The School of Information Science & Learning Technologies is home to MU’s graduate programs in Library and Information Science and Educational Technology as well as an interdisciplinary doctoral program in Information Science & Learning Technologies. SISLT faculty are internationally renowned for their research and development accomplishments. Faculty and students are committed to a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach — both within MU and among other research-extensive universities.
Information Science & Learning Technologies, Doctor of Philosophy
Doctoral | 100% Online, On Campus
Why a PhD with the SISLT iSchool?
*This program is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.
Admission criteria
Application Deadlines
| Entrance Term | Application Deadline |
| Fall | January 15th |
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of the degree
- Graduate GPA of 3.5
- Applications are evaluated holistically. If you do not meet these requirements, you should provide evidence of exceptionality in one or more other categories. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores (use school code 6875) are the primary recommended way to provide additional evidence of exceptionality.
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
- Our PhD requires a TOEFL score of 100 or a Duolingo score of 130 for all international applicants from countries not listed under Exemptions and Waivers, regardless of prior study in Anglophone institutions or countries (including in the U.S.).
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Information Science & Learning Technologies Program
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- 3 letters of reference
- Optional: Any supporting materials (e.g. published papers, technical reports or GRE)
Detailed application instructions are available at: https://education.missouri.edu/degree/information-science-learning-technologies-phd/#apply
Scholarships & Financial Aid
More information is available at https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/phd-program-funding/.
Learning Technologies and Design, Master of Science/Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist, Master's | 100% Online
The program offers a Master of Science and an Educational Specialist degree with emphasis areas in Online Education and Technology in Schools.
Admission criteria
Application Deadlines
This program accepts rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We recommend you submit your application six weeks before the beginning of the term in which you wish to start your course work.
| Entrance term | Apply by | Course work begins |
| Spring | December 1 | January |
| Spring, second 8-week session | February 1 | March |
| Summer | May 1 | June |
| Fall | July 1 | August |
| Fall, second 8-week session | September 1 | October |
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours of the degree
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Learning Technologies and Design Program
- Statement of Purpose (can also be uploaded into Graduate School online application)
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- 2 letters of reference
Detailed application instructions are available at: https://education.missouri.edu/degree/learning-technologies-and-design-ms/
Scholarships & Financial Aid
More information is available at: https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/scholarships-financial-aid/
Library and Information Science, Master of Library and Information Science
Master's | 100% Online
Upon successful completion of the 39-hour Library and Information Science program, students receive a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS). The program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
Application Deadlines
| Entrance Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
| Fall | February 15 | May 1 |
| Spring | October 15 |
Admission Criteria
- Undergraduate GPA (Grade Point Average): Minimum 3.0 in last 60 hours of degree
- GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for any course work beyond the undergraduate level.
- Our MLIS requires a TOEFL score of 100, IELTS score of 7.5, or a Duolingo score of 130 for all international applicants from countries not listed under Exemptions and Waivers, regardless of prior study in Anglophone institutions or countries (including in the U.S.).
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Library and Information Science Program
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- In the online application, you will need to supply names and contact details of two people who can attest to your critical thinking, analytical and writing skills, demonstrating your potential as a graduate student and LIS professional. The Graduate School will contact your references with instructions regarding the letters.
- We strongly recommend that you have at least one recommendation letter from an undergraduate or graduate instructor who can attest to your critical thinking, and one letter from a supervisor or employer who can attest to your aptitude for the LIS professions. If you have a unique circumstance (e.g., self-employment or no contact with former instructors), please contact us for advice. We do not accept letters of reference from references who cannot look at your experience objectively (e.g., family members, friends).
- SISLT Supplemental Information (built into the Graduate School application)
Detailed application instructions are available at: https://education.missouri.edu/degree/library-science-mlis/#apply
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Every year SISLT provides more than $22,000 in merit and need-based financial support to new and current LIS students.
- Application deadline: March 1.
More information is available at: https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/scholarships-financial-aid/.
