Degree Requirements

Our Master of Information (MI) program is built on the integrity and success of our MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) program in a way that enables information professionals from a wide variety of contexts and applications to study their craft, interact with one another, and leverage one another's expertise in an interactive and engaging learning environment. Our students understand the social value of creation, collection, organization, retrieval, preservation, and use of a variety of information artifacts and structures ranging from books to complex computing systems.

Our program attracts students with undergraduate backgrounds that range from humanities to computer science(s). Within the program space, students are offered many opportunities to build upon and expand their expertise as well as work together in problem-solving contexts and engage in areas that might otherwise not be available to them. A librarian or archivist might study data science. An information asset manager might want to learn about preservation in greater depth. A computer scientist might want to learn about data structures and organization. The combinations build on core strengths while opening other opportunities for exploration.

Basic Rules of the Master of Information Program

All students (unless you are specializing in School Librarianship) must take two foundation courses.

In the first semester, students should enroll in one foundation course, the technology requirement, and 17:610:501 – Introduction to Library and Information Professions; summer admits take 17:610:501 in the fall.

Foundational Coursework (6 credits)

All students (unless specializing in School Librarianship) must take two foundation courses.
We recommend students enroll in one foundation course and the technology requirement in their first semester.

• 17:610:510 – Human Information Behavior
• 17:610:520 – Organizing Information
• 17:610:570 – Management Principles in Information Organizations (required for Technology, Information, and Management concentration)
• 17:610:580 – Knowledge and Society (required for Archives and Preservation concentration)
• 17:610:581 – Social Informatics

Technology Requirement (3 credits)

• 17:610:550 – Introduction to Information Technologies 

  Waiver available with approval. If waived, students must substitute another 3-credit course. [Link to waiver procedure]

Contact Associate Teaching Professor Anselm Spoerri, course coordinator, for questions or help in waiving this requirement.

Zero-Credit Courses

These are required for all students and follow a specific sequence:

• All students must enroll in 17:610:501 – Introduction to Library and Information Professions during their first semester. Summer admits will take it in the fall.
• 17:610:501 – Intro to Library and Information Professions (first semester)
• 17:610:502 – Colloquium in Library and Information Studies (mid-program)
• 17:610:503 – ePortfolio Capstone (final semester)

Concentrations 

Choose from seven concentrations or design your own path. 

All students must complete 36 credit hours.

Credit Transfer Policy

Transfer Credits

A maximum of six graduate credits may be transferred to the MI program under the options below.

American Library Association (ALA)-Accredited Programs

Credits may be transferred from a graduate program of library and information science accredited by the ALA if the work was completed with a grade of B or better within three years prior to admission to the Rutgers MI program. Credits will not be transferred until the successful completion of one semester of study. Verbal approvals will be granted for course transfers that align to specific courses in the MI curriculum.

Rutgers or Other Accredited Master’s Programs

Credits may be transferred from master’s-level courses earned at Rutgers University or master’s-level courses earned from a master’s program at an accredited institution with a grade of B or better within three years prior to admission to the Rutgers MI program. Requests should be submitted after the completion of 12 credits. Practicums and independent studies cannot be transferred.

Additional Conditions (before registering outside MI)

All requests are subject to approval and the specific requirements of program pathways. Current students wishing to take master’s courses outside their program must obtain the approval of the MI Program Director prior to registering. Please provide the course syllabus, a brief statement explaining how the class aligns with your academic/professional goals, and approval from your academic adviser or concentration coordinator. You are responsible for contacting an external program/faculty member to obtain permission to take the class. Any course completed outside the MI program without explicit advance approval of the program/department will not be applied toward the MI degree and will not be computed in the MI grade point average.

Submitting a Transfer-Credit Request (after admission)

Send a request letter to the MI Program Director identifying the course(s) and explaining how each supports the MI degree and your professional goals. Include the course descriptions or syllabi and the Credit Transfer Evaluation Form. Send official transcripts from the transferring institution to the SC&I Office of Student Services. If approved, Student Services will forward the transcripts and the transfer-credit request to the Graduate Registrar.

Review and Notification

The Program Director, in consultation with the Admissions Committee and, as appropriate, concentration coordinators and faculty, will evaluate the request. Student Services will notify you of the decision within four weeks of submission.