Western launches new online MLIS program

March 1, 2025

The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University is excited to announce Canada’s first online MLIS program offering both full-time and part-time studies. While Western will continue to offer its highly regarded, in-person program, the new online option will provide flexibility and greater accessibility for students who cannot attend classes on campus.

“Students in Canada have few options to access Library and Information Science studies if physically attending a campus doesn’t work for them,” said FIMS Dean Lisa Henderson. “Our online option will allow students with family or job responsibilities, or access needs that require more flexibility, to enrol full-time or part-time in a leading MLIS program”.

Applications opened on March 1, 2025, and the first online cohort will begin their program in January 2026. Thereafter a fully online cohort will be admitted every January. September and May intakes will continue to admit students to the hybrid program, where students will be present on campus with some courses offered remotely. Both programs options are ALA-accredited. For a close comparison between the online and hybrid pathways, visit the MLIS website.

Currently, the University of Alberta offers a part-time online MLIS program. Canadian students looking for full-time, online instruction must enrol in U.S. schools and pay international fees. Western’s new program provides a much needed and affordable homegrown option.

“There has been a gap in Canadian LIS education for a long time, and we’re excited to offer students another choice,” said Dean Henderson. “Our experience during the pandemic showed us that we have the capacity and creativity to support an online program. We look forward to welcoming our first online cohort next year.”

For full details about Western’s Online and Hybrid MLIS pathways, or to read more about other program options offered by the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, please visit the FIMS website at: https://www.fims.uwo.ca/programs/index.html