Online Educator, Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate | 100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate Description: The Online Educator Graduate Certificate Program will equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to design and provide effective online learning experiences including:
- Designing online learning activities and assessments for meaningful learning
- Designing, facilitating, and evaluating online discussions
- Promoting student engagement and motivation in online learning environments.
- Understanding unique characteristics of online learning environments
- Selecting appropriate technology tools and learning objects to support online learners
- Using Learning Management Systems to support and deliver online learning
- Seeking for and evaluating Internet-based information and resources that can be used to enhance online learning
- Organizing course materials in an online format
Certificate web site:
https://online.missouri.edu/degrees-programs/mu/education/online-educator/grad-cert
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines
This program accepts rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We recommend you submit your application six weeks before the beginning of the term in which you wish to start your course work.
| Entrance Term | Application Deadline |
| Summer | Rolling |
| Fall | Rolling |
| Spring | Rolling |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- SISLT Supplemental Information (built into the Graduate School online application)
User Experience and Usability, Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate | 100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description:
User Experience and Usability (UXU) graduate certificate is a 12 credit hour program. The UXU certificate program prepares students as significant professional contributors within design and development technology environments. This certificate would leverage currently available courses, resources and experienced faculty by channeling those assets into a meaningful program that a broad range of students and employers would find both desirable and valuable.
Certificate graduates would have competitive advantage to market themselves as prepared practicing professionals in the User Experience and Usability arena. Using Bloom’s taxonomy structure, the following is the clear statement of certificate educational objectives:
- Demonstrate Human-Centered Design concepts through prototyping
- Analyze and develop strategies to support efficient user performance with effective tools and systems.
- Design data instruments and implement data collection that embraces user centered, culturally sensitive, and inclusive characteristics
- Recommend and implement user experience and usability tools and methodologies
- Organize and manage user experience and usability related projects.
Certificate web site:
https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/certificates/user-experience-and-usability/
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines
This program accepts rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We recommend you submit your application six weeks before the beginning of the term in which you wish to start your course work.
| Entrance Term | Application Deadline |
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- SISLT Supplemental Information (built into the Graduate School online application)
Serious Game and Simulation Design, Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate | 100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 16
Certificate description:
The Serious Game and Simulation Design (SGSD) graduate level certificate is a 16 credit-hour program. The SGSD certificate program prepares students as practicing professionals within technology environments having serious games and simulation design focuses. This certificate would leverage currently available resources and faculty expertise into a meaningful program with a broad range of students and employers would find both desirable and valuable.
Certificate graduates would have enhanced skill sets giving them a competitive advantage when marketing themselves to SGSD positions. Using Bloom’s taxonomy structure, the following is a clear statement of certificate educational objectives.
- Apply a systematic, agile, team-based and flexible process for game and simulation design.
- Apply skills for prototyping game and/or simulation designs using appropriate software or game engines.
- Apply principles of visual design to the design of game and simulation assets.
- Become fluent in usage of serious gaming and simulation technology equipment.
- Assess and evaluate learning outcomes from employing game / simulation strategies using user experience and usability methods.
Certificate web site:
https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/certificates/serious-games-and-simulation-design-graduate-certificate/
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines
This program accepts rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We recommend you submit your application six weeks before the beginning of the term in which you wish to start your course work.
| Entrance Term | Application Deadline |
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- SISLT Supplemental Information (built into the Graduate School online application)
School Librarianship, Graduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate | 100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description:This program prepares Missouri certified teachers to get school library media certification added onto their teaching certificate, while also giving those students a university credential and a foothold into the Master of Library and Information Science degree program. Upon completion of the program, students should understand the rationale for developing and organizing library collections, the foundations of librarianship and the information professions, and how to manage and administer a school library program.
Certificate web site: In development
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines
This program accepts rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We recommend you submit your application six weeks before the beginning of the term in which you wish to start your course work.
| Entrance Term | Application Deadline |
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Resume or CV
- SISLT Supplemental Information (built into the Graduate School online application)