Advantages of the Five-Year Program

Combined undergraduate to graduate programs provide an opportunity for students interested in Library Science to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in 5 years.

Benefits of pursuing the combined degrees:

• Save time. Earn an advanced degree on an accelerated track.
• Save money. Reduce costs associated with earning a master’s degree by cutting a year of tuition.
• Prepare for the future. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to launch a career in Library and Information Science or pursue further academic study.
• Establish a competitive edge. A master’s degree can increase earning potential and qualifications for more senior positions.
  
   

What does U2G actually mean?

Basically, it means you will begin graduate school during your fourth year of study at Iowa, while you are concurrently finishing your undergraduate degree. We call this your "blended" year. Students who apply and are accepted to the U2G program must take 12 hours of credit in their blended year of undergraduate studies to get the full benefits of the program. During this fourth blended year, you will pay undergraduate tuition.

U2G Timeline

First and Second Year undergraduate:

• Research the field of Library Sciences, especially those areas that pique your interest.
• Talk with your undergraduate advisor or academic advising center.
• Schedule an appointment with Katie McCullough to talk about the degree and career paths.
• Schedule an appointment with your advisor to go over a plan of study for the SLIS U2G program

Third Year undergraduate:

• Fill out The Graduate Admissions application and select Library Sciences MA (non-thesis) as your area of study
• Apply to the program by February 1st. Please go here for more information on how to apply to the U2G program.

Fourth Year undergraduate/graduate "blended" year:

• Take 6 s.h. of SLIS credits your first semester and 6 s.h. SLIS credits your second semester.
• In the Fall, you MUST take SLIS:5010 and one other SLIS core course.
• In the SPRING you MUST take SLIS:5030 and one other SLIS core course.
• We recommend choosing your blended year courses from the following 5 foundational classes:
  • SLIS:6115 Information and Inquiry (Offered in Fall, Spring, Summer)
  • SLIS:6170 Management, Teams, and Leadership (Offered in Spring only)
  • Computer Core (choose one)
    • SLIS:5020 Foundations of Computing (offered in Fall only)
    • SLIS:6140 Digital Environments (Offered in Fall only)
    • SLIS:6335 Metadata theories and Applications (Offered Fall even years)
    • SLIS:6040 Media Production Workshop (Offered in Fall odd years)

Fifth Year (Graduate School only):

• Take 12 s.h. SLIS course work both your first and second semesters.