Library and Information Science: Information Science and Technology Concentration

The Master of Library and Information Science (MS): Information Science and Technology Concentration at Simmons University is a flexible, highly-inclusive program that combines theory, hands-on competencies, and understanding of professional practices to expose students to the kinds of knowledge they’ll be expected to know as an information professional.

Technology is increasingly an integral part of the Library and Information Science profession. Our Information Science and Technology Concentration is designed for students who are interested in developing skills and knowledge in information technology, while maintaining a strong grounding in human information behavior and the service orientation of Library and Information Science.

The skills and knowledge gained in this concentration prepare graduates for careers in libraries, museums, archives, management of information systems and also for data-rich business and research settings.

Students in the Master’s in Library Science: Information Science and Technology Concentration have the option to complete their degree entirely online. In addition to face-to-face classroom options in Boston and at SLIS West (South Hadley and Amherst, Massachusetts), students can select a blended approach, combining online and face-to-face courses that meet their academic needs.

Why study in the Information Science and Technology Concentration?

Students who graduate with the Information Science and Technology Concentration will have an understanding of major theories in information science and be able to apply them to specific research or professional contexts; fundamental programming knowledge and skills; skills in database design and application; and proficiency in one or more areas in information science and technology within the user-system continuum ⁠— all with an eye for creating and working in socio-technical environments that appreciate the diversity and complexity of today’s information settings.

What will you learn?

The Master of Library and Information Science: Information Science and Technology Concentration is a 36-credit program that imparts the concepts and competencies needed for positions in a variety of information settings. In addition to three core courses in library and information science, Information Science and Technology students take three core courses in the areas of programming, database management and theories in information science. They also complete two electives focused on information science and technology and four electives that can serve to bridge across other areas within library and information science.

Simmons' Master's in Library and Information Science has attained an outstanding reputation for first-rate internships — essential for success in the field. We strongly encourage all students to gain experience in the ﬁeld prior to graduation, and we help students connect with the best sites for their career goals.

Our location in Boston opens up opportunities for partnerships with a range of information technology companies, IT start-ups, libraries, archives, and historical sites, but our contacts also extend across the country. We work with you to obtain a challenging internship in your area and offer continued support to ensure that your experience meets your professional goals.

What can you do with an Information Science and Technology Concentration?

Simmons University is one of U.S. News and World Report’s top ranking schools of library and information science. The winning combination of our Master's in Library and Information Science plus exceptional work experience puts Simmons' graduates in a strong position to find employment after finishing their program.

Library and Information Science graduates report that their pre-professional work experience helped them to identify which environments and jobs were right for them, while also building their networks. Students will leave the program qualified for a range of positions such as:

Systems analysts
Systems librarians
Knowledge managers
Web developers
Web content designers and managers
Information architects
Usability specialists
User experience (UX) designers
Information behavior researchers
Interaction designers
IT managers
Requirement analysts
IT support specialists
Database developers
Social media managers
Digital collection managers

Learn more about our Information Science and Technology Concentration!

Take advantage of what Boston has to offer while taking library science degree courses on a flexible schedule, with classes held on days, nights, and weekends. Or, join Simmons from anywhere — the option to complete the Information Science and Technology Concentration online provides the utmost flexibility for students from every corner of the world. Learn more about why the Master of Library and Information Science with a concentration in Information Science and Technology at Simmons is the perfect fit for you. Request more information today!

See program requirements for the Library and Information Science: Information Science and Technology Concentration program.

Students may complete the master of science degree program in library and information science fully online. Students may choose the DYO (Design Your Own) option, and customize their degree program to reflect their professional goal. They may choose to concentrate their studies in information science and technology or archives management.

The Information Science and Technology concentration follows the same requirements of the on-campus program. All class modalities are open to students in our program (online, face to face, blended). Excepting mode of delivery, online courses are identical to face to face courses in content and learning objectives. Online courses are asynchronous, meaning that teaching and learning in the online course environment is not bound to time or place. Just as face-to-face students must meet assignment deadlines set by their instructors and actively engage in learning in the classroom space, online students are similarly obligated to complete assignments on time and participate in learning activities. The difference between the online and face-to-face experience: online students may access and engage with organized learning materials anytime and anywhere they are connected to the Internet.

Because all MS students may register for and participate in online classes, the SLIS online classrooms have become spaces for local and distant students to learn and network.

Attend the LIS Master’s Program at SLIS West in South Hadley, Massachusetts located at Mount Holyoke College. The SLIS West Campus is primarily a part time program geared towards the needs of working students. The small classes, scheduling flexibility, and cohesive community help our working students succeed in the classroom and in their careers.

Courses are scheduled primarily on weekends, with some evening options available. Students in the IS&T concentration can complete program requirements through a combination of coursework at the SLIS West Campus and online. Students are also welcome to take classes at the Boston campus.