A student with a master's degree in library and information science will normally need 36 credit hours (6 required doctoral courses, 5 elective courses, and the dissertation).
Required courses 
(6 courses and the dissertation, for a total of 21 credits)
The following course sequence is intended to offer students the opportunity to identify researchable topics of interest and explore those topics through the various stages of their programs of study. By the end of their last required course, students will have produced at least two papers of publishable quality.
Please Note: Official course numbers will be added as soon as they are available.
LIS 620 History, Concepts, and Research Opportunities (3 credits)
LIS 620 serves as a foundation and a cohort-building course. The course takes an international perspective in exploring historical developments, current issues, and research activities of interest to library and information science, archival studies, and related information fields. It reviews the history and major developments in LIS education and considers the role of scholarship in higher education. It introduces key topics related to the research process, including problem identification, funding opportunities, the communication of findings, use of human subjects, research ethics, and research misconduct. Assignments include papers, presentations, leading classroom discussions, and completion of the Simmons College Institutional Review Board "Investigator 101" module.
LIS 621 Conducting Research: An Overview (3 credits)
This course addresses the theories, principles, and practices of research. It examines reflective inquiry (including the development of the problem statement, literature review, theoretical framework, logical structure, research objectives, and questions/hypotheses) and research design, data collection methods, and data analysis. The course also covers generalizability, reliability and validity, and the report and presentation of research results. Methods in quantitative and qualitative data analysis are introduced. Students are able to develop their own research proposals and select appropriate methods based on specific research questions. The course builds on themes and research concepts introduced in History, Concepts and Research Opportunities. The course requirement might include assignments, quizzes, research projects, and presentation of the research results.
Statistics, data analysis and research methodologies (6 credits total)
Two 3-credit courses in statistics, data analysis, and advanced research methodologies. Some of these may be offered through GSLIS, some may be offered by other departments of the College. The Coordinator of Doctoral Studies will work with individual students to develop this part of their curriculum.
LIS 680 - Independent Inquiry (3 credit hours)
LIS 699 - Supervised Dissertation (3 credit hours)
Elective Courses
In consultation with the Coordinator and Advisor, students will take elective courses at the 400 or 500 level in GSLIS or graduate level courses in other units of the College (for example, courses in management, communications, and higher order qualitative and quantitative methodology courses) as part of their approved program of study.
LIS 680 Independent Study (3 credits)
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