History, Library and Information Science

Course Overview

The HiLS program is ideally suited for students interested in gaining a multidisciplinary perspective to research as well as practical hands-on skills. Because of the proximity of the College Park campus to a variety of immensely rich research collections, students are able to gain first-hand experiences through internships that reinforce their classroom instruction. As a result of the dual-degree studies, students in the HiLS program gain skills in historical methodology and cutting-edge library and information science practices, preparing them for careers in libraries, archives, museums, and other information centers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Students admitted to the HiLS Program typically complete the program of study in three (3) years, however they have up to five (5) years to complete the degrees. The HiLS program requires fifty-four (54) credit hours of study, with a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours in both the Department of History and the College of Information Studies. Students select how to use the remaining six (6) credits. The MA and the MLIS are awarded simultaneously, and a student who fails to complete the special requirements for the coordinated degree programs may not receive either degree. When a student admitted to the HILS program subsequently wishes to receive only one degree, he/she must transfer from HILS either to the graduate program in History or to the College of Information Studies and fulfill the normal requirements for the separate master's degree. The dual-degree History and Library Science offers the option of a degree-by-thesis (History and i School) as well as a degree-by-examination (History).