Western launches new online MLIS program
March 3, 2025
The Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) program at Western University is now accepting applications for their first online cohort to begin their program in January 2026.
The new online program adds to the options to access LIS education in Canada and fills the gap for applicants looking for a full-time, online program.
Western launches new online MLIS program
The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University is excited to announce Canada’s first full-time, online MLIS degree program. While Western will continue to offer its highly regarded, in-person program, the new online option will provide flexibility and greater accessibility for students who cannot attend classes on campus.
“Students in Canada have few options to access Library and Information Science studies if physically attending a campus doesn’t work for them,” said FIMS Dean Lisa Henderson. “Our online option will allow students with family or job responsibilities, or access needs that require more flexibility, to enrol full-time or part-time in a leading MLIS program”.
Applications opened on March 1, 2025, and the first online cohort will begin their program in January 2026. Thereafter a fully online cohort will be admitted every January. September and May intakes will continue to admit students to the hybrid program, where students will be present on campus with some courses offered remotely. Both programs options are ALA-accredited. For a close comparison between the online and hybrid pathways, visit the MLIS website.
Currently, the University of Alberta offers a part-time online MLIS program. Canadian students looking for full-time, online instruction must enrol in U.S. schools and pay international fees. Western’s new program provides a much needed and affordable homegrown option.
“There has been a gap in Canadian LIS education for a long time, and we’re excited to offer students another choice,” said Dean Henderson. “Our experience during the pandemic showed us that we have the capacity and creativity to support an online program. We look forward to welcoming our first online cohort next year.”
For full details about Western’s Online and Hybrid MLIS pathways, or to read more about other program options offered by the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, please visit the FIMS website at: https://www.fims.uwo.ca/programs/index.html
(Via Western University)
Hybrid versus Online
| Feature | Hybrid | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Students attend in person and are expected to take onsite classes (with some online availability). | Students can complete all program requirements remotely. |
| Course Access | Access to in-person and online courses. | Priority access to online courses. Access to in-person courses will only be granted by special permission. |
| Intake Options | May or September intake only. | January intake only. |
| Optional Co-op | Yes | Yes (cannot guarantee remote co-op placements will be offered) |
| Part-Time Study (1 or 2 courses per term) | Yes | Yes |
| Full-Time Study (3 to 5 courses per term) | Yes | Yes |
| Completion Time | Completion in as little as 1 year. | Completion in as little as 1 year. |
| Community | Join us on Western's campus with thousands of graduate students, access to unique social opportunities, clubs, and all the recreational facilities Western has to offer. In the FIMS & Nursing Building, you can mix with peers, meet instructors and take advantage of extracurricular options. | Participate in monthly virtual small-group gatherings and attend hybrid events such as guest lectures or professional development opportunities. Most online courses will be asynchronous, so chances to get to know your classmates are more limited compared to a hybrid format. |
| Learning Environment | Full access to on-campus resources and services including specialized libraries, computer labs, student services and collaborative learning and study spaces. | Study from your chosen location with access to virtual resources and supports such as student services and IT support. |
| Technology Requirements | Most students bring their own devices but there are fully equipped computing labs available for anyone who does not have access to personal equipment. | Stable, high speed internet access and a desktop or laptop computer capable of running Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Brightspace are required. |
| Accessibility | Western's campus is physically accessible, as is the FIMS & Nursing Building. Special learning arrangements for students are made through Western's accessibility services. | Flexibility to work in your own environment with familiar equipment and resources. |
| Program Support | In-person access to FIMS/MLIS support staff, student services, faculty, supplemental learning resources (ex. writing support) and enriched learning opportunities. | Limited access to physical campus, so some supplemental resources will not be available, but remote access is available for all vital resources and services. |
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