School of Library and Information Science

Students who earn an MLIS, specifically those specializing in Information Architecture, will develop a strong base of skills that are in high demand in the modern economy. Information architects are needed in nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations, and the demand for them is only growing. Graduates of this information architecture program have received competitive job offers in a range of sectors.

There are four required core courses for all students in the program: Organization of Information, Information Sources & Services, Information Systems in Libraries and Information Centers, and The Information Professions in Society. These courses will give students a strong foundation in Library and Information Science, and allow them to develop a sense for what they would like to pursue further.

Then, students choose a course of study that interests them or may design their own course of study. There are ten options of specializations: Community Services Librarianship, Cultural Heritage Information Management, Digital Libraries, Health Sciences, Information Analysis, Information Architecture, Law Librarianship, Organization of Information, School Library Media, and Generalist.

In addition to the core courses, students specializing in Information Architecture are highly encouraged to take at least four of the following courses: User Interface and Evaluation; Information Architecture and Web Design; Indexing, Abstracting and Thesaurus Construction; Database Management; Research Methods in Library and Information Science and Systems Analysis and Evaluation.

After completing these courses, as well as an additional three to four electives, students in the information architecture program will have developed a strong base of knowledge in organizing and displaying information. This foundation will help them to pursue their career goals in information architecture.

The MSLIS program is a 36 credit hour program, and at least 30 of those credit hours must be completed at Catholic University. Most students complete their master’s level IA degree within three years, and extending past four years requires the approval of faculty and the dean. All students must pass a comprehensive examination during or after their final semester to receive their information architecture degree.

Catholic University offers an Online and Weekend Learning (OWL) program for students in the MLIS program. This combines online coursework with monthly face-to-face classes on Saturdays. Students take two courses each term, and classes are scheduled so that students only need to travel to campus once a month. This program makes it possible for students to stay in their jobs and fulfill their responsibilities to their families while earning their degree.

Catholic University offers the only Library and Information Science degree in Washington, D.C. that is fully accredited by the American Library Association. Tuition for all classes is $1070 per credit. Full-time Catholic school teachers receive a discount and pay $855 per credit. Prospective students need to submit an online application.

The Catholic University of America is the only institute of higher education founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops. It was established in 1887 and approved by Pope Leo XIII. Today, the campus enrolls approximately 6,500 students split between graduate and undergraduate programs. The school has been rated one of the best value private schools in the country by Kiplinger’s.