is full-time.  Enrollment in less than eight credits is part-time. Enrollment in more than 12 credits per semester is an overload for which School approval must be granted.

What is the time limit for completing my degree program?

If your program requires 36-credits, you must complete all degree requirements within seven years of your first semester of enrollment in the program.

If your program requires 30-credits, you must complete all degree requirements within five years of your first semester of enrollment in the program.

When do you accept applications and what are the application deadlines?

SOIS accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.  The following are our application deadline dates:
Fall – February 1st
Spring – September 1st
Summer – December 1st

Is there a core curriculum?

Yes. If you were admitted and began the MLIS program BEFORE the Fall 2007 semester, you are required to take 5 core courses:
                        510 Introduction to Reference Services and Resources
                        520 Managing Library Collections
                        531 Organization of Information
                        540 Management of Libraries and Information Services
                        550 Introduction to Information Science

For all students that will begin their studies Fall of 2007 or later, there will be 4 required core courses:
                        501 Foundations of Library and Information Science
                        511 Organization of Information
                        571 Information Access and Retrieval
                        591 Research in Library and Information Science

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Academics | top |

What areas of concentration do you offer in the MLIS program? 

SOIS currently offers the following concentration areas to guide your study:
Information Law, Policy and Ethics
Information Technology (IT) 
Organization of Information
School Library Media Certification
Please note: these concentrations will not currently display on a UWM transcript. They are intended as guides to create a course of study that best fits your needs and professional goals.

Are on-campus courses offered in the evening and weekends?

On-campus courses are offered during both day and evening sessions to accommodate all students. Weekend courses are rare.

How often are the core courses offered?

The core courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. We strive to offer all core courses in both formats (online and onsite) during each semester. However, due to enrollment numbers and instructor availability, these offerings are subject to change. Summer offerings of the core classes may be more limited.

Are all courses offered online?

Unfortunately, there are certain courses that are not offered in the online environment. It is also important to remember that not every elective listed in the SOIS Catalog is offered in the online environment each semester.

What is the Coordinated Degree Program?

In collaboration with other academic units/departments, SOIS offers students the opportunity of obtaining two master’s degrees at the same time, one in Library and Information Science and one in a subject area. The number of degree credits needed for each of the coordinated programs is usually 12 less than the sum of the two programs if they were not taken simultaneously. All degree requirements of each component degree must be satisfied.

What coordinated degrees does SOIS offer with other departments?

SOIS currently offers the following coordinated degrees with other departments at UWM.
MLIS/MA Anthropology
MLIS/MA English
MLIS/MA Foreign Language & Literature
MLIS/MA Geography
MLIS/MA History
MLIS/MM Music
MLIS/MS Urban Studies
MLIS/MS Health Informatics

Can I complete a coordinated degree program online? 

While SOIS provides online courses to complete the MLIS portion of the program, unfortunately many of the other departments do not have their required courses online. You will need to check with the Department or School to determine which, if any, courses are online.

How do I apply to the Coordinated Master’s Degree program?

The Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) program is separate from the Coordinated Master's Degree program. If you are applying to the Coordinated Degree Program you must also apply to both the School of Information Studies as well as the other department in which you want to complete the coordinated program. You will also need to apply to the UWM Graduate School.  When you apply to the Graduate School you need to indicate which program you are applying for.  If you are not accepted into the other program, but you are accepted into the MLIS program, you could start to take classes in the MLIS program until you are accepted into the other program or change to only the MLIS program if the other department does not admit you.

Does the School of Information Studies (SOIS) offer graduate certification programs?

Yes, SOIS currently offers certification in:
Instructional Library Media Certification

Does the School of Information Studies (SOIS) offer Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs for post-masters students?

Yes, SOIS currently offers a CAS in:
Archival Studies

Does SOIS offer a Ph.D. or Doctoral Program?

SOIS is currently in the planning process to offer a stand alone LIS Ph.D. At this time, there are three options available for prospective Ph.D students with SOIS:

• Ph.D. in Information Studies - This program offers three areas of focus: Information Policy, Information Retrieval, and Organization of Information.
  
  
• Multidisciplinary Ph.D. with a Library/Information Science focus
  The multidisciplinary Ph.D. is not a free standing Ph.D. option.  The student applies and is considered for admission to one of UWM’s 20 Ph.D. programs (the one most closely associated with their interests).  If admitted, the student then makes a detailed proposal before a faculty committee to see if there is approval for creating a multidisciplinary Ph.D. 
  
  
• Ph.D. in Urban Education specializing in Educational and Media Technology
  
  
• Ph.D. in Medical Informatics
  The PhD in Medical Informatics is a new interdisciplinary program offered by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in collaboration with several academic units at UWM and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

If my job requires me to travel a lot can I still take classes?

Yes, you can still take classes while you are away from home. If you are taking an online class, you need only have a computer and access to the Internet. We also realize students may have other commitments and situations that arise that might make “attending” classes periodically difficult.  Make sure you keep in touch with your professor if you anticipate any absences.

What type of career paths can a graduate with a Master of Library & Information Science select?

