Simmons University forms Partnership with University of Maine at Augusta

Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) is collaborating with University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) to offer an accelerated Bachelor's to Master’s Program. This unique program offers an expedited and cost-saving pathway for students to launch a career in library and information science.

UMA students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information and Library Science can apply to earn a Master of Library and Information Science degree at Simmons using a streamlined application process that waives application fees. Admitted students will receive credit for two graduate courses toward their MSLIS degree, reducing their overall program to 10 courses. UMA Students also have the option to take up to six graduate credits or two courses from Simmons for a 50% discount during their undergraduate program.

Once UMA students have successfully attained their bachelor’s degree, they can study in person or virtually at SLIS. The master’s program offers several avenues of specialization, including Archives Management (ranked #1 nationally), Cultural Heritage Informatics, Information Science and Technology, Libraries and Librarianship, and School Library Teacher. Moreover, UMA applicants are also eligible to apply for the dual degree programs with Library and Information Science and Children’s Literature or History, with a concentration in Archives Management or Cultural Heritage Informatics.

Throughout the accelerated program, students at both UMA and Simmons will receive comprehensive academic advising and support services to help them navigate their academic and professional journeys.

“Through this new initiative, SLIS is working to minimize some of the barriers into the library profession, which include the time and cost of a master's program,” said Professor and Associate Dean of SLIS Laura Saunders. “This partnership offers students increased career opportunities by offering an accelerated master of library and information science made possible by the students' strong foundation from their bachelor of library science program at UMA. We at SLIS are so excited to be working with the University of Maine at Augusta and we look forward to welcoming their graduates into our program.”

As SLIS Dean Sanda Erdelez commented, “At Simmons SLIS, we are committed to expanding access and affordability in graduate education. This partnership with UMA reflects those principles, offering students a faster and more cost-effective path to the professional degree that will launch their careers in library and information science."

For more details, see the Simmons SLIS website.

About Simmons University

Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons is a respected private university offering majors and programs for undergraduate women and graduate programs open to all on campus, in blended formats or entirely online, in nursing and health sciences, business, communications, social work, public health and library and information science. Founded in 1899, Simmons inspires a culture of education, connection and action through high-impact learning with engaged faculty, an immersive community that forges lifelong networks and career-centered programs that accelerate professional success. The result is a Simmons experience that prepares graduates to thrive as they launch and advance in their careers. Follow Simmons at www.simmons.edu and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/school/simmons-university/.

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