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.


Melissa Moore, MA/MLIS student

I chose the dual online MA/MLIS program because having all online classes allows me to balance my classes with work, participating in student organizations, family and free time. Getting a dual degree means I save time and money and it gives me more career options than I would have with only one.

I am obtaining invaluable research and project management skills that a traditional history degree doesn't always provide and I am gaining a unique perspective on the needs of a library user.


Contact 💬

Karen Marrero, history graduate director
karen.marrero@wayne.edu

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.