Online MLIS Program
The Information School has developed the Online Master of Library and Information Science program to enable students to earn their degree while continuing to live in their current location. Formerly known as the distance program, the Online MLIS program is a high quality, high impact, part-time degree program that generally requires three calendar years to complete.
The degree requirements (core courses, electives, and portfolio) for the Online MLIS program are identical to the Residential MLIS program. Courses in the Online MLIS program are equivalent to those in the Residential MLIS program; all core and most electives are offered both on-campus and online, and iSchool faculty and guest lecturers provide instruction. While the course delivery mode may differ, an Online student’s diploma will read just as a Residential student’s diploma: “Master of Library and Information Science”.
An Orientation Week serves as the kick-off for newly admitted students, and typically takes place the week prior to the start of autumn quarter (during the third or fourth week of late September). It is the student's responsibility to make appropriate plans for missing work or other engagements, as well as plan for travel costs and lodging expense during this mandatory week on campus in Seattle. After that, course delivery will be Internet-based. The majority of the online program is asynchronous, meaning that there are no specific days or times where a student has to be online for synchronous communication. However some instructors may schedule an online synchronous session at the start of the quarter, before moving to a completely asynchronous delivery.
Curriculum is delivered through modules that include a set of activities (lectures, readings, discussion and assignments) centered on a theme, topic, or learning objective. Students work on activities in the module at an individual pace, but are expected to complete each module within the deadlines indicated in the course schedule. Assigned readings may include recommended books or electronic resources available through a variety of sources. Discussion related to readings, recorded lectures, or assignments takes place via asynchronous discussion boards. Assignments vary according to instructors and course materials.
To ensure students possess a baseline set of technologies through which we can deliver remote instruction, Online MLIS students must adhere to specific
technology requirements. Residential MLIS students should also adhere to these technology requirements in case they take an online course during their tenure and wish to work from a location outside of the iSchool Computer Labs.
Information technology literacy requirements should also be reviewed by all potential MLIS students.
The Online MLIS program offers a unique opportunity for those who choose it as their ideal mode of instruction. The iSchool is a national resource and the Online MLIS program is open to all - from Seattle natives, to those in the Pacific Northwest, to those across the country.