Testimonial
I chose Dominican University’s MLIS and MSW dual-degree program because I’m passionate about equitable access to information and resources, especially for marginalized communities. Public libraries are community anchors, and I recognize that many patrons who visit these institutions are experiencing complex social challenges like housing insecurity, trauma or mental health struggles. By combining library science with social work, I am better equipped to support those needs holistically.”
MLIS Concentrations and Certificates
Add a certificate to your MLIS/MSW dual degree in an area of study that suits your long-term career goals. We offer a wide range of concentrations in in-demand areas. Also check out our Special Study Certificate, uniquely designed for retooling and refreshing skills in specified areas.
What to Expect as You Earn Your MLIS/MSW Dual Degree
At Dominican, we pride ourselves on the hands-on experiences and personal attention our students receive. Whether you study online or in person on campus, you’ll get the benefit of a collaborative learning environment that will expand your knowledge, deepen your understanding and prepare you as a leader and advocate in social work and library and information science.
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Placement Options
Your MSW degree requirements include 1,080 hours of fieldwork and related field practicum courses. Many libraries are seeking social work interns, and the network of connections established by our MLIS faculty and alumni means you’ll have an expansive range of options for completing your placement at top libraries and information centers.
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Nationally Recognized Faculty
Our professors have a broad range of experience, and our small class sizes allow them to get to know you—and become the foundation of your professional network.
Areas of MLIS faculty expertise include:
- Digital libraries and digital curation
- Information policy
- Media and services for you
- Archives and cultural heritage
- Informatics
- Cataloging and classification
- School library media
- Management
- Leadership and advocacy
Areas of MSW faculty expertise include:
- Child welfare services
- Schools
- Developmental disabilities programs
- Domestic violence-prevention services
- Health/mental health services
- Human trafficking prevention Substance abuse facilities
- Private practice International community development
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First Weekend Residency
As a requirement of the MSW degree (either on campus or online) you’ll meet with your cohort in person at Dominican during your first weekend in the program. This sets the stage for a close-knit graduate experience that helps build critical career connections with your peers. They, and our extensive alumni network, all will become key members of your professional network—helping you lead social change with organizations in Chicago and beyond.
Testimonial
During my undergraduate internship at a homelessness prevention agency, I discovered the interconnectedness of social work and librarianship. I found myself working with clients in a library, recommending that they use their local library to apply for social service programs. It opened my eyes to the fact that these two professions are not just related, but they also share the same teachings and framework when working with people in need. This realization inspired me to pursue Dominican’s dual-degree program.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What can I do with a dual MLIS/MSW dual degree?
Combining a master’s in social work with a degree in library and information science gives you a unique set of skills and insights for leadership roles in the critical areas of need where these two fields overlap. Libraries today are at the center of strong communities, preserving access to books and knowledge, but also providing a staggering range of services and programming that would look familiar to any professional social worker. Those range from workshops on subjects like finding careers and understanding technology to connecting patrons with resources on issues like mental health and homelessness, and hosting large-scale community events and forums.
Many libraries are now hiring full-time staff social workers to better serve the diverse needs of patrons and the broader community. A MLIS/MSW dual degree from Dominican’s respected iSchool and School of Social Work will position you perfectly for such roles and allow you to benefit from a great degree of career mobility in both fields. By earning both degrees concurrently in Dominican’s one-of-a-kind MLIS/MSW program you’ll gain valuable perspectives that are unique to this integrated dual-degree approach. You’ll also save time and money over pursuing these two degrees separately.
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How can I pay for my degree?
Along with opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants, the School of Information Studies offers a variety of departmental scholarships, depending upon your area of study. You can also explore our social work scholarships. Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more.
We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or finaid@dom.edu. Additionally, a 20% tuition discount available to Dominican University alumnae/i gives you more reasons to come home.
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How do I apply?
Students can apply to our MLIS/MSW dual-degree program with a single online application, but must meet the admission requirements for both schools. Students must also submit a personal statement and official undergraduate transcripts. GRE or MAT scores (taken within the last five years) may also be required for applicants with a GPA below a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Before you apply, make sure you review our full application and admission requirements.
Ready to take the next step? Apply now online
Accreditation
The Master of Library and Information Science program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Library Association (ALA). On January 20, 2023, ALA's Committee on Accreditation voted to continue the Dominican MLIS's full accreditation status for another seven-year term. The next comprehensive review will take place in 2029.
The Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.
Dominican University is also a member of the iSchools consortium, dedicated to advancing the information field. As Chicago’s only iSchool, Dominican’s School of Information Studies has long been a presence on Chicago’s higher education landscape, first offering library science programs in the 1930s.