History/Library Science (HILS)

printable version

Abstract

The Department of History and the College of Library and Information Studies (the iSchool) coordinate a dual-degree master's degree programs to meet the need for multidisciplinary graduate training for archivists, records managers, manuscript curators, rare book librarians, bibliographers, conservation administrators and those wishing to become subject and research specialists in academic, special and research libraries. 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.

The sequence of courses leading to the two degrees prepares students to understand the intellectual approach of the research scholar through historic training and to meet those research needs through the information services offered in the College of Information Studies. The program prepares students for careers in archives and records management, curatorship of historical collections, scholarly editing and publishing and reference research and bibliographic services to name a few.

The 54 credit hours required for the degrees combine 24 hours in each component plus six elective hours. Since many of the iSchool courses are offered in sequence, it is important for students to work closely with their advisor.

The MA and the MLS 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 Library and Information Studies and fulfill the normal requirements for the separate master's degree.

Admissions Information

Students must apply for admission to both the Department of History and the College of Information Studies under the rubric HILS (History and Library Science). There is one, consolidated application, but two, independent admission decisions. An offer of admission from the Department of History and from the College of Information Studies is required in order to be admitted to the dual-degree program.

Application Deadlines

	Fall	Spring
Domestic Applicants: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
Domestic Applicant Deadlines	Applications must be received by December 15 .	This program does not accept applications for this semester.
International Applicants: Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials IMPORTANT:   International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas	February 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1	June 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants	May 1 If Domestic Deadline is after May 1	October 1 If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials	May 15 If Domestic Deadline is after May 15	October 31 If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31

Application Requirements

(Send all required materials to both departments)

1. Statement of Goals, Experiences, and Research Interests
2. Three Letters of Recommendation
3. CV/Resume
4. Transcripts
5. GRE General
6. Writing Sample

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts and Master of Library Science (M.A./M.L.S.)
The Department of History and the College of Information Studies coordinate two master's degree programs to meet the need for multi-disciplinary graduate training for archivists, records managers, manuscript curators, rare book librarians, bibliographers, conservation administrators and those wishing to become subject and research specialists in academic, special and/or research libraries. Because of the proximity of the campus to a variety of immensely rich research collections, students are able to gain first-hand experiences through internships that reinforce their classroom instruction.

The sequence of courses leading to the two degrees prepares students to understand the intellectual approach of the research scholar through historic training and to meet those research needs through the information services offered in the College of Information Studies. The 54 hours required for the degrees combine 24 hours in each component plus six elective hours.

The dual-degree History and Library Science program offers the option of a degree-by-thesis as well as a degree-by-examination.

Financial Assistance

The College of Library and Information Studies and the Department of History make available a limited number of teaching and/or graduate assistantships for master's students, including students in the HiLS dual-degree program. These assistantships are awarded on the basis of merit, staffing needs, and budget. Neither academic unit extends guaranteed awards of multiyear support.

Contact Information

College of Information Studies
Student Services Office
Room 4110 Hornbake Library Building, South Wing
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-4345
(301) 405-2038
ischooladmission@umd.edu

Director of Graduate Studies
Department of History
2115 Francis Scott Key Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-7315 USA
(301) 405-4268
http://www.history.umd.edu/graduate.html

Courses: HIST LBSC