Fast-track to a legal information career with a MLS/MLIS
With recent advances in information management, research tools, technology, and artificial intelligence, the legal information profession has never been more exciting or more in demand. Launch your career with a dual Master of Legal Studies ("MLS") and Master of Arts in Library and Information Science ("MLIS"). This MLS/MLIS dual degree will provide you with a solid understanding of U.S. law, legal theory, and library science, giving you the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing information environment.
In the MLS program, students receive some of the same education provided in the first two years of law school, so MLS students will become familiar with law school culture, legal bibliography, and legal theory. MLS students can focus their studies on areas such as Criminal Law & Policy, Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy, or Intellectual Property.
In the MLIS program, students receive a foundational understanding of legal research, information management, and information literacy. MLIS students can focus their studies on areas such as Law Librarianship & Legal Information or Digital Curation. In-person students have the option to pursue an additional Graduate Certificate in Legal Information and/or apply to the Law Library Fellows Program, where they can develop hands-on experience working in a law library.
Career Pathways
This dual degree helps people become established in legal, information, and legal-adjacent fields where a JD is not required. Some career options include: law librarian (in a law firm, government, or academic law library), legal information professional, legal journalist, intelligence analyst, policy analyst, legislator, and risk manager.
Program Requirements & Policies
- Each program has its own requirements and policies.
- The MLS degree is a minimum of 30 credits. Requirements are listed in the General MLS Degree Path.
- The MLIS degree is a minimum of 37 credits. Requirements are listed in the MLIS Curriculum, Specialties and Courses.
- Up to 15 credits may be “double dipped” to count towards both degrees, allowing students to greatly reduce the time and expense for obtaining both degrees.
- The degrees may be obtained in person or online, part-time or full-time.
Sample Academic Plan
This dual degree may be accomplished in as few as 6 semesters. Please see the Sample Academic Plan for a suggested plan of study. Some courses that may be available include: Advanced Legal Research, Research Methods for Library Information Professionals, The American Common Law System, Law Library Practice & Administration, Government Information, and Legal Practice in the Age of A.I. & Big Data.
Application Procedures & Deadlines
- Students must apply and be accepted to both the MLIS and the MLS programs, either simultaneously or separately.
- Each program has its own deadlines and procedures for applications and admissions.
- Application deadlines vary depending on the semester, course location, and student classification. For details, see the MLIS and MLS application sites.