Careers in Library and Information Science at Rutgers University
Our faculty are dedicated to addressing societal challenges. These include: preserving information for future generations, building and promoting democracy and civic engagement, and creating humane and productive organizations.
17:610:502 Colloquium in Library and Information Studies (0) A series of lectures and discussions with guest speakers on current issues in the field. Required in fall or spring semester at some point late in the student
Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.)
The ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science prepares you for a variety of service and management careers in libraries, information agencies, the information industry, and in business, government, education, and research institutions. The MLIS curriculum is centered on six lead courses and related central courses, along with options for specializations in areas such as archives and cultural heritage, children’s services, and library leadership.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge research in fields like data mining and integration, user experience design, and information organization. You can even participate in faculty research, gaining a deeper understanding of how new knowledge is developed and applied by the profession.
If you would like to have a course taken at Rutgers or another external institution considered as part of your MLIS degree, you must submit a letter of petition for transfer equivalency. The letter must include a copy of the course syllabus, the grade earned, which ITI course it is being requested to replace, and a statement explaining why it is appropriate for your program of study.
Master of Information Technology and Informatics (M.I.T.I.)
A career in information technology allows you to build company communication networks, safeguard data and ensure business information security. This is an increasingly important field that can lead to jobs in many sectors, including finance and banking, government agencies, and hospitals and medical centers.
The 100% online Master of Information Technology and Informatics degree program combines practical computer-based competencies with ideas from the humanities and social sciences to help you solve problems where people and technology meet. The program also requires you to develop an understanding of the social and ethical implications of technology.
The iSchool at Rutgers New Brunswick ranks #22 on College Factual’s list of best schools for information science majors. It is also ranked #1 in the state of New Jersey. Students who graduate from this school earn a median salary of $50,597 per year. They also tend to accumulate a moderate amount of student debt. The table below shows the breakdown of iSchool graduates’ races/ethnicities and genders.
Master of Science in Management Information Systems (M.S.M.I.S.)
The MS in Management Information Systems (MS-MISY) provides students with the skills to bridge the gap between business and technology. The program emphasizes a balance of applied computer systems content, interpersonal interaction and a practical business orientation.
MIS graduates are uniquely positioned to create innovative software solutions that meet both the technical and humanistic needs of contemporary society. These solutions are designed to fit the complexities of the real-time business world and improve organizational performance in the new economy.
The MS-MISY can be pursued on campus, online or as a dual degree with the MBA. It is also offered as part of the WISE consortium and can be completed in two years or less. This STEM graduate degree develops valuable technology leadership skills to help you advance your career in a rapidly evolving industry. The average MIS bachelor’s student graduates with $25,000 in debt, which is lower than the national average. The average income for a MIS graduate is $78,600.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The PhD, or Philosophiae Doctor, is the highest degree awarded by an academic institution. It is a research-based degree that culminates in the creation, submission and defense of a dissertation. The dissertation looks at existing bodies of knowledge and raises questions to contribute to the field of study.
Doctoral students enroll full time, attend a doctoral seminar each fall and spring semester (Years 1 and 2), take at least 12 courses that include research paper courses, fulfill a teaching requirement, complete written and oral qualifying exams, and immerse themselves in their dissertation research. Students are expected to be in residence for one year, or more, depending on the program.
Graduates go on to careers in universities, government, corporations and the private sector. Some even pursue a career in philosophy itself. Former Rutgers Philosophy undergraduate majors now working as professional philosophers include Joseph Keim Campbell (Professor, Washington State University, Rutgers ’83), Shen-yi Liao (Assistant Professor, University of Puget Sound, Rutgers ’03) and Robin Jeshion (Professor, University of Southern California, Rutgers ’86). Up to 40% of the Ph.D. coursework may be transferred from other accredited graduate degrees, with the approval of the student’s advisor.