Information Technology + Library and Information Science (3+1)

Accelerated (Undergraduate + Graduate)

Students sitting in class

Master the technology side of information science

Today, a library is no longer just a home for printed texts; it's a place for storing, cataloging, and accessing traditional print and digital resources. In libraries, individuals seek information and insights to accomplish their goals, and communities share in information discovery and dissemination.

This evolution has created many career opportunities requiring highly trained, technologically savvy information professionals. Simmons' 3+1 Information Technology and Cybersecurity + Master of Library and Information Science (MSLIS) program prepares you to take advantage of this opportunity.

U.S. News and World Report 2025 Badge for Best Grad School - Library and Information Studies

In this accelerated program, you'll earn your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity in three years. Then, you'll complete your Master of Library and Information Science (MSLIS) in a fourth year. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks SLIS as a producer of top library and information science schools in the country.

Simmons also offers a 3+1 Computer Science + Library and Information Science program.

What will you learn in the accelerated IT and MSLIS program?

The IT and Cybersecurity major is perfect if you’re interested in cybersecurity and evaluating, applying, administering, and supporting information systems. You’ll learn how to identify user needs and develop, manage, and support technology-based solutions, with a focus on information security.

The major provides a strong technical grounding in computer science and information technology. In the process, you'll develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills essential in the IT industry. You’ll take courses to develop skills in basic programming, databases, operating systems, computer networks, systems analysis, management, and cybersecurity.

You’ll then continue your studies to earn a master's degree through the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) — earning an advanced degree that opens up additional job opportunities in libraries, cultural institutions, academia, and more. 

In our program, you’ll learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields — with hands-on experience to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You’ll build professional connections and develop the skills to help people find, access, and use information effectively.

What can you do with accelerated degrees in IT and Library and Information Science?

This program prepares you for a broad range of careers in the information profession, including:

  • Public Librarian
  • Academic or other specialized librarian (health, law, music, etc)
  • Electronic resources librarian
  • Technology innovation specialist
  • Library media specialist
  • Systems and applications development librarian
  • Data services librarian
  • Web content provider or manager
  • IT consultant
  • Network support specialist
  • Security administrator
  • System integrator
  • Systems analyst
  • Security engineer

Required Coursework

To complete the integrated degree program in Computer Science (CS) and Library and Information Science (LIS), students must first complete all requirements for the Computer Science degree. During the final semester of the CS degree, they will apply to the LIS program for formal admission. Once accepted, the students will complete 27 credits of LIS courses, including LIS 407 and LIS 415, which are required for all LIS degrees. CS/LIS students are exempted from taking LIS 488 or any other technology requirements in the LIS program.

Required Coursework

To complete the integrated degree program in Information Technology and Cybersecurity (IT) and Library and Information Science (LIS), students must first complete all requirements for the Information Technology and Cybersecurity degree. During the final semester of the IT degree, they will apply to the LIS program for formal admission. Once accepted, the students will complete 27 credits of LIS courses, including LIS 407 and LIS 415, which are required for all LIS degrees. IT/LIS students are exempted from taking LIS 488 or any other technology requirements in the LIS program.

For more information on these programs, please contact Amber Stubbs, the advisor for the integrated programs.

To complete the integrated degree program in Information Technology and Cybersecurity (IT) and Library and Information Science (LIS), students must first complete all requirements for the Information Technology and Cybersecurity degree. During the final semester of the IT degree, they will apply to the LIS program for formal admission. Once accepted, the students will complete 27 credits of LIS courses, including LIS 407 and LIS 415, which are required for all LIS degrees. IT/LIS students are exempted from taking LIS 488 or any other technology requirements in the LIS program.

For more information on these programs, please contact Amber Stubbs, the advisor for the integrated programs.

Spotlight on Information Technology + Library and Information Science (3+1) Students and Alums

Tam Ha ’08MS

SLIS Alumna Awardee Reflects on People-Centered Libraries

Tam Ha ’08MS, recipient of the 2026 Alumnae/i Lifetime Achievement Award, is the academic librarian for VinUniversity (Hanoi, Vietnam). We spoke with her about the pivotal mentorship she received at Simmons and the rewards of a career in librarianship.


STAR Scholar students and faculty 2026

Students Bring Machine Learning to STEM Research

This summer, the STARS (Summer Training in Academic Research at Simmons) 2026 Scholars program paired students and faculty across STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines to collaborate on research projects. The projects lasted six weeks, culminating in student poster presentations at the end of June. This year, the students were challenged to investigate ways that machine learning could be applied to faculty research.


Danielle Dempsey ’24MS in front of a mobile library

Researching Ireland’s Cross-Border Mobile Library Service

While at Simmons, Danielle Dempsey ’24MS began an international librarianship research project on libraries in Ireland. Dempsey shared with us the experience of visiting Ireland and speaking to locals about the area’s fraught history.


Ashten Vassar-Cain ’27MS working with some archival images

Building Community Archives

Graduate student Ashten Vassar-Cain ’27MS brings a human rights approach to library and information science. We spoke with him about community archives, centering survivors, and the immersive training at Simmons.


The 9 SURPASs scholars for 2026

Congratulations to the 2026 SURPASs Scholars

Nine undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). From May to June, students will receive funding and mentorship to support their independent research. The six-week program includes workshops and research presentations, culminating in a student showcase in June.


Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA

Sharing the Untold Stories at Queer History Boston

Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA is the archivist at Queer History Boston, a community archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England. Hamilton shares how the dual degree in LIS: archives management and history at Simmons prepared them for a dream job just before graduation.


Two photos side by side: Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS

SLIS Alumnae/i Named Movers & Shakers

Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.


Sydney Villegas ’26MS

Public Librarianship and Community Involvement

Sydney Villegas ’26MS reflects on how she was encouraged to bring her interests and passions to her coursework and create projects that she was genuinely excited to explore as a graduate student in library and information science.