University of Alberta
The University of Alberta aims to become one of the greatest universities in the world for the good of the public ever since it was created. U of A holds true to the promise that knowledge is not a concern of only scholars that it will work toward the goal of uplifting people as a whole—an idea brought forth by Henry Marshall Tory, the founding president. U of A operates on the motto “quaecumque vera”, translating to “whatsoever things are true”. The learning environment provided by the University is supportive yet vibrant, allowing for the discovery, dissemination, and application of fresh knowledge through learning, teaching, researching, creating, and partnerships. Students and staff can speak knowing that they will be heard, as U of A yields a national and international voice to innovators within the province, helping Canada come to the educational forefront.
U of A aims to ignite the spirits of staff and students via excellent accomplishments in discovery, learning, and even citizenship within the community. All of this has led to the construction of one of the world's best universities, focused on the public good. Additionally, the U of A gives mind to the traditional territory on which it was built, and expresses gratitude to the diverse Indigenous individuals that have stood on the same ground for centuries, like those of the Blackfoot, Cree, Saulteaux, and Nakota Sioux. Created in 2002, the U of A has since become a cheerleader for access, excellency, and efficiency among post-secondary institutions.
Master of Library and Information Studies (or Master of Library & Information Studies/Master of Arts in Humanities Computing)
When taking courses full time, students can expect to complete this thesis-based program in three years' time. This program is a combination of a Masters of Arts in Humanities Computing and Master of Library and Information Studies. It is offered on the U of A campus, and will require 45 credits, along with a thesis to be eligible for completion. Each student must complete no less than 8 hours of ethics training as a part of their degree. It is incorporated into the required courses that students are required to take anyway, equaling out to about 17 hours total. This will include topics like protection of privacy, intellectual property, academic integrity, research with human subjects, and professional values. Along with this ethics training, all students within this program are required to complete Professional Development.
Those who are enrolled in the MA/MLIS program may complete the program in different lengths of time, depending on their previous training or the nature of the research undertaken, but the program itself is designed and structured to be completed within 36 months. Having said that, students may take more time but are required to take no longer than 6 years to complete all program requirements. The normal structure of the program outlines 3 classes taken per term for 5 terms, and then the last term is to be dedicated to the thesis of the student. The electives offered are on rotation and may vary from term to term and are to be taken in the 4th and 5th semesters of study.
