Information Studies

Information Studies

Location

Location

  • School of Information Studies
  • 3661 Peel Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 1X1
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-4204
  • Fax: 514-398-7193
  • Email: sis [at] mcgill.ca; for inquiries: admissions.sis [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: mcgill.ca/sis

About Information Studies

About Information Studies

The School of Information Studies (SIS) is a dynamic teaching and research unit engaged in the education of information professionals and scholars. The School educates individuals who make a difference in the management and design of information resources, services, and systems, finding better ways to manage, organize, access, disseminate, use, and preserve information and recorded knowledge from a human-centred perspective. As the pioneer school of its kind in Canada, SIS has been offering programs at McGill since 1897, with continuous accreditation of professional programs by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1929.

The School offers programs at the graduate level, including a Master of Information Studies and Ph.D. in Information Studies. For more information about current program offerings, please visit the School's website at mcgill.ca/sis/programs.

Research at the School is conducted in the broad domain of human–information interaction (HII), which includes three research areas:

  • human–computer interaction
  • information behaviour and services
  • information and knowledge management

Research projects address such topics as data mining, digital curation, information classification, information preservation, knowledge management, multisensory information, and user experience.

For complete information about the School of Information Studies, please see the School's website at mcgill.ca/sis.

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.) Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Course Work (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Course Work is accredited by the American Library Association. The program focuses on the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals, competencies in managing information and knowledge resources, equal access to information, the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs, research in the field of library and information studies, and commitment to professional service for individuals, organizations, and society.

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.) Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Project (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies – Project is a non-thesis program with a major research project, designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of information studies. The program is comprised of a set of required courses, a research component, and additional courses from areas of interest including: library studies, knowledge management, information and computer technologies, and archival studies, among others. The program provides the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals; fosters competencies in managing information and knowledge resources; promotes the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs; advocates the ideal of equal access to information; encourages research in the field of library and information studies; and cultivates commitment to professional service for individuals, organization, and society. After completion of the degree, students may choose to pursue a career in a related field or continue on to further academic studies. The program may be completed full-time in two years or on a part-time basis within a maximum of five years.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Information Studies

The Ph.D. in Information Studies provides an opportunity for exceptional candidates to study interdisciplinary research topics at the doctoral level. The program offers a thorough grounding in both current theory and methods of research to ensure that students develop knowledge and critical awareness of relevant theories, principles, and methods in Information Studies and acquire the expertise to conduct and promote scholarly research in the context of information studies. The program begins with a set of common courses and proceeds to specialization through dissertation topics focused on areas of expertise that are supported by the research interests of current faculty members. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in human-information interaction (HII) in one of three research areas: human–computer interaction; information behaviour and services; and information and knowledge management.

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of settings in research, teaching, and senior administrative positions, in Quebec, Canada, and internationally; contributes to the development of knowledge and to teaching/learning in information studies; and builds national and international visibility of information studies from a research perspective.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Cybersecurity (15 credits)
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is an online program that focuses on the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity: threats, cryptography, and vulnerability; the types of cyber-attacks, how they are implemented, and commonly-used hardening techniques and controls; threat and risk assessments at the network system, operating system, and software application levels; the security readiness of an organization; cybersecurity incidents and how to communicate them within an organization; policies to meet current security standards for an organization to adopt; ethical concerns in terms of security, privacy, and information guidelines, and policies within national and international contexts.
Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Digital Archives Management (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management program is designed to equip students and working professionals with specialized training to enrich their current portfolio or to prepare for work in the areas of digital archives, digital curation, and digital content management. Courses focus on principles and practices in archival studies, digital curation, strategies for digital preservation, and enterprise content management. The program may be completed within two academic terms (Fall/Winter) or to a maximum of three years. Both Fall and Winter entry to the program are offered.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Information Architecture and Design (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture and Design is designed to equip students and working professionals with specialized training to enrich their current portfolio or to prepare for work in public and private sectors as information architects and information designers. Courses focus on design and assessment of information systems, databases, websites, and interfaces. Techniques for data mining and issues related to information security are also covered. All courses are offered on-site at McGill University. The program may be completed within two academic terms (Fall/Winter) or to a maximum of three years. Both Fall and Winter entry are offered.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management program is designed to equip students and working professionals with specialized training to enrich their current portfolio or to prepare for work in the areas of information and knowledge management. Courses focus on the information behaviour of individuals, networks, and organizations; the nature of tacit and explicit knowledge services; and strategies for identifying, capturing, organising, storing, sharing, and using knowledge. The program may be completed within two academic terms (Fall/Winter) or to a maximum of three years. Both Fall and Winter entry to the program are offered.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Library and Information Studies (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies is a post-master's program designed to assist library and information professionals currently holding an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree to update their qualifications for advanced responsibility. The program may be completed in one or two academic terms, or on a part-time basis to a maximum of five years.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Information Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.)

  1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The applicant must present evidence of academic achievement: a minimum standing equivalent to a McGill cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 or a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 for the last two full-time academic years if the overall CGPA is 2.8 or higher.
    Note: Courses in library and/or information studies taken before or as part of an undergraduate degree, or such courses taken in a school with a program not accredited by the American Library Association, cannot be accepted as credit toward the McGill M.I.St.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.

