What courses will I take?

The 36-credit course of study may be completed within one year of study, or may be undertaken on a part-time basis.  Students will be admitted to this specialization in the Fall and Spring semesters only.  In addition to the required core MLIS courses, students will take additional required courses targeted to academic librarianship as well as elective courses from a range of options.

Required courses

• Understanding Information (LIS 2000)
• Retrieving Information/Reference and Resources (LIS 2002)
• Introduction to Information Technologies (LIS 2600)
• Organizing Information (LIS 2001)
• Managing Libraries and Information Services and Systems in Changing Environments (LIS 2700)
• Issues in Academic Librarianship (LIS 2879)
• Field Experience (LIS 2921)
  In rare instances, this requirement may be waved with the approval of the lead faculty member for the Academic Libraries specialization. This waver may be offered if the student has extensive library experience.

Electives

Five elective courses may be selected from the following lists. In addition, with the approval of the advisor, student may take other electives at the iSchool (including up to two courses from other departments or schools at Pitt).

Highly recommended:

• The Library’s Role in Teaching and Learning (LIS 2850) (usually taught in Summer)
• Special Topics: Collection Development (LIS 2970) (usually taught in Summer)
• Records, Accountability and Ethics (LIS 2223)
• Digital Libraries (LIS 2670)

Also recommended:

• At least one specialized resources course (e.g., humanities, science and technology, etc.). 
• Information architecture (LIS 2635)
• Archives and records management. (LIS 2220)