Urban Studies with Library and Information Science University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Overview

The Urban Studies with Library and Information Science programme at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a unique coordinated degree path designed for those seeking expertise in both urban policy and information management. This dual-award structure allows students to earn two Master's degrees concurrently while benefiting from a reduced total credit requirement compared to taking the programmes independently.

Students are prepared for specialised roles as urban information specialists, bridging the gap between data science and community development. By integrating the curriculum of two distinct academic units, the university ensures that graduates possess the interdisciplinary skills necessary to address complex social, political, and historical developments within modern global information societies.

Why Urban Studies with Library and Information Science at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee?

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers a distinctive collaborative environment where the School of Information Studies (SOIS) partners with the Urban Studies programme. This partnership allows for a highly customisable educational experience, where students can tailor 18 credits of their information science studies to align specifically with their urban research goals and professional aspirations.

A significant advantage of this programme is the flexibility of the MLIS component, which is available entirely online. This allows students to balance their rigorous urban research with accessible digital learning. The institution focuses on fostering professional ethics and leadership, ensuring that graduates are ready to serve the needs of diverse stakeholders and underserved populations in various urban settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27090 per year
• National fee: USD 27090 per year
• Local fee: USD 13659 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is divided between core urban research and foundational information science. Modules may include:

Urban Studies Core

• Research Methods in Urban Studies
• Urban Social Structure
• Urban Political Process
• Internal Structure of the City
• History of American Urban Problems
• Quantitative Analysis

Library and Information Science Core

• Library and Information Science
• Organization of Information
• Information Access and Retrieval
• Research Methods in Information Studies

Students may also choose to complete a Master's thesis or an internship-based paper to demonstrate their mastery of interdisciplinary scholarly literature and empirical data analysis.

Careers with Urban Studies with Library and Information Science

Graduates are uniquely qualified for positions as urban information specialists, working within government agencies, non-profit organisations, and research centres. The programme prepares individuals to manage cultural heritage institutions and develop information systems that serve the specific needs of diverse urban populations.

Potential career paths include roles in urban planning departments, academic libraries, and community development organisations. By mastering both research theory and information preservation, alumni are equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving professional landscape, solving complex problems through the application of research findings and technological expertise.