Master of Library Science
Access to reliable, high-quality information is paramount in all fields. This is especially true in public health. You might already be a practicing librarian or working in a different health-related position. You have a strong commitment to public health, health literacy and strengthening your community regardless of your background.
The MLIS in Health and Medical Librarianship provides a foundation for your success as a steward of health information and knowledge. You could work in an information center conducting research. Or you might share health resources with underserved populations. No matter how you apply it, your expertise will be invaluable to your community.
About the MLIS in Health and Medical Librarianship
The online master’s in health and medical librarianship builds on your experience with information systems and public health. This program from Mizzou’s School of Information Science and Learning Technologies is the first health and medical librarianship program in the state. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with the J. Otto Lottes Health Sciences Library and the Department of Public Health in the College of Health Sciences. Award-winning faculty will lead you in developing critical skills like:
- Maintaining information systems.
- Research methods in public health.
- Utilizing learning technologies.
This degree is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Earning this degree qualifies you for positions requiring an ALA-accredited master’s degree.
Quick facts
Official name
Master of Library and Information Science with an emphasis in Health and Medical LibrarianshipCampus
Program type
Master's degreeAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | School of Information Science and Learning TechnologiesDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning Commission, American Library Association (ALA)Credit hours
39Estimated cost
$23,548.20*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
Graduates of this program are qualified for the following careers:
- Health and medical librarian.
- Health services librarian.
- Health literacy specialist.
- Community health positions.
Program structure
The online MLIS in Health and Medical Librarianship program consists of 39 credit hours of course work.
This online MLIS program requires no campus visits. Courses are delivered asynchronously and entirely online.
Course work includes
This 39-credit-hour program requires 19 credit hours of core curriculum, 12 credit hours of core health and medical librarianship courses and six to nine credit hours of elective courses. You will work with your advisor on appropriate elective courses you take as you pursue your master’s in health and medical librarianship.
Courses include:
- Library and Information Technology.
- Collection and Access Management.
- Consumer Health Informatics.
- Research Methods in Public Health.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
2-4 yearsTypical course load
1-3 classes per semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. This master’s program is accredited by the American Library Association.
Faculty spotlight
Jenny Bossaller holds a bachelor’s in archeology (BA), a master’s in library and information sciences, and a PhD in information science from the University of Missouri. Before joining the Mizzou faculty, Bossaller taught in the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition to coauthoring numerous journal articles, she has earned an excellence in teaching award from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association and the David Cohen/EMIERT Multicultural Award for her research of multiculturalism in libraries in North America. Her areas of expertise include public library and social equity library history, and adults’ reading interests
Dr. Cynthia Dudenhoffer joined Mizzou in 2021 as an associate teaching professor and program coordinator for the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies. Previously, she held the role of Director of Information Resources and Assessment at Central Methodist University. She has served in many leadership roles locally and nationally, including president of the Missouri Library Association. She also serves as a professional consultant in areas of academic library accreditation, program review, project management, and leadership through innovation. Areas of expertise include emerging technologies in information agencies and data literacy.