Two students working in a computer lab.

Master of Science 

Information Science

Program of Study

programofstudy

Core Courses (9 credits)

  • The Information Environment
  • Information and Knowledge Organization
  • Administration of Information Agencies


Research and Statistics Course (3 credits)

Research Methods


Information Science Internship (3 credits)

Gain practical experience applying your knowledge to real-world problems while you receive professional guidance and personal feedback from an expert in the field.

The internship component of this program gives you 150 hours of experience working in an information services agency under the supervision of an on-site mentor.

As an intern, you will complete an on-site project that can be featured in your portfolio. There is also an academic component consisting of a reflective journal, class or individual meetings with faculty, and a paper or project report.

Concentration Courses (21 credits)

See course requirements for your chosen concentration.


Additional Information

 

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact [email protected].

 

Assessment Data

ALA Logo with the words, American Library Association, ALA Accredited, Committee on Accreditation.

The MS Information Science is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Information about the

 accreditation review can be found on our About page. See our ALA Assessment Data.

  • MS Information Science average time to degree for 2022 is 2.38 and first year retention rate is 94.6% This does not include data from dual degree or combined programs.
  • MS Information Science School Library average time to degree for 2022 is 3.09 and first year retention rate is 65.6%

Library Journal’s Placements and Salaries Survey 2020

Concentrations and Careers
Archives and Records Administration

Required Courses

  • Fundamentals of Records Management
  • Electronic Record Management
  • Archives and Manuscripts
  • Preservation Management in Archives and Libraries or Archival Representation
  • Supporting courses as advised (9 credits)

Jobs

Special Collections Librarian, Archival Project Manager, Rare Books and Manuscripts Librarian, Records Management Specialist, Preservation Projects Manager

Library and Information Services

Required Courses

  • Information Processing
  • Information Sources and Services
  • Supporting courses as advised (15 credits)

Jobs

Library Branch Manager, Acquisition and Materials Librarian, Instructional Services Specialist, Circulation Supervisor, Collection Development Director, Resource Consultant

Information Management and Technology

Required Courses

  • Information Storage and Retrieval
  • Information and Public Policy
  • Human Information Behavior
  • Information Systems
  • Supporting courses as advised (9 credits)

Jobs

Digital Access and Metadata Librarian, Interactive Designer, Emerging Technologies Librarian, Web Project Manager, User Experience and Usability Specialist

Data Analytics

Required Courses

  • Database Systems and Data Analysis
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Analysis, Visualization, and Prediction in Analytics
  • Supporting courses as advised (12 credits)

Jobs: Data Integration Specialist, Research Information Analyst, Data Management Officer, Risk Assessor, Performance Measurement Manager, Web Analytics Director

A CEHC student demonstrates a 3D printer
Applied Learning

The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity provides an experiential learning component to all students. Through authentic simulations, work with real-world clients, and research in contemporary and highly relevant topics, students will further their classroom learning in an applied environment. The college partners with various offices, agencies and centers that help to provide research and training opportunities for students, academics, and professionals.

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

Commencement stock photo

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: Not Available
 

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: August 1
Spring: January 1
Summer: April 1

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Goals - The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 
  • Official GRE scores - The GRE is not required if:
    • Your cumulative GPA is 3.2 or higher or
    • You already have a master’s degree or 
    • You have five years or more of professional experience in a related field
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter, please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Demonstrate a sense of professional identity by applying the concepts and principles of library and information sciences and related disciplines.
  • Know the history of the information professions and understand the changing roles of information professionals in a global environment.
  • Create, select, acquire, organize, describe, manage, preserve, retrieve and disseminate information using relevant theories and practices.
  • Assess information needs of diverse and underserved populations and provide resources and instruction to meet those needs.
  • Recognize the crucial role of users in the development and delivery of user-centered information systems and services.
  • Formulate, interpret and implement information policy including issues of privacy, equity, intellectual property, and intellectual freedom.
  • Promote and demonstrate the use of ethical standards in the creation, management and use of information.
  • Conduct and apply research to develop, maintain and evaluate information content and assess information services.
  • Understand, implement and use appropriate technologies in the delivery of information content and services.
  • Apply management principles to the creation, administration and promotion of information organizations and systems.
  • Understand the information environment and build collaborative relationships to strengthen library and information services and literacy.
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