Library and Information Science (MMLIS)

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science is designed to prepare librarians and information science professionals for leadership at every level of the enterprise in academic, public and corporate environments. Accredited by the American Library Association, USC’s MMLIS is the nation’s only library science degree to be offered by a top-ranked business school - the USC Marshall School of Business - and offers unique library and information science courses to prepare students for a constantly innovating and evolving field.

The program provides a solid foundation of course work that explores leadership and management strategies as well as business operations from marketing to accounting to prepare students for high-level careers in library and information science fields. Each semester, students enroll in a two-unit course in which they investigate critical issues, connect with leaders, undertake research with faculty and otherwise extend their learning and understanding. After students have finished the core course work, they pursue elective options and an internship to hone their interests and explore specializations before they complete the program with the capstone project.

The capstone project provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning during the MMLIS experience and achievement of the core competencies for the program.

Offered 100% online, the MMLIS program accepts applicants for fall and spring semesters. Students enter the program as a cohort and work closely with their fellow students and professors during their studies. All students receive career guidance and other ongoing support from a dedicated support specialist throughout the program.

Application

To qualify for admission to the MMLIS program, prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. (Neither the GMAT nor the GRE is required for application/admission to this program.) International applicants are required to submit a TOEFL score and must have earned a score of at least 100, with at least 20 in each section. (Students who have completed their entire bachelor’s degree program at regionally accredited universities located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the official language of the country are exempt.)

Applicants will also submit a professional résumé, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation and transcripts from each institution of higher education attended.

For questions about the degree or the application process, please email mmlis.admissions@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 740-2741. More information can be found at librarysciencedegree.usc.edu.

Curriculum

The MMLIS degree requires 40 semester units including 13 required courses (31 units) plus 9 elective units of study. The program is structured over five 15-week semesters and can be completed in as few as 20 months.