Applications for the January 2026 online MLIS program will open on March 1, 2025.

Program Structure

Students in the library

Degree Requirements

The MLIS degree is earned by completing 15 courses. Students must complete:

  • 5 required courses (9001, 9002, 9003, 9004, 9005)
  • 10 elective courses including at least one from each of four of the five Program Content Areas

Program Delivery

The MLIS program at Western offers two distinct pathways to complete course requirements - a hybrid pathway, where students complete courses both in-person and online, and an online pathway, where students complete all courses online.

If you're not sure whether enrolling in the hybrid pathway or online pathway is right for you, please review the Hybrid vs. Online page to help you decide.

Full-Time Studies

The degree can be completed in a minimum of 12 months (3 terms) by a full-time student taking 5 courses per term. Full-time students can choose to reduce their courseload to 4 or 3 courses per term. Full-time students pay per term fees regardless of how many courses they enroll in each term. Each term consists of 14 weeks.

The progression of required courses will vary depending on student course loads. Below is a chart that shows typical progression.

Student Course Load Term 1 Term 2
5 courses per term 9001, 9002, 9003, 9004, 9005 5 electives
4 courses per term 9001, 9002, 9003, 9005 9004, 3 electives
3 courses per term 9001, 9002, 9003 9004, 9005, 1 elective

*Online students should consult with Graduate Student Services when determining their progression through the program.

Part-Time Studies

The MLIS degree may be earned completely on a part-time basis but must be completed within a four year period. Students who cannot complete the program within four years may seek an extension through the FIMS Associate Dean and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Part-time students normally are required to complete the core courses prior to taking electives.

The program offers evening courses in order to assist those who are already on the job to acquire part of their professional education. Students who have significant commitments on their time outside of the MLIS program must allow sufficient time to do readings and complete assignments, in advance of each class.