Build expertise in data stewardship, archival management and community leadership—without putting your life on hold. Graduates pursue careers in libraries, museums, research centers, nonprofits, and businesses, managing information in both physical and digital spaces. Join a network of professionals who use data-driven solutions to serve and empower communities. Learn more through our virtual LIS Industry Speaker Series, open to prospective students and the public.
Educating tomorrow's information leaders
At a glance
Format
Online
Start dates
Fall, Spring, or Summer
ALA-accredited
Our Master of Library and Information Science, the entry degree for a professional librarian, is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA-MLS). Universally required for professionals in academic libraries, the MLIS is essential for leadership in public libraries and provides valuable management skills.
What you'll learn
The master's in library and information science (M.L.I.S.) at IU Indianapolis blends core library and information science (LIS) principles with emerging areas such as data curation, digital preservation, and information organization. Students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects and a strong focus on community engagement in information services.
My Journey
My Journey is a professional development and portfolio process designed as a graduation requirement for Master’s of Library and Information Science students. Created to enhance career preparation and foster community across courses, My Journey is introduced to new students in LIS-S 500 and continues throughout their graduate studies. It is accessed through the department’s Community Canvas course, which serves as a resource hub for all students.
There are eight M.L.I.S. program goals. These are derived from the ALA Core Competences of Librarianship that indicate the basic knowledge to be possessed by all persons graduating from an ALA-accredited master’s program in library and information studies.
- Generalist (No Specialization)
- Academic Librarianship Specialization
- Archives Management Specialization
- Digital Curation Specialization
- Facilitated Learning Specialization
- Health Sciences Librarianship Specialization
- Public Librarianship/Adult Services Specialization
- School Library Specialization
- Technical Services Specialization
- Youth Services Specialization
These programs have agreed to share some courses and reduce the total credits that would be required to earn both degrees independently:
Cost and financial aid
Graduate tuition at Luddy Indianapolis is charged per credit hour.
Cost per credit hour for the 2025-26 academic year: $503
Scholarships
Luddy offers a number of scholarships for library and information science graduate students.
Career outcomes
$45.5KMedian starting salary
93%Employed / continuing education
Job titles
- Archivist specialist
- Branch librarian
- Community engagement coordinator
- Data governance lead
- English teacher
- Information services manager
- Medical records manager
- Programming and outreach specialist
Employers
- Library of Congress
- Indianapolis Public LIbrary
- Indiana University Libraries
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Indiana State Library
Admission requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 3.2 in the latest graduate degree or representative graduate hours.
- GRE scores are required for applicants not meeting minimum GPA requirements.
Admission deadlines
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 15
- Summer: March 1
Chat with a student
From blog to book: Local attorney and MLIS alumnus documents Indianapolis history
What started as a hobby turned into a master's degree focused on archive management and eventually a book, Vanished Indianapolis.
Read more about the book
Library of Congress internship informs MLIS student’s future as curator and creator of multicultural stories
Khrisma McMurray gained real-world experience with her summer internship at the Library of Congress.
Read more about her internship