Joint Master of Arts in History and Library & Information Science

Do you love history and want to work in a library or archives? Uniting the rich narratives of the past with cutting-edge information management skills, Wayne State's Joint Master of Arts in History and Library & Information Science offers a unique blend of academic depth and practical knowledge. Immerse yourself in historical methodologies while mastering the latest in library and information science, preparing you to curate, preserve and provide access to cultural heritage.

Wayne State's interdisciplinary approach fosters a holistic understanding of the role information plays in shaping historical narratives.Our M.L.I.S. program is fully accredited by the American Library Association, which means graduates of our joint degree program are certified to work in secondary school, public, private and academic libraries. Wayne State offers the only joint MA/MLIS in Michigan and is one of only a handful of such programs in the country.

About the program

Wayne State's joint degree program combines intellectual rigor with convenience and flexibility. All M.L.I.S. courses are offered online, and history courses are offered both online and at our campus in the heart of Detroit's cultural center. Graduates in the joint degree program earn both a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History and a Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.). Join a vibrant community of scholars, archivists and information professionals, and graduate ready to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of our shared history!

Students interested in the archival field may elect to complete a Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration, which requires two additional courses beyond those taken for the joint degree.

Joint Master of Arts in History and Library & Information Science requirements and curriculum

Students in the joint MA/MLIS program complete 53 credits of coursework, rather than the 66 credits required to complete each degree separately. MA/MLIS students complete all requirements for the M.A. in History, double-counting electives from the MLIS curriculum toward the master's, but they pursue a generalist path rather than selecting a geographical focus. As a capstone project, all master's students work closely with their primary advisor to conduct original research and write an essay or thesis of publishable quality. The joint MA/MLIS carries tremendous savings in terms of time and cost, allowing students to earn both degrees in three years of full-time study.

Rachel Brow, MA/MLIS student

I chose to take part in Wayne State’s MA/MLIS online pilot program because I want to be an academic librarian. I believe that a history degree will be extremely helpful in achieving that goal.

Taking part in the joint MA/MLIS online pilot program has been great because it allows me to stay in the city I currently live in and fit the classes into my schedule.