Ph.D. in Information Studies

  1. Applicants should normally have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent). Master's degrees in other fields will be considered in relation to the proposed research.

    An applicant with a master's degree in Library and Information Studies (or equivalent) will normally be admitted to Ph.D. 2.

    An applicant with a master's degree in another field may be considered for admission to Ph.D. 2, but may need to register for courses to upgrade background knowledge in library and information studies.

    An applicant who holds only a bachelor’s degree from McGill University or an approved institution in Information Studies (or equivalent) in exceptional circumstances may be admitted to Ph.D. 1.

    The applicant must present evidence of academic achievement: a minimum standing equivalent to a McGill cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 or a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 for the last two full-time academic years if the overall CGPA is 2.8 or higher.

  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Archives Management; Graduate Certificate in Information and Knowledge Management; and Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture and Design

  1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The applicant must present evidence of academic achievement: a minimum standing equivalent to a McGill cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 or a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 for the last two full-time academic years if the overall CGPA is 2.8 or higher.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Studies

  1. Applicants should have a master's degree in Library and Information Studies from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or equivalent). Candidates will normally have at least three years' professional experience following completion of their master's degree.
  2. Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English prior to admission. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score not less than 20, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7.5. Applicants whose mother tongue is not English may be asked to demonstrate English-language competency beyond the submission of the TOEFL or IELTS scores. For more information about proof of proficiency, refer to the Admissions section of the School's website.

Online Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

  1. Bachelor's degree or graduate degree in information studies, computer science, information technology, software engineering, management information systems, or related area from a recognized university; academic standing of at least a B Applicants should be graduates of a recognized university and hold a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree in information studies, computer science, information technology, software engineering, management information systems, or related area of recognized reputation. Academic standing of at least a B, or 2nd class, upper division, or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 is normally required. International students: If you have obtained your educational credentials at an institution outside of Canada, they will be assessed for equivalency with a McGill University degree. Please consult the mcgill.ca/transfercredit/course-equivalency page for more information.
  2. English-language proficiency Documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English is required by all applicants whose mother tongue is not English, AND who have not obtained (or are about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction. See the English language proficiency page for situations where proof of proficiency is normally not required. Such proof normally comprises the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (IBT Internet based TOEFL) with a written score of at least 25 and a reading, speaking, and listening score of not less than 20, or the International English Language testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 7. Before acceptance, appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Office. McGill Institution Code: 0935

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

Detailed graduate application procedures and McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The additional requirements for application are currently under review. For the latest information, please see the Admissions section of the School's website.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the School of Information Studies and may be revised at any time. Completed applications, including all supporting documentation (e.g., uploaded documents and references received from referees), are due by the appropriate deadline. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)

Information Studies Faculty

Information Studies Faculty

Director
Kimiz Dalkir
Professors
Colleen Cook; Benjamin Fung; Catherine Guastavino
Associate Professors
Joan Bartlett; France Bouthillier; Kimiz Dalkir; M. Max Evans; Ilja Frissen; Karyn Moffatt
Assistant Professors
Rebekah Willson; Gracen Brilmyer
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 8, 2023) (disclaimer)

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.) Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Course Work (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Course Work is accredited by the American Library Association. The program focuses on the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals, competencies in managing information and knowledge resources, equal access to information, the appropriate use of technology in meeting information needs,...

For more information, see Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.) Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Course Work (48 credits).

Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.) Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Project (48 credits)

The Master of Information Studies Non-Thesis: Project, accredited by the American Library Association, is a 48-credit program, with a research project component of 15 credits. The program focuses on the intellectual foundations for careers as information professionals, competencies in managing information and knowledge resources, equal access to information, the...

For more information, see Master of Information Studies (M.I.St.) Information Studies (Non-Thesis): Project (48 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Information Studies

The Ph.D. program provides an opportunity to study interdisciplinary research topics within the field of library and information studies at the doctoral level. Students develop scholarly and innovative expertise in one of the four research areas within information studies: a) information-seeking behaviour; b) human-computer interaction; c) information resources in...

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Information Studies.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Cybersecurity (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity is an online program that focuses on the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity: threats, cryptography, and vulnerability; the types of cyber-attacks, how they are implemented, and commonly-used hardening techniques and controls; threat and risk assessments at the network system, operating system, and software application...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Cybersecurity (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Digital Archives Management (15 credits)

This program is intended to prepare students to work in the area of digital archives. The graduate courses in the program will focus on principles of organization of information, practices in archival studies, and strategies for digital curation and enterprise content management. This in an entry-level, graduate program that may lead to another graduate certificate...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Digital Archives Management (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Information Architecture and Design (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture and Design is intended to prepare students to work as information architects and designers. The graduate courses in the program will prepare students to design and assess information systems (text, multimedia), databases, websites, and interfaces. Techniques for data mining and issues related to information...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Information Architecture and Design (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits)

This program is intended to prepare students to work as information and knowledge managers in a variety of sectors. The graduate courses in the program will focus on the information behavior of individuals, networks and organizations, and the nature of tacit and explicit knowledge services and strategies for identifying, capturing, organizing, storing, sharing, and...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Information and Knowledge Management (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Library and Information Studies (15 credits)

Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 29, 2023) (disclaimer)
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