MLS/MLIS Dual Degree

The Master of Legal Studies/Master of Arts in Library and Information Science dual degree allows students to graduate with both degrees in as few as six semesters.

About the MLS/MLIS Dual Degree

With recent advances in information management, research tools, technology and artificial intelligence, the legal information profession has never been more exciting or more in demand. Launch your career with a dual Master of Legal Studies and Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. This MLS/MLIS dual degree provides you with a solid understanding of U.S. law, legal theory and library science, giving you the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing information environment. 

In the MLS program, students receive some of the same education provided in the first two years of law school, so MLS students become familiar with law school culture, legal bibliography and legal theory. MLS students can focus their studies on areas such as Criminal Law and Policy, Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, or Intellectual Property. 

In the MLIS program, students receive a foundational understanding of legal research, information management and information literacy. MLIS students can focus their studies on areas such as Law Librarianship and Legal Information or Digital Curation. In-person students have the option to pursue an additional Graduate Certificate in Legal Information and/or apply to the Law Library Fellows Program, where they can develop hands-on experience working in a law library. 

Career Pathways

This dual degree helps people become established in legal, information and legal-adjacent fields where a JD is not required. Some career options include law librarian (in a law firm, government or academic law library), legal information professional, legal journalist, intelligence analyst, policy analyst, legislator and risk manager.

Sample Plan of Study

This dual degree may be accomplished in as few as six semesters. Please see the Sample Academic Plan below for a suggested plan of study. Some courses that may be available include Advanced Legal Research, Research Methods for Library Information Professionals, The American Common Law System, Law Library Practice and Administration, Government Information, and Legal Practice in the Age of AI and Big Data.

Application Instructions

• Students must apply and be accepted to both the MLIS and the MLS programs, either simultaneously or separately.
• Each program has its own deadlines and procedures for applications and admissions.
• Application deadlines vary depending on the semester, course location and student classification. For details, see the MLIS and MLS application sites.

Calculate Your Tuition Cost

To calculate the cost of your education, please visit the Universtiy of Arizona Tuition Calculator. According to the Office of the Bursar, students in two programs will be billed the higher of the two tuition rates. If either program comes with a program fee, the student would be charged those program fees.

More Information