If you’re fascinated by the world of data, research and information access, the online Master of Management in Library and Information Science program may be an ideal fit, positioning you for plenty of jobs and setting you up well for a more AI-friendly future.
Many people initially assume that a master’s program in library and information science is designed solely for those seeking careers as librarians. While the program does prepare students for leadership roles in libraries, its scope extends far beyond the traditional library setting.
The online Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) program at USC, for example, features a curriculum that integrates management, leadership and advanced information science training, equipping graduates with versatile skills applicable across a wide range of industries.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the most in-demand information science career paths available to graduates — along with everything you need to know about the MMLIS program.
What is the MMLIS Degree?
USC Bovard College’s online MMLIS program equips students with skills needed for traditional roles and beyond. The curriculum blends advanced information science with leadership and management training, equipping graduates to thrive in a wide array of industries.
Students learn how to organize and classify information, navigate the ethics of information access (including copyright, AI and emerging technologies), work with industry-standard software tools and conduct — and teach — research effectively.
An equally important component of the program is its focus on leadership. Graduates leave ready to step into management positions, not just entry-level roles.
“The emphasis on leadership adds an extra dimension of flexibility and experience that many other [similar] programs don’t offer. It’s equipping people not just with core fundamentals, but with the mindset to apply those skills in future careers,” Mike Jones, a professor with USC Bovard College, told USC Online.
Professor Win Shih from USC Bovard College echoes this sentiment, noting that leadership preparation can transform a graduate’s career trajectory.
“Our curriculum prepares students with a full toolbox of managerial skills and knowledge. They graduate with the understanding of leading and managing — whether it’s people, technologies, services or projects. Even if they start in entry-level roles, they bring leadership-ready skills,” Shih said.
What Are the Top Information Science Jobs?
While the MMLIS certainly prepares students for traditional library roles in public, school or academic libraries, its applications extend far beyond them.
“Any job that is dealing with information — whether it’s collecting, managing or accessing it — is where our graduates can really find opportunities. That includes private sector, public, government and even intelligence agencies,” Cindy Guyer, a USC Bovard College professor, explained to USC Online.
In fact, Guyer has seen graduates succeed across a breadth of industries.
“A former student of mine started at an entertainment firm managing reports and project data. Now she’s at a law firm, training attorneys on information governance. She’s applying the same fundamentals of data management in completely different industries.” Guyer said.
Some additional roles for MMLIS graduates include:
Information Governance Specialist: Designing structures for storing and accessing organizational data securely and in compliance with legal standards.
Data Analyst and Knowledge Manager: Using data to inform decisions and improve operations.
Archivist and Records Manager: Preserving, organizing and retrieving critical records.
UX Researcher and Content Strategist: Shaping how users access and interact with information.
AI and Machine Learning Data Manager: Applying information science principles to training and refining AI systems.
Graduates also find positions in universities, research institutions, law firms, corporations, technology companies, NGOs, health care facilities, museums and government agencies.
“It’s much broader than traditionally people think. Graduates are working for library vendors, software companies like Disney, government agencies and nonprofits. They’re applying their skills in private sector roles, not just in public or academic libraries,” Shih said.
What is the Job Outlook for Information Science Jobs?
Prospective students naturally want to know how an MMLIS degree affects their career prospects. The outlook is strong: information science continues to expand across sectors, and the rise of AI is creating new opportunities rather than closing doors.
“Artificial intelligence is generating its own data — and the same skills we use to store and retrieve information are very transferable. I now teach people how to use AI tools in similar ways to how I teach research and information literacy skills. It’s all about understanding how information is processed,” explained Guyer.
Shih added that the USC MMLIS program, in particular, helps prepare students to tackle a number of jobs.
“Our students come with different or better skills to be employed outside the traditional library field. Especially with the rise of AI, they’re entering the workforce with knowledge that makes them more employable in a rapidly changing information landscape,” Shih said.
Although not every information science job requires a master’s degree, the credential can make candidates significantly more competitive. It signals mastery of core competencies, leadership readiness and dedication to the profession — as well as providing access to USC’s extensive alumni network.
Simply put, if you’re fascinated by the world of data, research and information access, the MMLIS program may be an ideal fit, positioning you for plenty of jobs and setting you up well for a more AI-friendly future.
“Those that understand how to ethically manage, store, gather, retrieve and interpret information and knowledge are going to be really critical — not just in professional careers, but in navigating the future,” Jones concluded.
Learn more about the online Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) program today.
This article originally appeared on USC Online.