Information Studies Master of Science in Information Science Degree (M.S.I.S.)

Program Leading to the Master of Science in Information Science (M.S.I.S) Degree

The graduate program in information science is accredited by the American Library Association and prepares students for careers in public, academic, and other public sector libraries; government agencies; archives and records management centers; private sector information centers; producers of bibliographic, abstracting and indexing, and other online databases; information management and systems in a wide range of government, library, corporate and nonprofit organizations.

Program of Study (42 Credits)

A. Required courses: (21 Credits)

  1. Core courses: IST 601, 602, and 614 (replaced by 676 for LIS/School media students)
    (9 credits)
  2. Technology core: Two courses from the following: IST 523, 535, 538, 561, 653 and 658.
    IST 611 if student is not in IST concentration. IST 673 required for LIS/School media students. (6 credits)
  3. Research and statistics competency: IST 608 (3 credits)
  4. Internship: IST 668 (3 credits)

B. Concentration courses: (6-18 credits)

  1. Archives and Records Administration
    Required courses: IST546, 547, 654 or 660, 656. (12 credits)
  2. Library and Information Services
    Required courses: IST603, 605. (6 credits)
  3. Library and Information Services/School Library Media Specialist *
    Required courses: IST 571, 578, 603, 605, 675, 676 and an additional internship.
    (21 credits)
  4. Information Management and Policy
    Required courses: IST 560, 615, 636. (9 credits)
  5. Information Systems and Technology
    Required courses: IST 533, 611, 636. (9 credits)

C. Supporting courses as advised (3-15 credits)


* Additional Program/NYSED Requirements for School Library Media Specialist
   concentration:

  • A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required as well as GRE test scores for admission.
  • School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) Training
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Training
  • DASA Training

As an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department, there may be additional certification requirements applicable. These requirements may include, but are not limited to additional workshops. Certification procedures and requirements are outlined on the School of Education’s Teacher Certification website (https://www.albany.edu/education/teacher_certification.php).