Accelerated MLIS/PhD

The accelerated MLIS/PhD degree option is designed for students who want to earn MLIS and PhD degrees through an accelerated sequence of courses. The accelerated degree option is particularly relevant to practicing information science professionals who have an undergraduate degree but not a master’s degree and are interested in pursuing doctoral level coursework and research. Individuals who have earned a master’s degree in another field and would like to expand their competencies to take on new roles and research in the information professional will also find the accelerated degree a viable option.

The accelerated degree option can be completed in four years. The first year consists of MLIS coursework and then students join a cohort-based PhD program to complete the doctoral degree.

Prospective students should apply for the accelerated MLIS/PhD option. When a student begins the MLIS coursework, his/her status as a doctoral student is conditional until the 24 MLIS credits have been completed. The MLIS degree is awarded after the student completes the 24 MLIS credits, 12 doctoral credits, and the ePortfolio requirement.

A student who begins the accelerated MLIS/PhD option and decides not to pursue the PhD degree or who does not meet the doctoral course requirement needs to complete the full 36 MLIS credit hours to satisfy the current MLIS degree requirement. A student who successfully completes the 24 credit hours of MLIS coursework and then completes 18 credit hours of doctoral coursework, but who does not pass the PhD comprehensive exam, will receive the MLIS degree.