Master of Library and Information Studies

Tuition fees for Master of Library and Information Studies are 29,904 USD per year, while the application deadline for Master of Library and Information Studies is Oct 15, 2026.

URI's Master of Library and Information Studies is an accelerated online program providing expertise in library and information services, management, and technology. Students engage in experiential education, including mandatory internships, and can tailor their studies with faculty mentorship. It is one of the first accelerated online MLIS programs.

Focus areas include School Library Media, Digital Media, Libraries, Leadership, and Transforming Communities, Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship.

The program requires 36 credits, comprising 15 core credits and 21 elective credits. The School Library Media track has a different set of core courses and fewer electives.

Graduates find career opportunities as Librarians, Archivists, and Information Specialists in public, school, and special library settings, as well as in corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a current resume.

The programme totals about 36 credit hours. Fully Online. Flexible Schedule. Can be completed within 2 years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 77% of applicants.

Academic breadth is central to the University of Rhode Island experience. More than 90 undergraduate majors and over 100 minors give students a wide range of subjects to explore. Faculty and programs encourage students to expand their view of what is possible, while graduate students can choose from full-time and part-time degree and certificate programs. URI also offers new undergraduate and graduate programs beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

Environmental and food scholarship feature in URI’s academic community. A URI Ph.D. food scholar was recognized as a Switzer Environmental Fellow, connecting food-related study with environmental work. The Fall Honors Colloquium adds a regular program of Tuesday evening lectures from September 15 through December 8. These offerings give students opportunities to encounter academic topics beyond their main program.

The Kingston campus is near the ocean, and the university presents its setting as part of a welcoming community for students. International applicants should review the requirements for their applicant category and use the Common Application where applicable. URI does not require standardized test scores after acceptance, and applicants are considered for merit scholarships and the Honors program whether or not they submit scores. There is no separate application for those considerations. Applicants may also need to complete the STARS Record in the URI applicant portal and provide official transcripts for any advanced credit.