Mar 28, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2022-2023 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Business Administration / Master of Library and Information Studies Combined Program (Library and Information Studies)


The School of Library and Information Studies and the Faculty of Business offer a program of combined study which enables students to earn both the MBA and MLIS degrees after three calendar years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. Students in the online offering of the MLIS program are not eligible for the combined MBA/MLIS program. . Refer to Master of Business Administration / Master of Library and Information Studies Combined Program (Business)  for additional information.

Entrance Requirements


Students wishing to apply for the MBA/MLIS combined program need only complete one online application form by selecting “MBA/MLIS” as the program. The application will be received by both programs.

Students must satisfy the entrance requirements for both programs. A statement of the applicant’s background and interests should be included with the application.

Administrators of the two programs will consult regarding admission to the combined degree. There is limited enrolment and the entrance process is competitive.

During, and up to the completion of the first year in the MLIS program, students will have the option to request a change of program category to the combined MBA/MLIS program.

Program Requirements


Students are required to complete a minimum of 81 units in coursework, including a 3-unit capping exercise.

First Year (24 units)


Second year (30 units)


  • MBA required courses

Third year (27 units)


  • Four 3-unit MBA elective courses
  • Four 3-unit LIS courses (LIS elective courses and up to one Information Technology course)
  • Capping exercise: SEM 641  

Ethics Requirement


Students in the Master of Library and Information Studies programs must meet the FGSR Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement  through the completion of INT D 710  by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Professional Development Requirement


Students in the combined MBA/MLIS program must satisfy the FGSR Professional Development Requirement  .

Academic Standing


Respective academic standing provisions for each program apply. Students taking the MBA/MLIS program must meet each program’s academic standing requirements. If a student withdraws from one of the degree programs or is required to withdraw because of unsatisfactory academic standing, but wishes to remain in the other degree program, the student may be permitted to continue the program of study in which the student retains good academic standing.

Length of Program


A full-time student who is registered for the combined MBA/MLIS program normally will be able to complete the degree requirements in three years. Students may undertake the combined program on a part-time basis.

The maximum time to complete the course-based combined MBA/MLIS program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.