Online Master of Science in Information Sciences (MSIS)
Information Sciences
Program Overview
Looking to earn your online master’s degree in information sciences (MSIS)? The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program ideal for distance learners seeking a flexible, fully online learning environment.
Whether you’re interested in working with big data as a researcher or as a children’s librarian, the MSIS online degree program can prepare you for an enriching career in the library and information sciences.
Lead the Way in Information Sciences
Our American Library Association (ALA)-accredited master’s program in information sciences prepares students to effectively manage, navigate, analyze, and turn information into action in the public and private sectors. Organizations produce enormous amounts of data, and individuals with an MSIS degree are in high demand to organize, manage, and analyze it, and to advise on the future. The dynamic field of Information Sciences (IS) encompasses careers across all types, settings, and disciplines, including data analysis, library science, user experience (UX) design, information architecture, corporate taxonomy, and many others. Careers in information and library sciences can be tailored to fit almost any goals for your professional future.
Library Science (LIS) roles are those found in a variety of settings, including school, public, and academic libraries. Individuals interested in an LIS career track can pursue a variety of positions, including (but not limited to) academic librarian, law librarian, school librarian, data curator, instruction librarian, and emerging technology librarian. Many of these careers require an ALA-accredited MSIS degree.
A career in information and library sciences may also be a good fit if you’re passionate about contributing to the common good, with some trajectories including working with children and early literacy, helping a community grow and thrive, or working with geographic information to identify patterns and emerging trends for grant-funded programs.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or international equivalent
- Minimum 3.25 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- Transcript copies – official transcripts required after admission
- CV or resume
- Written statement
- Letters of recommendation from three professionals; individuals who have supervised or collaborated with the applicant
- $60 application fee
*All undergraduate degrees are welcome.
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Featured Courses
The MSIS at UT is a broad and interdisciplinary program. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of courses you can take based on your interests and career goals:
Research methods in various information environments; primary and secondary research; research project design; research results interpretation; analysis of published research; techniques supporting the research process.
Basic library-oriented cataloging and classification techniques, tools, and supporting operations. Descriptive cataloging, choice and form of non-subject entries, subject heading work, general classification, authority control, bibliographic utilities, online library catalogs.
Concepts related to spatial data management, including types of spatial data, spatial data discovery, data curation, and metadata creation. Issues related to research data management policies and related information services.
Critical survey of diverse children’s materials, for birth through age 12, in all formats and genres. Emphasis on evaluation, selection, and use in school and public libraries.
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