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

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.

Each student must complete a Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research application form which will be received by both programs. A letter indicating the intention to apply to the MBA/MLIS program including a statement of the applicant’s background and interests should also be enclosed. During, and up to the completion of the first year in the MLIS program, students will have the option to apply to the combined MBA/MLIS program.

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

Program Requirements

The course requirements are normally as follows:

First Year

24 units in MLIS as follows:

Up to 6 units in required Information Technology courses (see SLIS website for current offerings)
Up to 9 units in LIS electives

12 units in LIS required courses

Second year

30 units in MBA required courses

Third year

15 units in MBA (one required course SEM 641 and four electives)
12 units in MLIS (LIS electives and up to one Information Technology course)

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 duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years.