There are many different career paths for an individual with an MLIS:

• Public Librarian – several different positions: reference, cataloging, administration, collection management etc.
• Academic Librarian – several different positions: reference, cataloging, administration, collection management etc
• Special Libraries – Law, Medical, Business, Special Collections, Music, Art, Government, Science, etc.
• Archives – Museum
• Business Library
• Information Technology Specialists
• Technical Information Service Manager
• Records Manager
• Research Specialists
• Information Entrepreneurship – Information Broker, Database Searchers, Information Consultants
  

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Financial | top |

What type of financial aid, scholarships, or assistantships are available for graduate students?

The School of Information Studies offers scholarships unique to our program in addition to fellowships and assistantships offered by the Graduate School.  The Financial Aid Department also has information about student loans and scholarships.
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/FINAID/
Additional information can be found at:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/StudentInfo/fellowships.html

Where can I find a listing of graduate courses and their descriptions?

You can find a listing of graduate courses here:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/Publications/Bulletin/library_information_science.     html#ug

After I am admitted, can I postpone starting my program at UWM?

Once you are admitted you can defer your enrollment for up to one calendar year.  After one calendar year, you will need to reapply to the Graduate School.  You need to contact both the Graduate School and the School of Information Studies if you decide to defer your enrollment.

Where can I find information about policies and procedures?

The Graduate School establishes the policies and procedures for graduate students. You can locate current policies and procedures in the Graduate Student and Faculty Handbook. http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/Publications/Bulletin/ 

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Application | top |

 

How do I apply?

The application process is two-fold.  You must apply to both the Graduate School and the School of Information Studies. This link will walk you through the process:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SOIS/admission/graduate.htm

The Graduate School requires:

• Graduate School Application
  https://www4.uwm.edu/Grad_Sch/prospective/onlineapp.html
  2 copies of your transcripts
  Essay: “Reason for Graduate Study”
  Application fee ($45.00)
  
• The School of Information Studies requires:
  SOIS Application
  2 Letters of Recommendation
  GRE/MAT scores

How much is the application fee and how do I pay it?

A $45.00 non-refundableapplication fee needs to be paid for admission to the Graduate School. Payment of the fee is valid for one year.  Individuals who apply online may pay the application fee with a credit card.  An additional $30.00 processing fee is required of applicants with college level work from Non-US Colleges or Universities to cover the cost of processing and evaluating non-US credentials.

Are all transcripts required for every program/course I attended even if the course work from one institution appears on my transcripts from another institution?

You must submit official transcripts (two copies are preferred), from EACH undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended, even if work from one institution appears on your records from another institution. To be considered official, the transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate School from each institution. You may submit transcripts that have been sent to you only if the transcripts arrive at UWM in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution.  Photocopied, faxed or loose issued-to-student transcripts are not official.

Am I required to take the GRE for admission for the MLIS program?

Applicants holding another master’s or Ph.D. degree, or the equivalent, or who earned an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or above are exempt from taking the GRE/MAT for the application process. If you do not meet either of these requirements, you are required to submit your GRE/MAT scores to be considered for admission.

Please Note: Most scholarships and fellowships require a GRE score be included in the application process.

How long are GRE/MAT scores valid?

GRE/MAT scores are valid for 5 years. If your test is older than five years, you will need to retake the exam.

Is it necessary to have an undergraduate degree in Information Science in order to apply for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree?

It is not necessary to have an undergraduate degree in Information Science.

Can I transfer credits from another college or university?

The maximum number of transfer credits allowable is the highest of
(a) 12 or 14 credits or
(b) 40% of the total number of credits required for graduation.  The Graduate School will evaluate the course work only after you successfully complete your first semester at UWM as a graduate student. After your first semester and the evaluation by the Graduate School, the request is sent to SOIS for final approval. 
You will need to complete a “Graduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form” http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/Forms/transfer.pdf and submit the form to the Graduate School.

If I have coursework that is similar to some of the core courses in the MLIS program, can I receive credit for these courses?

You can request an exemption from the core MLIS courses by completing a SOIS “Course Exemption Request” http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SOIS/docs/exemptionrequest.pdf . Once SOIS receives the form, coursework will be evaluated by the faculty and the exemption will be approved or disapproved. When submitting the Request form, you must include a copy of the syllabus or other supporting materials.

Can I take graduate level courses in SOIS prior to being admitted into the program?

You can apply as a non-degree candidate (NDC) in order to take courses before you are admitted into the program.  We can not guarantee that you will be admitted or that you will be able to register for the courses you want once you are admitted because students currently enrolled in the program register before NDC students.

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International | top |

I am an international student.   How do I find information regarding admission?

If you are a prospective graduate students to UWM, your application will be processed by the Center for International Education admission staff of the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Visit the CIE website at: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CIE/

Is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required?

Yes, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer test) is required for admission.  International students who have completed a degree from UWM or another approved institution where English is the sole language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL.

If I have to take the TOEFL, do I also need to take the GRE/MAT?

If you are required to take the TOEFL, you are exempt from taking the GRE for admission to the School of Information Studies.

How long are TOEFL scores valid?

TOEFL scores are valid for two years.

Are scholarship, assistantships, and fellowships available for international students

There are three basic sources of support
The Graduate Recruitment and Fellowship Office for graduate fellowship support.
The Financial Aid Office for loans and work-study (If you require a visa to study at UWM, you are not eligible for loans or work-study.)
School of Information Studies scholarships and assistantships.

If I need to visit UWM in person, how do I get there? What are my lodging options?

There are several hotels and motels conveniently located near the UWM campus. Please view our visitor information page to obtain a map of UWM and a list of nearby lodging options.