Master of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Information and Media Studies

Graduates of the Master of Library and Information Science program are skilled professionals who are able to skillfully manage today's information and understand the shifting field of tomorrow. Western Ontario's IA program is recognized as one of the best in North America, which means that its graduates are sought after employees. Each graduate has a strong foundation in librarianship and well as the capacity to engage with new technologies and new ideas.

There are three primary goals of the MLIS program. The first is to provide quality education in library and information science using coursework, research, and experiential learning so that students feel confident in their MLIS knowledge upon graduation. The second is to develop professionals who are prepared for the modern workplace. The third is to graduate librarians who can apply and evaluate all aspects of information management to provide information for the public good.

All students must complete 15 courses to receive this IA degree. Five of these are required core courses: Perspectives on Library and Information Science; Information Organization, Curation and Access; Information Sources and Services; Research Methods and Statistics; and Managing and Working in Information Organizations. The other ten are elective courses which students may choose between in order to create the academic pathway that best suits their professional goals. Electives are split into Program Content Areas, and students are required to take at least one course from four of the five Content Areas. These are Information Organization, Curation, and Access; Information Policy; Connecting People with Information; Information and Communication Technology; and Managing and Working in Information Institutions. By the time they complete the information management program, students will have both a breadth of knowledge and depth in one subfield, making them highly qualified potential information management employees.

The MLIS program is highly flexible, making it an excellent program for professionals who want to stay active in their career while gaining deeper knowledge in their field. Students can start the program in September, January, or May and can earn their IA degree in only 12 months. The school also offers part-time options for working professionals.

The MLIS program at the University of Western Ontario offers a unique co-op model. Students can participate in paid internships in a related position before their final term. This opportunity allows students to practice what they have been learning, as well as made connections that will help them move forward professionally after graduation.

This master's level information architecture program is accredited by the American Library Association. Full-time international students in the MLIS program pay $10,700 per term, and part-time international students pay $5,100 per term. Canadian full-time students pay $4,700, and part-time Canadian students pay $2,000. There are scholarships available.

The University of Western Ontario, commonly known as Western, is a public university in London, Ontario. It was founded by Bishop Isaac Hellmuth of the Anglican Diocese of Huron in 1878 and enrolls more than 35,000 students. The university is a member of the U15, which is a collection of research institutions across Canada.