Overview

The M.S. in Information Science (MSIS) program at the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS) prepares students to become leaders in the design, implementation, evaluation, and administration of information systems. The program guides students toward expertise in analyzing, organizing, representing, and retrieving information, with an emphasis on developing information systems and processes to meet the information needs of the future.

This on-campus program allows students to form close relationships with peers and professors. Connect with members of our passionate alumni community in a wide range of industries and professions.

If you have questions regarding the MSIS program, please feel free to reach out to us at info@ils.unc.edu.

Customize Your Experience

Our highly flexible program allows students to customize their learning experience through options such as:

• A concentration in archives and records management
• An informal specialization or certificate
• A capstone experience consisting of either a research-based paper or a practicum project

Gain Hands-On Experience in the Field

The SILS Field Experience Program enables students to gain 135 hours of professional experience in an information organization while receiving three hours of class credit. Field Experience can be completed during the fall, spring, or summer term. Students are mentored by both a supervising professional in the organization (site supervisor) and a full-time SILS faculty member (faculty supervisor). Students also engage in a course seminar.

Careers in Information Science

Graduates of the MSIS program find exciting careers in a variety of settings: businesses and corporations (including the health-care and financial industries), non-profit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurial enterprises.

Within these settings, they may focus on systems analysis and design, database administration, information retrieval and data mining, knowledge management systems, web design, instructional technologies, social media, user interface design, user experience, and emerging technologies.

Upon graduation, our students have accepted positions such as:

• Software Development Engineer, Amazon
• Computer Network Defense Deputy Team Chief, Army National Guard
• Data and Policy Analyst, Acumen LLC
• User Experience Designer, SAS
• Analyst, Credit Suisse
• Metadata Librarian, University of Tennessee
• Machine Learning Lead, Semantic Enrichment Team, EBSCO Information Services

Application Information

For complete details on application deadlines, tuition, financial aid, and the application process, visit our master’s degree information page. 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students are prepared to apply critical thinking to a particular challenge that might be experienced in a professional setting. They will be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of particular solutions and use concrete examples to clarify the challenge and its possible solutions.
2. Students are prepared to apply standard professional tools to problem definition and solution. They will be aware of the classic and current tools and technologies available to information professionals and will be able to select and apply those tools and technologies to information problems.
3. Students are prepared to apply ideas, theories, and empirical evidence to solve problems that information professionals might face in the workplace.
4. Students are prepared to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of a particular information setting/context, including the needs of the users; the types of materials being collected; the realities of budget, management, and organizational structure; the types of challenges faced and ways to address those challenges; new/current professional and research developments pertinent to the setting/context; the influences of social and political milieu on the setting/context; and how quality may be defined and assessed within that setting/context.
5. Students are prepared to express their ideas clearly. They will be able to describe problems/challenges, situations, and solutions in an understandable way; synthesize ideas from multiple sources and engage with those ideas in depth; and develop an argument in a coherent and logical manner.

Questions?

Contact Lara Bailey
Graduate Programs Assistant Director
ljbailey@email.unc.edu or (919) 962-7601