The M.A.S. is awarded on the completion of 48 credits of work approved by the School, including an optional thesis and optional, but recommended, professional experience.
The required courses are ARST_V 500, 510, 515, 516, 555, 573 (collectively, the “Core”) and 520.
Students must begin the program in September of a year. It normally takes two years for students to complete the program. In the first term of the program, students will take the first four ‘Core’ courses: ARST_V 500, 510, 515 and 573. In the second term of the program, students will take the remaining two ‘Core’ courses (ARST_V 516 and 555), plus two or more elective courses. ARST_V 520 can be taken in the second term, or in a subsequent term. To complete the requirements of the degree, students can take up to 12 credits other than those designated “ARST” at UBC.
Academic Regulations
The general academic regulations of the University and of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies apply.
Experiential Learning
Field experience in an information-based centre is highly desirable for students, even those with experience in the work of the practising information professional. This may be in the form of ARST_V 596: Professional Experience (3 credits), ARST_V 595: Internship (3 credits) or an iSchool Co-op paid work placement.
Co-operative Work Program
M.L.I.S., M.A.S., and Dual M.A.S./M.L.I.S. students who have completed 24 credits of coursework are eligible to apply to the School's co-op work program. Applications are submitted in October for the work period that begins in January of the following year. Applications are submitted in January for the work period that begins in May. Depending on their individual needs, students may elect to take a term of work lasting either four months (January to April, May to August, or September to December), or eight months (January to August, May to December, or September to April), or do two consecutive four-month terms. Students are paid for their work according to industry standards, which will vary depending on the type of library or information agency. Students do not receive academic credit for their work term, but participation in the co-op is noted on transcripts.
Thesis
A student with research interests may elect to write a thesis. Consultation on this with the student's advisor should begin by the end of the term in which 24 credits have been completed.
First Nations Concentration
The First Nations Curriculum Concentration (F.N.C.C.) in the M.L.I.S., M.A.S., or Dual M.A.S./M.L.I.S. programs offers students the opportunity to build a deep appreciation for the influence of the information professions on Indigenous histories and ongoing Indigenous initiatives. As an integral part of the concentration, students are supported in gaining experience working in Indigenous-oriented information organizations. As part of the F.N.C.C., students must complete, in addition to the requirements of the M.A.S. program, 12 credits of First Nations coursework and the equivalent of 120 hours of experiential learning (e.g. professional experience, co-op) with an Indigenous community or Indigenous-oriented organization. Satisfactory completion of the concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.
Program Overview
Methods of Instruction
The School employs a wide variety of instructional methods, including lectures, web-delivered courses, laboratories, discussions, seminars, directed studies, colloquia, field trips, and field work. Each student has an individual faculty advisor available for consultation and specific assistance.
Attendance
Regular attendance is expected. A student who cannot attend a class, field trip, etc., must notify the instructor concerned by telephone or email, preferably in advance if the absence is foreseen.
Part-Time Work
The School's programs are time-consuming, particularly during the first term of familiarization with new vocabulary, concepts, and professional issues. Most students find it unwise to consider more than four to six hours per week of outside work during the first term. Enquiries for part-time work at the University should be directed to Career Services in Brock Hall.
Field Trips
Field trips occur throughout the school session. For the most part, these are visits of observation of a few hours in libraries or archives in the Vancouver area, but day-long or even two-day trips may be required. The student is responsible for most expenses incurred in conjunction with such field trips and with off-campus activities in the practicum/internship/professional experience courses.
Admission to Courses
A student not registered in one of the School's programs who wishes to enrol in or audit any of its courses should apply to the School of Information Graduate Advisor.