Earn Your Master of Library and Information Science
Top-Ranked, Flexible, and Customizable MLIS
Simmons University’s top-ranked Master of Science in Library and Information Science programs, accredited by the American Library Association, combine distinctive faculty with rigorous academics and real-world experience to prepare you for a career as an information professional. Specialize in school libraries, archives, museums, technology, information management, and more, or earn a dual degree in history or children’s literature.
We offer flexible learning options — online, on-campus in Boston or Western Massachusetts, or in a hybrid format — so you can customize your education to meet your goals. You’ll gain hands-on skills and resume-building opportunities through internships, practicums, site visits, and pre-professional positions with our partners.
Generous Scholarships are Available.
MLIS Priority Application Deadlines
- October 15 | Start term: Spring 2027
- February 1 | Start term: Fall 2027
National Recognition
Simmons Library and Information Science programs are highly ranked in U.S. News and World Report.
1st
Archives Management
Our Archives Management concentration is ranked 1st among Archives & Preservation programs.
* U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
9th
Master's in Library and Information Science
The Master's in Library and Information Science is ranked 9th in the nation.
*U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
9th
Services for Children and Youth program
SLIS was ranked 9th for Services for Children and Youth programs.
*U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
Find Your MLIS Path
Simmons’ 36-credit Master of Library Science program provides a foundation of disciplinary knowledge in library and information science. Our professors bring real-world experience into their instruction. The curriculum combines foundational principles with emerging technologies and practices, preparing you to lead in a rapidly evolving field.
We offer five concentrations, or you may choose the Design Your Own (DYO) option:
Concentrations
| Concentration | Best For | Career Focus | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archives Management | Preservation | Archives & Museums | Online, On-campus, Hybrid |
| Information Science & Technology | Technology | Data, Information Systems | Online, On-campus, Hybrid |
| Libraries & Librarianship | Public Service | Public, Academic & Special Libraries | Online, On-campus, Hybrid |
| School Library Teacher (Massachusetts) | Education | K–12 Schools | On-campus, Hybrid |
| Cultural Heritage Informatics | Digital Collections | Museums & Cultural Institutions | Online, On-campus, Hybrid |
Dual Degrees
Through our dual degrees, you can specialize your expertise while earning two master’s degrees.
- History (MA) + Library and Information Science: Archives Management (MS) prepares you for the increasing number of archival positions that require both technical training and historical knowledge.
- History (MA) + Library and Information Science: Cultural Heritage Informatics (MS) provides a strong foundation in collecting, preserving, and exhibiting cultural heritage collections, along with deep knowledge of history in your area of interest.
- Children’s Literature + Library and Information Science brings together deep literary study with concrete experience developing collections and designing youth services.
Your Simmons MLIS Experience
The Simmons School of Library and Information Science is big in many ways. We’re a national leader and a top-10 school of library and information science, according to U.S. News & World Report. We have renowned faculty and prestigious alumnae/i. We offer our programs at two campuses: the main campus in Boston and the SLIS West campus in the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts. Most programs are also available online.
But like a small school, we also offer a highly collaborative, personal learning experience. You’ll have direct and frequent access to faculty who know your name and understand your aspirations. And you’ll work closely with classmates in an engaging, supportive classroom environment, be it face-to-face or online.
What Our Students Say
Simmons has truly helped me to become more knowledgeable and confident in my skills as a library professional, including learning technical skills like coding, gathering and analyzing data, and technical grant or report writing, and more interpersonal skills, such as being a better and more effective communicator, and viewing issues from multifaceted and diverse perspectives.
- Sydney Villegas ’26MS
Where Our Graduates Work
Our graduates go on to work in a variety of settings and positions, such as:
- Cataloging and acquisition librarian
- Children’s librarian
- Digital curator
- Digital initiatives librarian
- Legal information librarian
- Medical librarian
- Metadata librarian
- Public librarian
- School librarian and media specialist
- University librarian or archivist
Upcoming Information Sessions
Get started by meeting our expert faculty and staff at an information session.
